Salmon River State Forest
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Salmon River State Forest is one of the state forests of Connecticut.
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[edit] History
The first purchase of lands which comprise the Salmon River State Forest was made by the State Board of Fisheries and Game in 1934. The Forest now contains nearly 6,000 acres located in the towns of Hebron, Marlborough, Colchester, East Haddam, and East Hampton. Included in the forest area is 1,300 acres that are leased from the United States government.
The Salmon River joins the Connecticut River a short distance from East Haddam. It is probably the largest stream and watershed whose sources and mouth are entirely within the limits of the State.
The towns in this area were settled during the early part of 1700 and were typical of the early New England settlements. Streams and ponds were dammed to furnish waterpower for gristmills, tanneries, and later paper mills.
[edit] Activities
Salmon River has field sports, fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, and a great area for picnicking that includes picnic tables and pit toilets.
[edit] Features
- The only remaining covered bridge in eastern Connecticut. This bridge spans the Salmon River near Route 16 in East Hampton.
- The Airline Trail follows the former railroad bed and features the 137 foot high Lyman Viaduct.
- A handicap accessible fly-fishing area and a disabled veterans fishing area.
- Several water-powered mills once operated on the river and its tributaries, including grist, paper, and sawmills.
- The first sawmill in Marlborough was built in 1751 on the Blackledge River.
[edit] References
- State Park and Forest (1998-2004). Retrieved on 1006-06-15.
- Connecticut Departments of Environmental Protection (1998-2004). Retrieved on 1006-06-15.
