State of Connecticut Environmental Protection Department: Squantz Pond State Park (Ranger)

Good place to bring your dog off season, otherwise way too crowded.

Pros: nice in off season

Cons: don't bother in season

This park is on our door step, we go here all year round. Our dog loves it, so much so he foams at the mouth and glares out the window when we drive past every day.

Very pretty place. Follow from the carpark to the beach, keep your dogs out the water here - the rangers don't like it. Follow it around some more and walk down to the bridge. Nice little stream and trails down there too. Our doggy loves to climb the hill / cliff face up to the top.

There's a good trail round the 'back' of the park too - the firehouse trail. Also great for dogs. Be fit for this one though, the hills are tough. Look for the green gate on shortwoods road or park in the 'second' carpark and follow the road away from Sqantz / Candlewood while inside the park and you meet up with this trail.

Pros: Great place, trails galore, water to play in

Cons: Closed during summer (to dogs)