Chatfield Hollow to Re-open This Weekend!

Get those hiking boots, the pooch and the family ready because Chatfield Hollow State Park, which was closed by the State of Connecticut “until further notice due to downed trees and power lines,” should reopen this weekend, just in time for beautiful weather.

“The power lines have been restored. We didn’t want people walking through the park with the lines down. But, we still have phone lines on the ground,” informed Park Supervisor Alex Sokolow.

“We have a lot of tree damage to clean up, so the plan was to clean that up tomorrow [Friday, November 9], but with the snow I don’t know if we’re going to have that happen,” he added.

While Chatfield might not be in pristine condition, “We are going to open the park for the weekend, the roads will be cleared.”

There will still be trees and branches down in the picnic areas and on the trails, however.

Walkers and hikers will be allowed on the trails but should know that they are “likely to encounter trees and branches down on the trail.”

Sokolow is waiting to hear from the phone company regarding the status of the lines. “Obviously, with this second storm, they have some other issues to deal with."

The phone lines are located in one corner of the park, "so as long as the public stays clear of them, they will be fine," he said.

The park has been closed for well over a week. Asked about those who might enter the closed park anyway, Sokolow said, “Technically, it is illegal and they can be fined.”