Mattatuck State Forest

Mattatuck State Forest is a Connecticut state forest spread over twenty parcels in the towns of Waterbury, Plymouth, Thomaston, Watertown, Litchfield, and Harwinton. The Naugatuck River runs through a portion of the forest. The largest section of the forest is located about north of Waterbury. The Leatherman's Cave, named after the vagabond Leatherman of the late 19th century, is located in Thomaston on the Mattatuck Trail, just north of the junction with the Jericho Trail.
Recreation opportunities.
The forest is crossed by several Blue-Blazed Trails including the Jericho Trail, Hancock Brook Trail, and Whitestone Cliffs Trail.
Trails in the forest on the west side of Connecticut Route 8 include the following:
Trails in the forest on the east side of Route 8 include the following:
The following trails are located on both sides of Connecticut Route 8:
The Mattatuck Trail traverses several blocks of the forest:
The Whitestone rock climbing area is within the largest section of forest just east of the Naugatuck River. Top-roping techniques are used for heights of about . Trail access is from South Street.