The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers welcomes you to Thomaston Dam located on the scenic Naugatuck River in Thomaston, Connecticut. The park offers over 800 acres of public land for a multitude of recreational activities. Hunting, fishing, trail bike riding (two wheel only) and model airplane flying are among the popular activities.

Thomaston Dam is a federal flood control dam and reservoir project constructed, maintained and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District. In 1975, the Corps' formally designated a trail area on the west side of the reservoir permitting use of trailbikes and snowmobiles only. Other three and four wheeled all terrain vehicles are prohibited from designated area and other off road areas of the reservoir. Currently, trailbike visitation usage is very high on weekends.

Bike Trails

Why can't I ride my 3 or 4-wheeler at Thomaston Dam? Click here.

Thomaston Dam has designated trails for two wheeled trailbikes, open May 1st through October 14th CONDITIONS PERMITTING. Three and four wheel vehicles are not permitted. A cooperative agreement for trail management has been in place since 1979 with the Pathfinders Motorcycle Club. State registration is required and safety equipment is encouraged. Two small lots are available for parking at the end of the Dam. Please be considerate of others while parking.

For more information about OHV use in Connecticut, please click here... CT D.E.P. Stay tuned for upcoming information on K.O.R.P. and Thomaston Dam Trail Bike riding.

Closed for the remainder of the 2011 Season.

Water Level and Trail Bike Open/Closure Information

At a pool stage of 12 feet, the Thomaston Dam Basin experiences flooding which causes a closure of the trail system. At 26 feet, portions of the paved road in the basin flood which causes restricted access to the area. These closures ensure public safety and proper flood control operations for downstream cities and towns. To view the pool height please click on the "Water Levels" link below. You will be able to view the current pool levels at Thomaston Dam and inquire about the trail bike status. Please note, the trails are subject to flooding during heavy rains. PLEASE NOTE: Several days may be needed after a closure for drying time and trail repairs. Please call 860-283-5540 for current trail status.

Water Levels - view the pool height here

Winter Fun

During the solitude of winter, visitors can enjoy cross country skiing, ice fishing, snow shoeing, and snowmobiling (6 inch snow depth minimum).

Hunting and Fishing

Hunting and fishing are permitted in accordance with Connecticut laws and regulations. Hunters have more than 800 acres of combined federal and state land on which to hunt stocked pheasant and upland game and white tail deer.

Anglers will enjoy the challenges of fishing for the stocked and native species of fish that abound in the Naugatuck River, as well as the many smaller brooks. For more information on hunting or fishing, you can contact the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

In addition to the these activities, special interpretive programs on the cultural and natural resources, water resources, water safety and flood control are provided by Park Rangers. Tours of Thomaston Dam are also available.

Picnicking

The Vista picnic area with twenty tables is located near the top of the dam and offers splendid views in a relaxed atmosphere. You may even see a Naugatuck Railroad train at times crossing the downstream slope of the dam!

Model Airplane Flying

For model aircraft enthusiast, there is an area maintained under a cooperative agreement with a local club, Nutmeg R/C Flyers for the flying of radio controlled model aircraft. The flight area is open to the public and groups through the Corps Special use permit program.