This place is so incredibly beautiful! But one word of advice, especially if you plan on going during the weekend in the summer, get there early! There is only a limited amount of people they let in at a time, and if fills up fast.
Squantz pond state park is undeniably beautiful and has lots to offer if you can time your visit right and look past some of the negatives. My kids and I love to go during the week and rent kayaks/canoes or fish off the small dock. The beach area grosses me out as it is more dirt then sand and the swimming area is very small. We stay away on weekends/Holidays when van loads of out of towners come in and take over with somewhat loud music. Security is good but we still don't feel comfortable there with the big crowds...
We went to Squantz Pond Park with a group of our friends and family on a week day!! Absolutely spectacular views and my young boys could not get enough of the water and the canoeing!!! At first we thought the parking fee was high but when you see how well taken care of the place is and how formal the park rangers are and everyone who works there it is well worth it! Not to mention the environment is a healthy one for families. And the memories we created on our trip is worth waaaaayyyyyy more than those $15.00!!! Great place to enjoy!! Havent done a weekend yet but just to know the memories you will create it is worth the trip and hassle.
Very strenuous, there are a ton of hills, which also means there are a ton of Vista's and cool things to view. Not a lot of people in the trails and you can take your dog off the leash with no issues
way too popular in summer with picnic and barbecue action, missed highlight are very nice hikes in immediately adjacent forest
Excellent swimming with lifeguards; beautiful views, picnic areas and snack shack, hiking through pristine forest, GO EARLY in the day on summer weekends, this place fills up fast.
nice place to hangout with family and friends , very beautiful fall foliage. the pond freezes during winter/snow. nice beach area. covered with hills and very peaceful
When it's not packed with out of state visitors this is a beautiful and relaxing spot for a walk or to take pictures
So very beautiful and relaxing. We love coming here in the fall. Great park to bring a picnic and just chill... Awesome in the fall!!!
I haven't visited the park in the summertime since I was a kid. I normally go in the off-season (spring/fall) when dogs are allowed on the grounds. I think starting in April or May dogs aren't allowed in the park until the fall- which is a bummer for me. A few years back it used to be INSANE going there, cars would be lined up waiting to get in. Now, however, I think they set a limit on how many cars they let in so its been better. But if you do intend to go there on a weekend on a beautiful summer day, be sure you get there early! Signs are normally posted when the park is full/closed in the center of the town as well as en route to the park. The grounds of the Park are nice, and they have trails, as well as kyak rentals. Though I am not a fisherman I do see them there often, so I assume it is great for fishing as well. If you arrive and the Park is full, sorry I don't know any other options nearby because New Fairfield's only beach I believe is for residents only. Best idea is to get there near the time it opens. There is a fee in the summer, but not in the offseason, but I am not sure of the price. The food stand is only open in the summer, but I believe bathrooms are available year round (NOT positive though)