Hidden Gems of North-Central Connecticut

MANSFIELD, CT — Our latest installment of a periodic series on Patch sites in north-central Connecticut highlighting "hidden gems" throughout the region features Mansfield Hollow State Park.

It may seem easy to find on a map, with its location between Routes 6 and 195, but visitors need to turn onto either Bassetts Bridge Road or Bates Road to get to the 251-acre park. A boat launch is located just past the main park entrance, giving outdoor lovers access to the 500-acre Mansfield Hollow Lake.

Casual boating (up to 8 mph), fishing, hiking, mountain biking and picnicking are among the most popular activities during warm months, while miles of trails are ideal for cross-country skiing in winter.

The Mansfield Hollow Dam, which runs nearly three miles in length and is a favorite spot for walking, jogging and biking, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

There is no entrance fee to enjoy the state park.

This series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.

Other recent columns in this series:

Old Tolland County Jail and Museum

Hill-Stead Museum

Mark's Restaurant