The Natchaug state forest occupies a portion of the former hunting grounds of the Wabbaquasset Indians between the Bigelow and Still Rivers.

James L. Goodwin was one of the first Yale University School of Forestry graduates and began using modern forest management practices in the northeastern part of Connecticut.

There are two memorials to Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general to die in the US Civil War along the Natchaug Trail.

One is in Natchaug State Forest on the CCC Trail [4] and the other is in the James L. Goodwin State Forest near Pine Acres Lake [5] close by a three-sided cellar hole where the local legend says that the smell of wood smoke can often still be detected on cold January nights from a long gone chimney.

Trail descriptions are available from a number of commercial and non-commercial sources, and a complete guidebook is published by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association It is regularly maintained, and is considered easy hiking, with very few sections of rugged and moderately difficult hiking.

There are nearby commercial camping accommodations available on Connecticut Route 198, in particular the Charlie Brown Campground [6] in Eastford and the Nickerson Park Family Campground in Chaplin (visible on the western bank of the Natchaug River from the CCC side trail).

Conditions on exposed ridge tops and summits may be harsher during cold or stormy weather.

Ice can form on exposed ledges and summits, making hiking dangerous without special equipment.

Wearing bright orange clothing during the hunting season (Fall through December) is recommended.