The Zoar "Blue-Blazed" loop trail circles the border of the Paugussett State Forest "lower block" as an elongated oval whose length goes from southeast to northwest.

The Zoar Trail extends from its southern terminus at the end of Great Quarter Road in Paugussett State Forest in Newtown, then follows a route northwest along the western bank of the Housatonic River until, at the northernmost point, it turns south-east and proceeds roughly south-east back to the terminus at the end of Great Quarter Road.

Site-specific activities enjoyed along the route include hunting (very limited), fishing, horseback riding, bouldering and rock climbing (access).

The Zoar Trail loop in Newtown primarily parallels the Housatonic River on the high western bank and ridge running south to north.

The Zoar Trail traverses several high points with scenic views of the Housatonic River though they may be obscured by foliage, particularly in the summer.

Several year-round and seasonal streams cut across the trail to flow into the Housatonic River including Prydden Brook.

Lake Zoar was created in 1919 by the construction of the Stevenson Dam to produce hydro-electric power and to provide a Housatonic River vehicle crossing.

The man-made lake was prematurely and accidentally flooded by Hurricane Diane on August 19, 1955 a few weeks before the dam was scheduled to commence operation.

[4] In 1985 Shepaug Dam owners opened a free public observation site in Southbury, Connecticut near the hydroelectric generation plant for viewing Lake Lillinonah's Bald Eagles (and other predatory bird species such as hawks).

Reservations are required and the season is limited to the last weekend in December until March 17 on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.[5] There are also eagles, hawks and other predatory birds which nest along Lake Zoar.

The Pootatuck (often spelled Pohtatuck in colonial era documents and related to the name Potatuck) were a branch of the Paugussett tribe who lived in Woodbury, Southbury and Newtown.

[11] Extensive flooding in ponds, puddles and streams may occur in the late winter or early spring, overflowing into the trail and causing very muddy conditions.