You’re driving down Sunset Hill Road in Redding, maybe lost or just looking for a spot to stretch your legs, and suddenly two massive bronze wolves are howling at your car. It’s a bit jarring. Then you notice the bears. These aren't your typical "scenic overlook" signs; they are life-sized, incredibly detailed sculptures by Anna Hyatt Huntington, and they’ve been guarding the entrance to Collis P. Huntington State Park since before most of us were born.
Honestly, it feels less like a state park and more like someone’s private, overgrown kingdom. Which is exactly what it was.
The park covers over 1,000 acres stretching across Redding, Bethel, and Newtown. It’s a weirdly perfect mix of high-society history and rugged New England woods. While most people flock to Sleeping Giant or Kent Falls, Huntington stays relatively quiet, even on those crisp October Saturdays when every other trail in Connecticut is a parking lot.
The Tycoon and the Artist
Most people assume the park is named after the guy who built it. Not quite. The park is named after Collis Potter Huntington, the railroad mogul who basically built the Central Pacific Railroad. He was one of the "Big Four" and a literal robber baron. But he never lived here.
The land was actually the estate of his stepson, Archer M. Huntington, and Archer’s wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington. They called it "Stanerigg." Anna was a powerhouse. She was one of the most famous sculptors of the 20th century, and her studio was right here on the property.
Before the Huntingtons bought it in the 1930s, the land belonged to Commodore Walter Luttgen. This guy was a total eccentric. He spent a fortune building artificial ponds and even a miniature stone lighthouse on an island in Lake Hopewell. You can still see the lighthouse today. It’s a tiny, crumbling tower that looks like it belongs in a fairytale, or maybe a very expensive goldfish bowl.
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Why the Trails Feel Different
If you’ve hiked much in Connecticut, you know the drill: steep, rocky climbs that leave you gasping for air every ten minutes.
Collis P. Huntington State Park is different. Because it was a private estate, the main "roads" are wide, flat carriage paths. They are perfect for when you want to walk and actually talk to your friend without wheezing.
- The Blue Trail (The Big Loop): This is the main artery. It’s mostly wide and takes you past the major ponds.
- The Aspetuck Valley Trail: For the serious hikers. This one connects to the Centennial Watershed State Forest if you’re looking to kill a whole afternoon.
- The Singletrack: If you’re a mountain biker, this is your holy grail. Locals have carved out miles of technical, "rooty" trails like Stratocaster and Rock and Roll.
One thing you’ve gotta know: the mountain biking community here is serious. They’ve built some of the best technical trails in the state. If you stay on the white or blue trails, you’re fine. But if you wander onto the narrow, twisty paths, keep your ears open for the sound of tires on dirt.
The Sunken Steamship and Other Weirdness
There’s a local legend that Commodore Luttgen used to pilot a small steam-powered paddlewheeler around the ponds. People say the remains of the boat are still at the bottom of Lake Hopewell. Divers have looked for it. Nobody has found a thing.
Still, standing on the edge of the water at dusk, looking at that stone lighthouse, you can almost see the ghost of some Victorian banker chugging along the water.
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There's also the Biermann Quarry in the northern section. If you’re into geology—or just like looking at cool rocks—you can find black Tourmaline crystals and chunks of mica. It’s a reminder that this land wasn't just a playground for the rich; it was a working landscape long before the sculptures arrived.
The Sculpture Trail
You can't talk about this place without mentioning Anna Hyatt Huntington's work. Besides the wolves and bears at the entrance, her influence is everywhere. She was obsessed with animals. She used to walk four deerhounds at a time well into her eighties.
Her style was hyper-realistic. When you see the Joan of Arc statue in New York City, you’re seeing the same hand that shaped the bears at the Redding entrance. She lived at Stanerigg until she died in 1973 at the age of 97. The park opened to the public that same year, exactly as she and Archer had intended.
A Quick Survival Guide
Look, it's a great park, but don't just wing it.
- Parking: Use the lot on Sunset Hill Road for the sculptures. Use Old Dodgingtown Road if you’re bringing a mountain bike or a horse.
- Bugs: From June to August, the mosquitoes near the ponds will try to carry you away. Wear the spray. Seriously.
- Hunting: It's in the name, but only bow-hunting for deer is allowed in certain seasons. Wear orange in the fall just to be safe.
- Fishing: You can fish in the five ponds, but no swimming. The water looks tempting in July, but the rangers aren't fans.
The park is roughly 1,017 acres. That’s big enough to get turned around if you aren't paying attention. The trails are well-marked, but the "web" of carriage roads and singletrack can be confusing. Download a map before you lose cell service near the Bethel line.
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What Everyone Gets Wrong
People often think this is a "manicured" park. It isn't. While the carriage roads are clear, the forest is allowed to be a forest. You'll see downed trees and thick undergrowth. It’s a "sanctuary," not a golf course.
Also, don't expect a gift shop or a visitor center. There are some basic restrooms near the main entrance, but that’s about it. It’s just you, the woods, and some very expensive bronze animals.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip to Collis P. Huntington State Park, start with the Lake Hopewell loop. It gives you the best "hits"—the ponds, the lighthouse, and the easiest walking paths.
- Download the Map: Grab the PDF from the CT DEEP website or use an app like Trailforks if you’re biking.
- Check the Weather: The low-lying areas near the ponds get incredibly muddy after a rain. If it poured yesterday, wear boots you don't care about.
- Pack a Lunch: There are picnic tables near the Sunset Hill entrance. It's a much better vibe than eating in your car.
Go early. The light hitting the ponds at 8:00 AM is something you won't forget, and you’ll actually beat the mountain bike rush.