Of all the many hidden treasures for history buffs and outdoor adventurers in Litchfield County, Topsmead State Forest is one of my favorite places to both learn about local lure and enjoy the great outdoors. Its 510 acres offers forests and meadows, a house filled with history, and permission to bring dogs on leash.

Tucked away on a country road off Route 118, Topsmead State Forest was originally the summer estate of Edith Morton Chase. She was the daughter and heiress of Henry Sabin Chase, the first President of Chase Brass and Copper Company in Waterbury, harking back to the days when that Connecticut town was the brass capital of the world. 

In 1917, Edith’s father gifted her the land in what is now the state forest. There, she first constructed a rustic country cabin before replacing it with the still-standing English Tudor style home, completed in 1925. To help her design her summer escape, Edith hired architect Richard Henry Dana, Jr. The structure’s exterior features include the original slate roof, woodwork in cypress, lead downspouts and brick and stucco walls. Inside, the walls are also stuccoed, and the flooring a mixture of oak planks and terra cotta tiles. 

The author and her beagle/corgi mix, Dweezil, at Topsmead State Forest.

According to the state website, “Fine craftsmanship, an eye for detail and understated wealth are evident throughout the house, which is tastefully and simply furnished with 17th and 18th-century English country antiques.” Edith spent much time at Topsmead with her lifelong friends, sisters Mary and Lucy Burrall, who often summered there with her. The women lived a leisurely, relaxed pace of life and informally entertained guests. A “behind the scenes” tour reveals more about “Miss Edith” and life at Topsmead.

Perhaps the most impressive aspects of Topsmead are the breathtaking grounds and the formal gardens, designed by landscape architect Ellen Shipman; the stunning 360-degree vistas; and the wildness of the meadows. Strolling the trails, picnicking under a tree and bird watching and cross-country skiing in the winter are all among the many ways to enjoy the great outdoors at this unique state park. There is a downloadable trail map (the longest trail is but 1.5 miles) available on the Friends of Topsmead website.

If horticulture piques your interest, you’ll enjoy gazing at the plantings of holly, lilac, juniper and apple trees, among other greenery. Birdwatchers, you’ll want to bring your binoculars to catch glimpses of the bobolinks and other migratory birds as they flit among the tall meadow grasses. You may even see a bird of prey soaring overhead. There’s also a butterfly garden that kids and adults alike will enjoy as they watch these beautiful pollinators flutter from flower to flower. 

I love wandering the easy trails and paths among the stands of Eastern White Pine, through the grassy meadows and around the cottage with my husband, son and dog. The air at Topsmead is clean and fragrant and after a visit there I always feel refreshed and renewed. The natural beauty of the place is restorative to the soul. 

Edith thought so, too, and in good foresight instructed that Topsmead “be kept in a state of natural beauty” when she gifted it to the state of Connecticut upon her death in 1972, leaving with it an endowment to be used toward maintaining and operating the buildings and grounds. The volunteer Friends of Topsmead do a masterful job of acting as docents, installing and maintaining the butterfly garden, refurbishing and replacing songbird nesting boxes and bringing local students to the site. Topsmead also programs events such as guided tours of the Songbird Trail and natural history lectures.

Topsmead State Forest is open daily year-round, from 8 a.m to sunset. Leashed pets are permitted on trails and picnic areas. Open fires and grills are not allowed. Free guided tours of the house are offered seasonally June through October on the second and fourth weekends of each month in the afternoons (no reservation required).

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Written by
Elyse Sadtler