New Milford Has Space to Spread Out and Enjoy

lovers leap bridge over river — Lover's Leap Bridge

New Milford is a nature lover’s paradise with beautiful Candlewood Lake, the Housatonic River, forests, and rolling hills. Our numerous state parks and protected open spaces are integral to our character. Thanks to the efforts of land trusts such as the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy, Sunny Valley Farm, gifts of open space to the Town, municipal purchases such as Sega Meadows, and farmland preservation efforts, the acreage of protected open space in New Milford stands at 21 percent of its total developable land area.

The State-owned Lovers Leap State Park straddles the Housatonic River along the northern edge of Lake Lillinonah. The 160-acre park is jam-packed with hiking trails, dramatic vistas of the river gorge, and historic ruins.

Harrybrooke Park is a popular 48-acre “hidden gem” for locals and visitors, offering beautiful gardens, hiking trails, a pond, and a museum. The Pratt Nature Center offers summer camps, community programming, and hiking trails. The Town also has several smaller parks, such as Addis Park and Young’s Field, which provide playgrounds, picnic areas, and athletic fields for children and families to enjoy. Pet lovers spend their free time with their pets at Candlewoof Dog Park.

The Town Green is the center of the community for events and gatherings. And for those who like a little more structure for their recreation, New Milford has gyms, a rowing club, public and private tennis courts, a golf course, softball fields, baseball fields, soccer fields, and recreational leagues for both children and adults, through New Milford Parks and Recreation and community sports leagues.

If you’re looking for limitless open space, New Milford has its own observatory! The John J. McCarthy Observatory on New Milford High School grounds hosts educational programs and star parties.