“What a great way to explore Connecticut’s state parks and forests with family and friends while joining others in a friendly challenge to visit all 14 locations handpicked by those who know the parks best – the staff of our state park system,” said DEEP Commissioner-designee Katie Dykes. “Each year more than 9 million people visit our state parks, supporting small businesses and thousands of local jobs. The Sky’s the Limit Challenge helps to encourage everyone to visit a variety of parks across our great state. And thanks to the Passport to Parks program, those with Connecticut registered vehicles get into our parks for free.”

Participants in this friendly competition have the opportunity to receive a medallion or pin for hiking to 10 designated locations.  For hiking all 14 parks, 50 people will receive a hand-carved hiking staff.  Names will be drawn from all who complete the 14 designated hikes.

For more information visit:  www.ct.gov/DEEP/SkystheLimit

Sky’s the Limit is easy, fun and this is what you do:

Step 1:  Hike to one of the 14 Connecticut State Parks or Forests listed. The photo locations are circled in red on the maps and/or described below.

Step 2:  Snap a photo of yourself by a sign at the entrance to the park or forest, this could be a state park shield sign, a sign in a kiosk with the name of the state park or forest, or a trail sign identifying the location.

Step 3: Take a second photo of yourself at the locations described on the website. Please note:  Harkness requires seven photos.

Step 4: To receive a medallion or lapel pin and certificate, email your 2 photos from each of ten parks listed below, along with your name and home address, to DEEP.SkystheLimit@ct.gov or mail to CT DEEP State Parks, Sky’s the Limit, 79 Elm St., Hartford, CT 06106. Entries must be received by Friday, December 6, 2019.

Step 5: To be entered to win a hiking staff, send your two photos (at the front sign and specific location) from all fourteen locations, along with your name and home address to the above address. On January 1, 2020, 50 winners will be chosen to receive a hand carved hiking staff.

Note:  When submitting photos, please provide a separate email for individuals, 18 years or older, so you can be contacted regarding special announcements.  Also, please provide attachments, (photo or document) not links to external sources (Google drive, Facebook, etc.).  We often have a difficult time accessing external sources.

State Park & Forest Locations (not all locations are readily accessible year round, so remember to check www.ct.gov/DEEP/StateParks to confirm and plan accordingly):

1. Mohawk State Forest, Sharon
2. Kettletown State Park, Southbury
3. Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme
4. Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington
5. James L. Goodwin State Forest, Hampton
6. Pachaug State Forest – Green Falls Area, Voluntown
7. Salt Rock Campground, Sprague
8. Mount Tom State Park, Litchfield
9. Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford
10. Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown
11. American Legion and Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted
12. Macedonia Brook State Park, Kent
13. Dennis Hill State Park, Norfolk
14. Horse Guard State Park, Avon

Visit www.ct.gov/DEEP/SkystheLimit for more details including the specific locations for taking photographs. 

The Connecticut State Park system was founded in 1913 with the creation of the State Park Commission. One year later the Commission purchased its first land, about four acres in Westport for what became Sherwood Island State Park. Today, Connecticut has 110 state parks and 32 state forests attracting more than 9 million visitors each year, generating over $1 billion in economic activity for the state and supporting 9,000 private sector jobs. Those driving Connecticut registered motor vehicles are provided free entrance to the parks thanks to the Passport to Parks program. For more info on Connecticut State Parks visit: www.ct.gov/deep/stateparks