Barkhamsted is a picturesque small town nestled in Litchfield County, Connecticut, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including pristine reservoirs, lush state forests, and the scenic Farmington River. With a rich history dating back to the 18th century, this off-the-beaten-path destination offers a peaceful escape, featuring historic buildings, outdoor recreation opportunities, and seasonal events that highlight its community spirit. Home to about 3,600 residents, Barkhamsted spans rugged terrain ideal for hiking, fishing, and enjoying the changing seasons, while serving as a vital water source for nearby Hartford through its expansive reservoir system.
Explore Barkhamsted's blend of historical landmarks and natural
wonders, which showcase its heritage and breathtaking scenery.
Saville Dam Gatehouse: As you drive along Route 318, pause to admire the
iconic upper gatehouse at the Saville Dam, a striking granite and
concrete structure completed in 1940. Its design draws inspiration from
Maplestead Church in Essex, England, and it overlooks the expansive
Barkhamsted Reservoir, which holds over 36 billion gallons of water and
provides a dramatic backdrop for photos, especially during fall foliage.
First Congregational Church: Located just off Center Hill Road at 6 Old
Town Hall Road in Pleasant Valley, this historic church was established
in 1781 as the First Ecclesiastical Society of Barkhamsted. The original
meeting house dates to 1784, and it continues to hold Sunday services at
10 a.m., offering visitors a glimpse into early New England religious
architecture and community life.
People's State Forest and the Stone
Museum: This 3,000-acre forest, celebrating its 100th anniversary in
2025, features rugged hills, dense woodlands, cascading waterfalls, and
prime spots for fishing and hunting. The Stone Museum (also known as the
Peoples State Forest Nature Museum), built in 1935 by the Civilian
Conservation Corps on Greenwood Road, houses natural history exhibits
and serves as a rustic educational hub—open seasonally with displays on
local wildlife, geology, and forestry.
Squire's Tavern: Step back in
time at this 1795 farmhouse-turned-tavern at 100 East River Road, one of
the earliest surviving inns in the area. Now a house museum operated by
the Barkhamsted Historical Society, it offers tours highlighting its
role as a stop on old post roads, with period furnishings and stories of
early settlers—check for volunteer-led events or open hours.
Lake
McDonough: This serene 385-acre lake, part of the Metropolitan District
Commission's recreational areas, boasts a public beach for swimming,
picnic spots, and non-motorized boating options like kayaking. It's a
family-friendly spot open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day,
with fees for entry and rentals available on-site.
Barkhamsted
Reservoir: Spanning eight miles through town, this massive
reservoir—created by the Saville Dam in the 1930s and 1940s—supplies
drinking water to Hartford and surrounding areas. While boating is
restricted for water quality, visitors can enjoy scenic overlooks,
walking paths along the shores, and birdwatching in the surrounding
protected lands.
Beach Rock: For panoramic views, hike to Beach Rock
Vista in American Legion State Forest, a short but rewarding trail
leading to a rocky outcrop overlooking the Saville Dam and reservoir.
It's a hidden gem for photographers and nature enthusiasts, accessible
via a quick 10-minute trek from nearby parking.
Barkhamsted's outdoor focus makes it perfect for active pursuits,
with seasonal activities adding variety.
Catch a double feature
under the stars at the historic Pleasant Valley Drive-In on River Road
during summer evenings. This classic outdoor theater, one of
Connecticut's oldest, screens recent releases but is currently closed
for renovations as of 2025—check their website for reopening updates and
snack bar options.
Dedicate a full day to exploring People's State
Forest, where you can picnic by the river, spot wildlife, or relax amid
the trees—it's also a great base for winter sports like snowshoeing.
Traverse over 130 miles of trails across Barkhamsted's state forests,
including loops through American Legion and Peoples forests, with
options for all skill levels like the Indian Council Caves hike to Pine
Mountain for scenic overlooks.
Cast a line in the Wild and Scenic
Farmington River, a designated trout management area teeming with brown
and rainbow trout. Year-round fishing is popular, with fly-fishing spots
along the west branch offering serene, catch-and-release
opportunities—obtain a state license and follow regulations for
sustainable angling.
Attend the Riverton Fair in October, hosted by
the Union Agricultural Society at the Riverton Fairgrounds. This
three-day event (October 10-12 in 2025) includes carnival rides, live
music, livestock shows, food vendors, and baking contests like apple pie
and Swedish cardamom bread—entry forms due early October for
participants.
Experience Christmas in Riverton, a magical December
celebration (December 5-7 in 2025) featuring wagon rides, caroling, a
Festival of Trees, Santa Paws Pet Parade, holiday shopping at local
vendors, and performances of A Christmas Carol. It's a cozy,
old-fashioned event centered in the village, with activities at spots
like Haussermann Park and the Cardboard Boat Museum.
The closest major airport is Bradley International (BDL) in Windsor Locks, about an hour's drive southeast via Route 20 and I-91. Major roads traversing Barkhamsted include Route 44 (east-west connector), Route 318 (crossing the Saville Dam), Route 181 (north-south through town), Route 8 from nearby Winsted, and Route 219 linking to Granby or Torrington. No public transit serves the area directly, so plan for a rental car or rideshare from the airport.
A car is essential for navigating Barkhamsted's rural roads and reaching scattered attractions, as public transportation is nonexistent. In summer, cyclists flock to the scenic routes along the Farmington River, enjoying flat paths and natural vistas—rent bikes in nearby towns if needed, and watch for traffic on winding highways.
Support local artisans with unique souvenirs from Barkhamsted's
creative scene.
Hand-Blown Art Glass from Peter Greenwood: Visit
Greenwood Glass Blowing Studio for custom pieces by artist Peter
Greenwood, featuring vibrant, one-of-a-kind sculptures and
vessels—browse the gallery or commission works, with details on
purchasing available on-site or online.
Hitchcock Furniture: Shop at
the Hitchcock Chair Company in Riverton's historic factory (now home to
artisan spaces), where you can find timeless American-made chairs and
tables inspired by Lambert Hitchcock's 1818 designs. They offer
restoration services for heirlooms, emphasizing durability and classic
stenciling.
Dine at cozy spots emphasizing local flavors and comfort food.
Log House Restaurant on Route 44: A family-owned eatery serving
hearty American fare like steaks, seafood, homemade soups, and desserts
at affordable prices—known for its welcoming atmosphere and large
portions.
Riverton General Store: Grab quick bites, sandwiches, or
groceries in this charming village hub, perfect for picnic supplies
before a hike.
Pleasant Valley General Store: A local staple for
casual eats like deli items and snacks, ideal for on-the-go visitors
exploring nearby forests.
Old Riverton Inn: Enjoy upscale pub-style
meals at this historic spot overlooking the Farmington River, with
seasonal menus featuring fresh, regional ingredients.
Sip cocktails or local brews at the Old Riverton Inn's tavern, which channels its 1811 origins as Ive's Tavern with a cozy bar atmosphere along the river—pair with appetizers for a relaxing evening. Nearby, the Brass Horse Cafe offers casual drinks in a laid-back setting.
Options are limited but charming, focusing on historic stays.
Old
Riverton Inn: This 1811 landmark at 436 East River Road offers 10 quaint
rooms with private baths, river views, and period decor. Rates include
breakfast, and it's pet-friendly in select accommodations—book ahead for
its blend of history and comfort in the heart of Riverton village. For
more options, consider camping in People's State Forest or nearby B&Bs
in Winsted.
Pre-Settlement and Early Colonial Period
The area that became
Barkhamsted was part of the unassigned northwestern lands of
Connecticut, which were subject to disputes in the late 17th century. In
1686, amid fears of losing control under the Dominion of New England led
by Governor Sir Edmund Andross, the Connecticut General Assembly deeded
these lands to Hartford and Windsor. After the Dominion's collapse, a
1726 compromise allowed half the land to remain with these towns and the
other half to revert to the colony. In 1732, the lands were formally
divided, with Windsor receiving Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Torrington, and
the western half of Harwinton. That same year, the General Assembly
named the area Berkhamstead (later changed to Barkhamsted in 1795).
Settlement was slow compared to other parts of Connecticut, as the town
lacked coastal access, fertile farmland, or major transportation routes
that drew earlier colonists between 1635 and 1700. The first permanent
settler was Palatiah Allyn from Windsor, who arrived around 1746. By
1756, Connecticut's first census recorded only 18 residents, including
both Caucasians and Native Americans. The population grew modestly to 20
families by 1771 and 250 people by 1774. Settlement accelerated in the
western part after the Old North Road (also called the New Country Road
or Great Road through the Green Woods) was cleared around 1762,
improving access. Proprietors from Windsor divided the land into five
divisions by lottery, based on 1720 tax payments, with lots often
changing hands due to sales or inheritance.
The Barkhamsted
Lighthouse Village: A Unique Settlement
One of the most intriguing
chapters in Barkhamsted's history is the legend of the "Barkhamsted
Lighthouse," a small community of outcasts founded in the mid-18th
century. In 1740, Molly Barber, a young woman from a well-to-do family
in Wethersfield (born in 1715), eloped with James Chaugham, a
Narragansett Indian from Block Island who worked as an itinerant
laborer. Defying her father's disapproval, they fled to the rugged hills
along the Farmington River Turnpike, building a cabin on Rugged Mountain
near what would become Barkhamsted. Their hearth fires, visible through
gaps in the cabin walls, served as a beacon for stagecoach drivers
traveling from Albany, New York, to New Hartford, Connecticut—earning
the settlement the name "Lighthouse," as it signaled drivers were just
miles from their destination.
The couple raised eight children
(though one daughter, Sally, died young, and another never married; the
rest—two sons and four daughters—married and expanded the community).
The village attracted other marginalized individuals, including Native
Americans, poor whites, and at least one Black person, growing into a
self-sustaining enclave in the late 18th century. James died in the 18th
century and was buried in the community's cemetery, which eventually
held the remains of about 50 residents. Molly lived to the age of 104,
passing in February 1820, as recorded in the First Congregational Church
of Barkhamsted. The story gained fame through 1855 newspaper articles by
J.E. Mason in the New Haven Journal, later inspiring a 115-page poem by
historian Lewis Sprague Mills. Descendants like Polly Elwell (a
granddaughter) and modern genealogists such as Coni Dubois have traced
family lines, confirming the "tribe" persisted in western Connecticut.
Archaeological excavations in 1990-1991 at the site, now a preserve,
uncovered foundations and post molds from ten buildings, along with over
12,000 artifacts. These included 18th-century pottery shards (such as
salt-glazed stoneware, creamware, and pearlware), smoking pipes, knives,
brass buttons, bottle glass, horseshoes, gun flints, cutlery, coins, and
more than 1,000 animal bones from cows, deer, fish, and dogs—indicating
a forest-based diet. Town records, including births, marriages, and
deaths, corroborate the legend, with the site listed on the National
Register of Historic Places as the Lighthouse Archeological Site. The
story highlights themes of interracial marriage, social exclusion, and
resilience in colonial America.
Incorporation, Growth, and
19th-Century Development
Barkhamsted first applied for incorporation
in 1774 but was not officially recognized until 1779, making it one of
the last towns in Connecticut to be settled by white colonists. By 1778,
a petition noted 50 families east of the West Branch of the Farmington
River, leading to the establishment of a second Ecclesiastical Society.
Population surged post-Revolution, reaching 1,437 in the 1800 census and
peaking at 1,715 in 1830.
The 19th century brought industrial
activity, powered by the Farmington River's branches. Farming and
livestock raising dominated early, but mills emerged along the river. A
standout development was the Hitchcock Chair Factory in Riverton
(originally Hitchcocksville until the 1860s), built in 1825 by Lambert
Hitchcock. It produced iconic "fancy" chairs using water power from the
Farmington River, possibly rebuilt after an 1851 fire. The factory later
manufactured carpenter planes, rulers, rubber nipples, and lumber before
reopening in 1946 for chair production. Legend holds that chairs were
tested by dropping them from upper windows—if they survived intact, they
passed quality checks.
Other landmarks from this era include the
Barkhamsted Center Schoolhouse (built 1824, converted to single-story in
1880), the First Congregational Church (completed 1845 after
congregational debates), and the Pleasant Valley Hotel (built around
1840, now a private residence). The town was divided into a dozen school
districts during the 1800s and early 1900s. The West Branch of the
Farmington River, running six miles from Riverton to Pleasant Valley,
was designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1994, preserving its
historical role in powering mills and supporting recreation.
20th-Century Transformations and Modern Era
Population declined
steadily after 1830, dropping below 700 by 1930, before rebounding to
around 3,600 in recent decades. A pivotal event was the construction of
the Saville Dam on the East Branch of the Farmington River, completed in
1940 and named after engineer Caleb Mills Saville. This created the
Barkhamsted Reservoir, an eight-mile-long body of water extending into
Hartland, which flooded farms, houses, and the historic village of
Barkhamsted Hollow (the former town center). The reservoir, managed by
the Metropolitan District Commission, serves as Hartford's primary water
supply and took eight years to fill, dramatically reshaping the
landscape.
The Soldiers Monument, originally erected in 1897 at
Barkhamsted Hollow, was relocated to the Barkhamsted Center Cemetery
around 1939 due to the flooding and updated with names of veterans from
the Revolution to Vietnam.
The 1930s also saw Civilian Conservation
Corps (CCC) activity, including Camp White in American Legion State
Forest (operating 1933-1942), which built roads, bridges, trails, and
the Stone Museum in Peoples State Forest. Ruins like a stone chimney
remain today. Several sites from this period are on the National
Register of Historic Places, such as the Barkhamsted Center Historic
District, Riverton Historic District, Old Riverton Inn (built about 200
years ago and still operating), Peoples Forest Museum, American Legion
Forest CCC Shelter, Beaver Meadow Complex Prehistoric Archeological
District, William Moore Jr. House, and Union Church/St. Paul's Church
(built 1834 with bricks from a local brickyard).
Today, Barkhamsted
emphasizes its natural heritage, with the Barkhamsted Reservoir and Lake
McDonough offering boating and fishing (the latter created to protect
downstream mill rights). The town hosts the annual Riverton Fair in
October, Connecticut's last fair of the year, along with a fishing
tournament and year-round catch-and-release on the Farmington River.
Politically, it uses a selectman-town meeting system and shows balanced
voter registration, with recent presidential elections reflecting close
partisan splits. The Barkhamsted Historical Society actively preserves
this legacy through sites like Squire's Tavern.
Geographically, Barkhamsted is nestled in the rolling hills of
southern Litchfield County, characterized by its extensive woodlands and
water features. A large portion of the land is publicly owned, including
Peoples State Forest, American Legion State Forest, Tunxis State Forest,
and Enders State Forest, much of which serves as a protected water
supply area managed by the Metropolitan District Commission. Key water
bodies include the Barkhamsted Reservoir, the primary drinking water
source for the Hartford area, Lake McDonough (popular for recreation),
and the West Branch of the Farmington River, designated as a Wild and
Scenic River. The historic Barkhamsted Hollow was flooded in the early
20th century to create the reservoir, altering the landscape
significantly.
The climate is typical of New England, with cold
winters and warm summers. Average January temperatures hover around
24.9°F, while July averages can reach highs in the upper 70s to low
80s°F, with record extremes from -20°F to 99°F. Annual precipitation is
about 50.84 inches, and snowfall averages 47.9 inches, supporting winter
activities in the forests. U.S. Route 44 runs through the southwestern
part, providing connectivity to nearby towns like North Canaan (20 miles
northwest) and Hartford.
As of the 2020 census, Barkhamsted's population was 3,647, showing a slight decline from 3,799 in 2010. More recent estimates place the population at around 3,652 in 2023. The population density is low, at about 100 people per square mile, reflecting its rural nature. The median age is approximately 48.9 years, with a distribution that includes about 15.8% under 15, 12.7% aged 15-24, and a growing older population. Racially, the town is predominantly White (around 97-98%), with small percentages of Asian, Black, and other groups, and about 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. There were roughly 1,450 households as of 2015, with an owner-occupied housing rate of 86.4%. The poverty rate is low, at about 3%.
Barkhamsted's economy is primarily residential and service-oriented, with limited large-scale industry due to its protected lands and small size. Median household income is robust at around $119,255-$120,125 (2022-2023), and per capita income is about $55,666. Key sectors include education, healthcare, construction, and retail, with many residents commuting to nearby Hartford for work. Tourism plays a role, driven by outdoor recreation in the state forests and river activities. The town's general stores, inns, and seasonal events like the Riverton Fair contribute to local commerce. Water management and forestry-related jobs from state-owned lands also support the economy. Unemployment is low, aligning with Connecticut's averages.
Barkhamsted operates under a selectman-town meeting system, with a board of three selectmen: First Selectman Donald S. Stein (Democrat), Raymond P. Pech (Democrat), and Nicholas A. Lukiwsky (Republican). Voter registration as of 2019 showed 30.9% Republican, 24.7% Democratic, 42.9% unaffiliated, and 1.6% minor parties. Politically, the town leans Republican in presidential elections, with 50.3% supporting the Republican candidate in 2020 and 52.8% in 2016, though it has shown fluctuations historically. Emergency services include three volunteer fire departments (Pleasant Valley, Riverton, and Barkhamsted East) with one paid firefighter, and ambulance services from neighboring associations. Transportation is auto-dependent, with no public transit; major routes include Routes 44, 20, 219, 318, and 181. The nearest airport is Bradley International, 15 miles east.
The town has one elementary school in Pleasant Valley serving local students. Middle and high school students attend Northwestern Regional Middle School and Northwestern Regional High School in Winsted, as part of Northwestern Regional School District No. 7, which is shared with New Hartford, Norfolk, and Colebrook. Education quality is generally high, with a focus on community involvement. As of 2020, about 683 children resided in the town.
Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village
This is one of the most notable
abandoned settlements in the area. Founded around 1740, it was a
multicultural community started by James Chaugham, a Narragansett Native
American, and Mary (Molly) Barber, a white woman from Wethersfield who
eloped against her family's wishes. They built a life along the
Farmington River, attracting other outcasts—including people of African,
Native, and European descent—who formed a tight-knit village. The name
"Lighthouse" came from travelers spotting a light from their cabin at
night, serving as a beacon along the turnpike. The community thrived
modestly until the mid-1800s, when economic shifts led to its
abandonment. Today, ruins like cellar holes, a quarry, and gravestones
remain in Peoples State Forest, designated as a State Archaeological
Preserve in 2008. While not explicitly haunted, the site's isolation and
story of societal outcasts fuel romanticized legends of resilience and
hidden lives.
Barkhamsted Hollow
In the 1940s, the
construction of the Saville Dam flooded the entire village of
Barkhamsted Hollow to create the Barkhamsted Reservoir, a key water
source for the Hartford area. Homes, farms, roads, and cemeteries were
submerged, displacing residents and erasing the community. The reservoir
now appears serene, but the underwater remnants contribute to subtle
ghost stories of lost souls lingering in the depths. The dam itself,
with its Gothic-style tower, stands as a striking landmark overlooking
the water.
Haunted Legends in Barkhamsted, Connecticut
While
Barkhamsted isn't as infamous for ghosts as other Connecticut towns, it
has its share of eerie tales rooted in Native American history, rural
isolation, and modern paranormal reports. These stories often involve
feelings of unease rather than dramatic apparitions.
Indian
Council Caves
Located in Tunxis State Forest off Route 179, these
caves—formed by massive cleaved boulders—were used by the Tunxis tribe
for council meetings to discuss trade, war, and relations with colonial
settlers. The site includes nearby crumbling stone foundations from
frontier times. Visitors frequently report a sensation of being watched
or "ushered away" by unseen forces, adding to its haunted reputation.
Much of the oral tradition has faded, leaving behind a mysterious
atmosphere in the dark, murmuring crevices. It's accessible via a short
hike, but the lingering sense of ancient presences makes it a spot for
those seeking subtle chills.
The Haunted Barn on West Hill Road
In 2008-2009, resident Donna Santos reported strange occurrences at her
farm, including horses mysteriously switching stalls, a cat's bowl
moving on its own, and her dog growling at invisible entities. Believing
spirits haunted the barn and house, she contacted the Northwest
Connecticut Paranormal Society, who captured unexplained voices during
their investigation. Interestingly, the activity stopped after the
team's visit, restoring peace to the property. The case was featured on
Animal Planet's The Haunted series, highlighting Barkhamsted's
occasional brushes with the paranormal.
Barkhamsted Reservoir
Whispers
Tied to the flooding of Barkhamsted Hollow, local lore
speaks of "quiet ghost stories" from the submerged village. Some claim
echoes of the past—displaced residents or forgotten graves—haunt the
calm waters, though evidence is anecdotal and tied more to the tragedy
of forced abandonment than specific sightings.