American Legion

American Legion State Forest is a 782-acre forested preserve located in the Pleasant Valley section of Barkhamsted, Connecticut, along the West Branch of the Farmington River. Established in 1927 with an initial gift of 213 acres from the American Legion, the forest was created to demonstrate proper forest management techniques that American soldiers had observed throughout Europe during World War I. Together with the adjacent Peoples State Forest on the opposite bank of the river, the area offers over 4,000 acres of protected public land. The West Branch of the Farmington River, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service, flows through the property, serving as a world-class destination for fishing, kayaking, and tubing. The forest's rugged terrain, historic sites, and extensive trail system make it one of Connecticut's premier outdoor recreation destinations.