Brookfield Hiker's Guide: Harrybrooke Park

Harrybrooke Park doesn't offer a deep woods hike, but any nature lover will agree that it has plenty of beauty to enjoy whether you are on foot, a bike or a pair of skates.

It may not look like much as you enter the parking area near the back end of the park, but start walking up the paved path along the Still River and you will be pleasantly surprised by your surroundings. The path along the river will lead you to the loop, which is about a mile long, well paved and generally flat. There are benches positioned near the path for visitors to take a break from their exercise and soak in the surroundings. 

Want to see a  bit of whitewater? Take the path all the way on your right for a short walk that will lead you over the river to view a waterfall.

This park has been a favorite for my family for years, as it provides a perfect path for young children to master the basics of bike riding safely. When they're tired of riding their bikes or scooters, we move on to the swings, visit the ducks in the pond or find a big old tree with roots large enough to use as a chair. 

There are open fields for playing ball, a pavilion that can be rented for parties or special events and plenty of picnicking space. The paved paths are stroller friendly, providing an excellent workout opportunity for mom with babies.

Be aware — the park was filled with geese the last time we were there and all that they leave behind. The playground equipment is extremely dated. It is exactly what we had in my elementary school playground in the late 1970s. 

The park is not as well manicured currently as it has been in years past and could use updating. The park is the former estate of Frank Harden, who donated the property along with a trust fund to maintain it.  The Friends of Harrybrooke website states that "hard times have fallen on the trust fund."  Due to the current economic situation, the trust is only capable of covering the most basic maintenance expenses and the park receives no funding from the town of New Milford.  They now rely heavily on volunteers, including local boy scout troops, to maintain and improve the once immaculately manicured property.

The park is located just over the Brookfield border at 64 Lanesville Road, in New Milford. Donations to assist in the maintenance of the park are welcomed by the Friends of Harrybrooke and fundraising events are held annually.

Fishing is allowed in the river during summer months. Dogs are not welcome.