Did you know a hidden adventure awaits you in Connecticut’s state forests?
Tucked away behind rocks, inside hollow trees, and along quiet trails in every Connecticut state forest are secret treasures most people have never heard of called letterboxes!
Letterboxing is like a real-life treasure hunt where you follow clues to find hidden boxes scattered throughout the state’s 32 forests.
And if you’re up for the challenge, collecting stamps from these hidden gems can even earn you a special reward.
It’s one of Connecticut’s best-kept secrets and an incredible way to explore the outdoors, whether you’re hiking solo, with family, or looking for a unique weekend adventure.
In this article, we’ll talk about how this secret scavenger hunt works and why it’s one of the coolest hidden gems in Connecticut.
What is Letterboxing?
The best way to describe letterboxing is it’s like a combination of hiking, treasure hunting, and stamping wrapped into one.
It’s an outdoor activity where participants follow clues to find hidden letterboxes, usually hidden behind rocks, inside hollow trees, or in other secluded spots in nature.
Each one of these boxes has a unique stamp and logbook. When you find a letterbox, you use the stamp inside to mark your personal record book and leave your own personal stamp in the box’s logbook as proof of your visit.
The clues are often a fun puzzle, guiding you through the forest while revealing various facts about Connecticut’s natural beauty.
Letterboxing in Connecticut’s State Forests
One of the things we love about letterboxing is its deep connection to Connecticut’s environmental heritage.
Back in 2003, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the state forest system, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) created a series of hidden letterboxes throughout the forests.
The idea was such a hit that, due to popular demand, many of these letterboxes are still maintained today, offering a really cool way for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the state’s natural beauty.
With 32 state forests covering nearly 170,000 acres, Connecticut is home to a wide variety of landscapes, from lush wildlife meadows to dense hardwood forests.
Whether you’re hiking through rugged hills or walking along peaceful rivers, each forest has something unique to offer.
The clues for the letterboxes will guide you through these different ecosystems while teaching you fascinating details about the land’s history, wildlife, and ecological diversity.
And did we mention there are actual rewards up for grabs?
Visit at least five letterboxes, and you’ll earn a custom-designed Connecticut State Forest Centennial Patch.
If you’re feeling ambitious and manage to uncover a letterbox in every available forest, you’ll receive a walking stick, a fitting memento to accompany you on future adventures.
You just have to contact the Division of Forestry by email at deep.forestry@ct.gov to claim your reward.
Getting started is easy. All you need is your own personal stamp (which you can buy or create), a record book to log your visits, and a sturdy pair of walking shoes.
Then, head over to the Connecticut DEEP website to download clues for your chosen forest and set off on your adventure!
Each clue guides you to the hidden letterboxes and offers fascinating insights into the wildlife, ecology, and history of the area you’re exploring.
Whether you’re a family looking for a fun weekend activity, something to do with your kids, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to try something new, letterboxing is a true hidden gem in Connecticut’s state forests.
