Peoples State Forest is located in the Pleasant Valley section of Barkhamsted. The forest was established in 1924 through the efforts of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association which coordinated subscriptions for donations. The donations came from citizens groups such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Connecticut Federation of Women's Clubs and many other groups and individuals who purchased land and donated it to the people of Connecticut for approximately $8.00 an acre. The West Branch of the Farmington River, designated as a Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service, is the center point of river-based recreational activities including trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking and tubing. Other attractions include the 200 year old white pine picnic groves in the Matthies Grove and Whittemore Recreation Areas, over 11 miles of hiking trails, the Barkhamsted Lighthouse and other cultural and historic sites. See American Legion State Forest for nearby camping opportunities.

Jessie Gerard Trail
2.9 mile loop; moderate

Peoples State Forest Loop
7.0 mile loop; moderate

Falls Cutoff, Jessie Girard, Charles Pack, Bowen Loop Trail
5.0 mile loop; moderate

Agnes Bowen and Robert Ross Loop
3.7 mile loop; moderate

Elliot Bronson Trail
4.4 mile out-and-back; moderate

Agnes Bowen Trail via Greenwood Road
2.8 mile out-and-back; easy

Walt Landgraf Trail From Park Road
1.1 mile out-and-back; easy

See the full list of trails on the AllTrails website.