As the name suggests, most of Hinsdale Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is flat or gently sloping bottomland surrounding the headwaters of the East Branch of the Housatonic River and several of its tributaries. This property is widely recognized for its outstanding fish and wildlife habitat, extensive wetlands, and exceptional water quality. Wetlands range from riparian marshes to spruce-fir-maple swamps. The uplands contain areas of white pine and northern hardwood forests. Remnant agricultural fields on the northern and eastern sides of the WMA are maintained as grasslands and shrublands. Muddy Pond at the southern end of the WMA is the start of the Housatonic River, which flows all the way to Long Island Sound. Paddlers can launch cartop boats from an informal access point on Bullards Crossing Road. A float downstream may require short portages around beaver dams.

There are three primary parking areas including a gate at the end of a dirt drive on Middlefield Road, 0.33 miles east of MA-8. This parking area is usually only open during the spring turkey and fall hunting seasons. The second parking area is in a field just west of the intersection of Middlefield and Fassell Roads. The third parking area is on the north side of Bullard’s Crossing Road, near an old home site. Other sections of the WMA are accessible via roadside parking along Creamery Road, Bullard’s Crossing Road, Buttermilk Road, and East Washington Road.

Moose are frequently sighted on the WMA. A rich conifer swamp, an uncommon natural community, can be found along Middlefield Road. Look for beavers, river otters, and mink, along with marsh birds like the elusive American bittern, in the wetlands. The managed fields support nesting songbirds in the spring and are a great place to observe moths and butterflies. Hawks and owls can be seen hunting the fields and forested swamps.

During the pheasant season, a “hunter orange” hat is required for all hunters and hunting hours are sunrise to sunset unless night hunting for raccoons or opossums.