Green Falls

 

Fire pits at every picnic area allow for a picnic complete with warmth, smoke to ward

off mosquitos, and delicious s'mores!

“I’m going to hit your dog!” is probably the last thing anyone wants to hear while picnicking in the woods.  But that is exactly how we were greeted by a park ranger at Green Falls, also known as the Green Falls Area of Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown, CT, one fine summer day this August.  We had allowed Dublin to roam about, unleashed and fancy-free, while we set up a picnic at one of the park’s convenient Picnic Areas which comes complete with great pond-side views, a fire pit, and a large picnic table.   

             

 Our memory of this particular park, however, will forever be tainted by the image of that ranger who had already advanced upon Dublin, waving his club menacingly, before we were even aware of his presence.  Sure, we understand that he was trying to enforce the park’s policy about keeping animals leashed, and we can also understand that he would be concerned for his safety (adorable face aside, Dublin is, after all, a Big Scary Boxer!)  But we can not wrap our heads around the idea of someone creating such a threatening presence when his job is based partially on close contact with animals!  We were not surprised when he told us that he “had already been bitten four times this summer” by dogs off leashes—when he arrived at our campsite, he had 1) surprised us (including Dublin) by sneaking in quietly and 2) positioned himself in a way that placed Dublin between him and Emily, prompting Dublin to become very defensive of her beloved Human.  Under these tense circumstances, he ordered Emily to put a leash on Dublin. 

Thankfully, Dublin was a good girl and allowed Emily to leash her and lead her back to the picnic table, away from the ranger.  No Dublins were harmed in the making of this story, but a $75 ticket hammered home the message:  Don’t let your dog off of his or her leash for a SECOND at Green Falls. 

Oh, and before he finally left our picnic area, the ranger also reminded us that $75 fines will be issued to EACH PERSON PRESENT if they are found swimming in the pond outside of the park’s Designated Swimming Area.  The designated area is near the campsites, and is enclosed by buoys and ropes.  "I'll be around," he warned before heading back up the trail toward the road.

 

If you are planning a visit to Green Falls anytime soon, be sure to check out their website, http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2716&Q=325072, for a complete list of rules and regulations.  Because if you’re anything like us, a $75 picnic is just NOT in your price range!