Northwest Hills Planning Region

Northwest Hills Planning Region
Name	Northwest Hills Planning Region
Settlement type	Planning region
Subdivision type	State
Subdivision name	Connecticut
Subdivision type1	County
Subdivision name1	Litchfield County
Seat type	Largest city
Seat	Torrington
Area total sq mi	485.3
Population total	109,091
Population as of	2020
Population density sq mi	auto
Website	northwesthillscog.org

Northwest Hills Planning Region. It is one of nine official planning regions in the state of Connecticut, encompassing the northwestern corner of Litchfield County. The region is defined by its rugged, forested terrain within the Appalachian Mountains and a mix of historic towns, rural communities, and small urban centers. It is governed by the Northwest Hills Council of Governments, which facilitates regional planning and coordination among its member municipalities.

Geography

The region's topography is dominated by the Litchfield Hills, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains that includes notable formations like the Berkshire Mountains and the Taconic Mountains. Key waterways include the Housatonic River, which flows south from Massachusetts, and its tributaries such as the Shepaug River and the Naugatuck River. Significant natural features and protected areas include Mohawk State Forest, Mount Tom State Park, and a portion of the Appalachian Trail, which traverses the western section near the New York border. The landscape is characterized by dense forests, rolling hills, and numerous lakes, including Bantam Lake and Lake Waramaug.

Demographics

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the region had a population of 109,091 as of the 2020 United States Census. The largest municipality by population is Torrington, which serves as a regional hub. Other significant population centers include Sharon, Kent, and New Milford. The demographic profile is predominantly non-Hispanic white, with smaller but growing populations of Hispanic and African American residents. The region has a higher median age than the Connecticut state average, reflecting trends common in rural New England.

Municipalities

The region comprises 21 towns, all located within Litchfield County. The municipalities are: Barkhamsted, Bridgewater, Canaan, Colebrook, Cornwall, Goshen, Hartland, Harwinton, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Hartford, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Torrington, Warren, Washington, Winchester, and Winsted. Winsted is a borough within the town of Winchester but functions as a distinct population center.

Economy

Historically centered on industries like iron production, clockmaking, and marble quarrying, the economy has diversified. Major employers now include Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, the Forman School in Litchfield, and O&G Industries based in Torrington. Agriculture remains active, with numerous dairy farms, orchards, and vineyards, such as those in the Litchfield Hills AVA. Tourism is a significant sector, driven by destinations like the Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, the Connecticut Antique Trail, and cultural institutions such as the Music Mountain in Falls Village and the Gunn Memorial Library in Washington.

Transportation

Major roadways include U.S. Route 44, which runs east-west through Torrington and Winsted, and U.S. Route 7, a north-south corridor along the Housatonic River valley connecting to Danbury and Massachusetts. State routes like Connecticut Route 8 and Connecticut Route 63 provide additional connectivity. Public transit is limited, with bus service provided by the Northwest Connecticut Transit District. The region is served by the Waterbury Branch of the Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line, with a station in Winsted. The region lacks a major commercial airport, with residents typically using Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks.

History

The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Mohican and Paugussett tribes. European settlement began in the early 18th century, with towns like Litchfield and Woodbury being incorporated. The 19th century saw industrial growth fueled by water power from the Housatonic River, leading to the establishment of numerous iron forges, scythe factories, and clock manufacturers, including the Seth Thomas Clock Company in Thomaston. The region was a center of abolitionist activity, with figures like Harriet Beecher Stowe having ties to Litchfield. In the 20th century, industry declined, but the establishment of the Appalachian Trail and the preservation of open space helped shape its modern identity as a scenic and recreational destination.

Category:Planning regions of Connecticut Category:Litchfield County, Connecticut Category:Regions of Connecticut