Devil's Hopyard State Park Photos
You might also consider
More like Devil's Hopyard State Park
Recommended Reviews - Devil's Hopyard State Park
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Devil's Hopyard is a beautiful state park located in East Haddam, CT. My friend and I arrived at the trail head in the morning and found ample parking and clearly marked trail markers from start to finish. The trail we chose was a few miles hike which allowed us to view the beautiful waterfalls and streams, and despite it being a cloudy day, we reached the summit and were rewarded with great views. Chapman Falls and the vista point cliff are the stars of this hike! The trail was not crowded, passing only a few fellow hikers. The state park is located within a short drive to many great farms, restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, which makes it a perfect starting point for a day in the East Haddam area.
This review is for the campground, not the park itself. Camped here on a Friday night in Site 16, yet another campground recommended in "Best Tent Camping: New England." Overall I was not impressed. The campsites are right next to each other and are marked with posts. The sites are so close that the posts are marked with the site number on both sides which tells me that there has been confusion in the past. The sites along the creek mostly have worn paths to walk to it but it's nothing impressive and I wouldn't want to eat fish that came out of it. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, some have the kind where the top flips over and others have the moveable grate that goes up and down. There is a large dumpster in the campground and several porta-potties. The old outhouses have been permanently closed and locked shut. My campsite had a lot of trash in it, old tent stakes, plastic bottle caps, plastic fork, broken glass, etc. Not good. Some of the people there were camping in a group and were blasting music. I didn't see a single park ranger the entire night so I'm not sure how often they police it. Someone in a pickup truck came into the campground, did a u-turn, and sped out at 30 mph which was really annoying and unsafe. Across the street from the campground is a trail to Chapman Falls, which will take less than 10 minutes to hike to, but it's a pretty waterfall despite all the foam and garbage around it. This is a pretty basic campground and is nothing special. Out of all the sites I think 22 looked the best, it is more isolated and you can hear the waterfalls from it, which would be relaxing. The downside is that it's right next to the entrance and road so you'll get car headlights at night. I woke in the morning to a gray sky and hundreds of birds singing - it was my favorite part of the trip. I delayed getting up to enjoy the moment. I also didn't see any ticks but I'm sure there are plenty based on other reviews. I've always thought that if states were condiments Connecticut would be mayonnaise - relatively unremarkable and bland. This campground fits that description perfectly.
Devils Hopyard is indeed a wonderful park. There are quite a few trails that you can view from the waterfall entrance or the entrance near the bridge. The bridge has been recently be done. And as of the date of this review in October 2023 there's been lots of rainfall, making the waterfall in the river views absolutely serene and amazing. You can hike with the children, friends and pets on trails that you can chose by difficulty level. If hiking is not your thing there are picnic tables and a pavilion to sit outdoors and enjoy a meal. The trails and grounds are kept fairly clean. Portatoilets are available spring through fall, nothing during the winter. Prepare accordingly. A wonderful place for viewing native animals, sitting by the river, hanging out with people you love to just get away from the daily grind.
COVID-19 era review: we didn't get to camp here like we do each Spring, but finally the state opened up campgrounds. Yes please! Please don't confuse five stars with full amenities--here, you have campsites, latrines, fire rings, and trash/recycling bins...and that's it. Bring your water (the only well is contaminated), bring firewood, bring everything. No dump site for RVs, no electricity, no water. The state has at least added additional portolets if you're tent camping. No amenities, but in Spring, there is a concert of peepers each night. You can go for a hike right out your tent or camper. You're a ten minute drive from awesome beer and pizza. You can creek stomp or skip rocks by the covered bridge...and you can spend hours admiring glorious Chapman Falls, especially after the rain. Enjoy bird songs at your campsite, bats at twilight, and stars at night. Drive here in winter and enjoy hiking the crystal-y trails, surrounded by icicle cliffs. In short, almost no amenities, but the perfect place to get away. (Exhales)
So as I've mentioned before I'm pretty obsessed with waterfall hikes and write a modest blog about them. Chapman Falls (alternative name Devil's Hopyard due to its legend) are right up there among the best falls of CT in my opinion. There is approximately a 60 foot drop and hiking in negligible. The falls are right across the street from the parking lot and fueled by the Eight Mile River. The legend is that Satan once walking along the River and was infuriated when his tail got wet and stomped his feet on the boulders of the falls leaving these marks in the boulders which look like pot holes. Hence, the alternative name Devil's Hopyard. These falls are great and not far from Gillette Castle if you are looking for other nearby things to do.
Came here with my girlfriend after searching for new hikes reasonably close to Providence and we were pleasantly surprised. Went right after it snowed and there were so few people there, it was great. It seemed only a few people had taken the trail we decided to take so the snow was fresh. We mainly stayed on the orange trail, which boasts a fairly nice vista midway around (probably beautiful in the fall). It also takes you past the waterfall area which is nice and I'm sure is great during the summer too. Might be biased by the fact it was nearly empty and beautifully covered in snow but I think it's worth the trip if you're looking for an easy-med difficulty hike.
I came here for a Saturday morning hike with my boyfriend and we were both excited to see how large it was! There are multiple trails, some easy and others moderate, so good for anyone! There was some construction going on which seemed to make the trail markers a bit off, but still a solid visit.
I have been visiting and hiking Devil's Hopyard for 20 years. I have gone in all four seasons. After a huge flood. After a fire which devastated a large portion of the fire. I have gone for picnics. I have taken groups hiking. I have hiked solo. When my daughter was a baby I would load her into the baby backpack and hike around the park. I have many great memories associated with this park. There is group camping for scouts. There was and may be again, camping for families. There is a picnic pavilion available to rent and many picnic tables and charcoal grills about the park to use. There are parts where almost no one ever goes. There are parts where you are in a crowd on a sunny Sunday. There are a couple solar outhouses for the less adventurous. There is a covered bridge. There is a waterfall. This jewel of the state park system has plenty to offer nearly any outdoor enthusiast. Bring a picnic. Bring a friend. Next sunny Sunday afternoon I hope to see you out exploring.
We've gone camping at Devil's Hopyard every year for the last three or four years, and it's really one of the state's hidden treasures, as the previous reviewer wrote. It's absolutely beautiful and nestled in a place pretty far away from where most things happen in Connecticut, which makes it the perfect place to spend a few days every year. There are scenic hiking trails along a stream that end at beautiful vistas, and there are pretty amazing waterfalls. The Hopyard campground is very clean, and there are plenty of sites, clean outhouses (with sensor lights added this year) and easy access to dumpsters (garbage and recycling). No showers or running water other than a pump near the entrance, but it's camping. The campsites are walking distance to the big waterfall, which we walked to a lot because it was so close by. It's also very inexpensive - just $14 a night for Connecticut residents this year. Even if you're not staying for a night, it's a great place to just spend the day.
Trails were scenic and lovely. Some downed trees block the way. Orange trail has some vertical areas, and uneven in spots - but that's nature. Waterfall easily accessible from parking lot - short distance, wide trail mostly crushed stone. Vista A lovely overlook of the river valley and mountains. read more
Superb park! One of my favorites to ride my motorcycle through. It was already a 5/5 experience for me without even getting off my bike. "Where should we ride today?" "How about through Devil's Hopyard?" This was a common discussion between my partner & I. It was only during our last ride that we actually parked our bikes & got off them to explore. So imagine my delight to find waterfalls, creeks, beautiful trails, & a covered bridge! There were quite a few people there, but it didn't feel crowded at all. It was possible to evenly disperse ourselves to not disturb other people. The only con (& this is just Mother Nature at work, so all we can do is prepare better in the future) is the amount of mosquitos. Load up on your favorite deet free bug repellant & you'll be good to go. read more
11 months ago
Chapman falls are serene. You can walk down right upto the falls and sit on the nearby rocks and watch the water cascade down and flow by peacefully. The sound of the rushing waters makes for a serene experience. Definitely not the best or largest falls in the state but it's beautiful. People were swimming upto the falls to sit behind it as well. It was not overly crowded on the weekday we visited. Waterfall is accessible via a quick walk from the parking lot across the street. read more
2 years ago
Devil's Hopyard is a beautiful state park located in East Haddam, CT. My friend and I arrived at the trail head in the morning and found ample parking and clearly marked trail markers from start to finish. The trail we chose was a few miles hike which allowed us to view the beautiful waterfalls and streams, and despite it being a cloudy day, we reached the summit and were rewarded with great views. Chapman Falls and the vista point cliff are the stars of this hike! The trail was not crowded, passing only a few fellow hikers. The state park is located within a short drive to many great farms, restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, which makes it a perfect starting point for a day in the East Haddam area. read more
The hike to the waterfalls is remarkably short, taking just a few minutes. From the parking lot, the sound of rushing water is noticeable. As a 60ft cascade on the Eight Mile River, it's among Connecticut's most powerful waterfalls and boasts stunning scenery. read more
1 year ago
It's such a. Cool park I've loved coming here for years and in all seasons. Winter is super quiet not many people, footprints for sure but quiet as ever! And in the summer what a place for fishing and enjoying a picnic read more
This review is for the campground, not the park itself. Camped here on a Friday night in Site 16, yet another campground recommended in "Best Tent Camping: New England." Overall I was not impressed. The campsites are right next to each other and are marked with posts. The sites are so close that the posts are marked with the site number on both sides which tells me that there has been confusion in the past. The sites along the creek mostly have worn paths to walk to it but it's nothing impressive and I wouldn't want to eat fish that came out of it. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, some have the kind where the top flips over and others have the moveable grate that goes up and down. There is a large dumpster in the campground and several porta-potties. The old outhouses have been permanently closed and locked shut. My campsite had a lot of trash in it, old tent stakes, plastic bottle caps, plastic fork, broken glass, etc. Not good. Some of the people there were camping in a group and were blasting music. I didn't see a single park ranger the entire night so I'm not sure how often they police it. Someone in a pickup truck came into the campground, did a u-turn, and sped out at 30 mph which was really annoying and unsafe. Across the street from the campground is a trail to Chapman Falls, which will take less than 10 minutes to hike to, but it's a pretty waterfall despite all the foam and garbage around it. This is a pretty basic campground and is nothing special. Out of all the sites I think 22 looked the best, it is more isolated and you can hear the waterfalls from it, which would be relaxing. The downside is that it's right next to the entrance and road so you'll get car headlights at night. I woke in the morning to a gray sky and hundreds of birds singing - it was my favorite part of the trip. I delayed getting up to enjoy the moment. I also didn't see any ticks but I'm sure there are plenty based on other reviews. I've always thought that if states were condiments Connecticut would be mayonnaise - relatively unremarkable and bland. This campground fits that description perfectly. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
Devils Hopyard is indeed a wonderful park. There are quite a few trails that you can view from the waterfall entrance or the entrance near the bridge. The bridge has been recently be done. And as of the date of this review in October 2023 there's been lots of rainfall, making the waterfall in the river views absolutely serene and amazing. You can hike with the children, friends and pets on trails that you can chose by difficulty level. If hiking is not your thing there are picnic tables and a pavilion to sit outdoors and enjoy a meal. The trails and grounds are kept fairly clean. Portatoilets are available spring through fall, nothing during the winter. Prepare accordingly. A wonderful place for viewing native animals, sitting by the river, hanging out with people you love to just get away from the daily grind. read more
COVID-19 era review: we didn't get to camp here like we do each Spring, but finally the state opened up campgrounds. Yes please! Please don't confuse five stars with full amenities--here, you have campsites, latrines, fire rings, and trash/recycling bins...and that's it. Bring your water (the only well is contaminated), bring firewood, bring everything. No dump site for RVs, no electricity, no water. The state has at least added additional portolets if you're tent camping. No amenities, but in Spring, there is a concert of peepers each night. You can go for a hike right out your tent or camper. You're a ten minute drive from awesome beer and pizza. You can creek stomp or skip rocks by the covered bridge...and you can spend hours admiring glorious Chapman Falls, especially after the rain. Enjoy bird songs at your campsite, bats at twilight, and stars at night. Drive here in winter and enjoy hiking the crystal-y trails, surrounded by icicle cliffs. In short, almost no amenities, but the perfect place to get away. (Exhales) read more
3 years ago
Beautiful place to go been going here for years !! Beautiful views a must go and see !! Worth the drive luckily I live local !! Waterfall absolutely beautiful!! Nice hike in forest!! read more
So as I've mentioned before I'm pretty obsessed with waterfall hikes and write a modest blog about them. Chapman Falls (alternative name Devil's Hopyard due to its legend) are right up there among the best falls of CT in my opinion. There is approximately a 60 foot drop and hiking in negligible. The falls are right across the street from the parking lot and fueled by the Eight Mile River. The legend is that Satan once walking along the River and was infuriated when his tail got wet and stomped his feet on the boulders of the falls leaving these marks in the boulders which look like pot holes. Hence, the alternative name Devil's Hopyard. These falls are great and not far from Gillette Castle if you are looking for other nearby things to do. read more
Came here with my girlfriend after searching for new hikes reasonably close to Providence and we were pleasantly surprised. Went right after it snowed and there were so few people there, it was great. It seemed only a few people had taken the trail we decided to take so the snow was fresh. We mainly stayed on the orange trail, which boasts a fairly nice vista midway around (probably beautiful in the fall). It also takes you past the waterfall area which is nice and I'm sure is great during the summer too. Might be biased by the fact it was nearly empty and beautifully covered in snow but I think it's worth the trip if you're looking for an easy-med difficulty hike. read more
I came here for a Saturday morning hike with my boyfriend and we were both excited to see how large it was! There are multiple trails, some easy and others moderate, so good for anyone! There was some construction going on which seemed to make the trail markers a bit off, but still a solid visit. read more
9 years ago
I have been visiting and hiking Devil's Hopyard for 20 years. I have gone in all four seasons. After a huge flood. After a fire which devastated a large portion of the fire. I have gone for picnics. I have taken groups hiking. I have hiked solo. When my daughter was a baby I would load her into the baby backpack and hike around the park. I have many great memories associated with this park. There is group camping for scouts. There was and may be again, camping for families. There is a picnic pavilion available to rent and many picnic tables and charcoal grills about the park to use. There are parts where almost no one ever goes. There are parts where you are in a crowd on a sunny Sunday. There are a couple solar outhouses for the less adventurous. There is a covered bridge. There is a waterfall. This jewel of the state park system has plenty to offer nearly any outdoor enthusiast. Bring a picnic. Bring a friend. Next sunny Sunday afternoon I hope to see you out exploring. read more
16 years ago
We've gone camping at Devil's Hopyard every year for the last three or four years, and it's really one of the state's hidden treasures, as the previous reviewer wrote. It's absolutely beautiful and nestled in a place pretty far away from where most things happen in Connecticut, which makes it the perfect place to spend a few days every year. There are scenic hiking trails along a stream that end at beautiful vistas, and there are pretty amazing waterfalls. The Hopyard campground is very clean, and there are plenty of sites, clean outhouses (with sensor lights added this year) and easy access to dumpsters (garbage and recycling). No showers or running water other than a pump near the entrance, but it's camping. The campsites are walking distance to the big waterfall, which we walked to a lot because it was so close by. It's also very inexpensive - just $14 a night for Connecticut residents this year. Even if you're not staying for a night, it's a great place to just spend the day. read more
7 years ago
We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon hike at this park! The falls were gorgeous and did not disappoint. There were many trails near and away form the falls to check out. The bridge at the entrance was cute and a great place to take pics. There are several tables at the entrance to picnic at or stop for an afternoon snack. Just note the falls are near the entrance so you don't have to walk far to see them. read more
7 years ago
Devil's Hopyard is a beautiful state park with miles of trails and acres to walk and picnic. Devil's Hopyard is great for fishing, photography, hiking, and sight seeing. When here, Chapman Falls and the Vista are absolute musts! read more
5 years ago
6 years ago
12 years ago
I don't mind the lack of amenities, but this park suffers from lack of any kind of ranger or staff. Our picnic table was busted, the site had a lot of trash, bathrooms not stocked with toilet paper. Worst of all, seems to attract the kind of clientele that is looking for mom-existent rule enforcement. Not a good place for families, just a party place. Two sites down had 10 cars, 8 tents, and was rowdy drunk keeping us up all night. Another site had a drunken domestic dispute and arguing over who stole whose drugs. At other parks we visit, there's a patrol to make sure quiet hours are respected and a number for a ranger on the off hours. Here there's no sign of anyone. What a waste of money. And it's a shame, because the hiking is good. read more
10 years ago
It was a little bit of a drive from where I live but let me just say it was totally worth it. You could do everything from swimming to bike riding to going hiking and camping. Everybody that goes is very friendly they keep the park very clean the water is crystal clear and the beautiful waterfall makes the entire experience. The campgrounds are nice and big and spacious and there's beautiful places to go hiking and exploring and to go off trail and go for a swim. It's not really a place for a little children but it's great for a first date or night with your friends. If you are looking for something simple but also very fun adventurous I would recommend here. I will be coming back. read more
12 years ago
11 years ago
12 years ago
Easy, interesting and gorgeous park to visit. My husband and I went after Tropical Storm Andrea and Chapman Falls was roaring. The rest of the park was very muddy - be careful! There were plenty of steams to cross over but you have to go over logs that become very slippery. There was a fire there in March 2012 so we saw a bunch of burned logs. On the vista we saw a hawk (bring binoculars!) and on the way back we saw the very elusive Scarlet Tanager. I do recommend going in the morning or in the off-season because when we went around 3 pm there was one parking spot left and it was mobbed with screaming kids, picnics and hikers. But it's an excellent place for birding. read more
11 years ago
Beautiful waterfall and great hiking. The only complaint I have is the trails are poorly marked. It would be very easy to get lost. read more
11 years ago
12 years ago
10 years ago
My favorite trail in CT. My family and I always go there. It is a nice place to go and bbq. read more
12 years ago
11 years ago
8 years ago
5 years ago
Page 1 of 2
More info about Devil's Hopyard State Park
366 Hopyard Rd
East Haddam, CT 06423
Directions
Hours
Outdoor Amenities
Ask the Community - Devil's Hopyard State Park
If my camping reservation is at 1pm will I loose my reservation if I am late? Time frame for latest amount of hrs? Like when MUST I check in by?
You don't lose your reservation. Many people arrive in afternoon/evening. COVID-19 era, you have to reserve ahead, so there's no impromptu camping/walk-ins right now. When you have a reservation the rangers put reserved signs at your site.
When is the check in time frame for Devil Hopyard Camping?
Check in is at 1 pm, and checkout is at 12. The Reserve America website is the place to check availability. Enjoy!!!
Can you swim here looking to hike and swim with my little ones?
You can creek stomp and skip stones by the covered bridge, but there's no swimming in the falls. Signs are posted accordingly, though some grown ups ignore these (I wouldn't).… Read more
Is it dog friendly?
Yes but on a leash. Dog are required to be on a leash in all state parks.
Review Highlights - Devil's Hopyard State Park
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
5 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
2 years ago
7 years ago
15 years ago
14 years ago
15 years ago
Devil's Hopyard State Park - parks - Updated May 2026
Best of East Haddam
People found Devil's Hopyard State Park by searching for…
Hiking in East Haddam, Connecticut
Hiking Trails With Waterfalls in East Haddam, Connecticut
Things to Do in East Haddam, Connecticut
Campgrounds in East Haddam, Connecticut
Scenic Drive in East Haddam, Connecticut
Swimming Holes in East Haddam, Connecticut
River Swimming in East Haddam, Connecticut
Waterfall in East Haddam, Connecticut
Cliff Jumping in East Haddam, Connecticut
Water Parks in East Haddam, Connecticut
Playgrounds in East Haddam, Connecticut
Fishing in East Haddam, Connecticut
Secret Spots in East Haddam, Connecticut
Fishing Spots in East Haddam, Connecticut
Scenic Overlook in East Haddam, Connecticut
Places to Take Pictures in East Haddam, Connecticut
Walking Trails in East Haddam, Connecticut
Parks BBQ Grills in East Haddam, Connecticut
Public Shower in East Haddam, Connecticut
Dog Swimming in East Haddam, Connecticut
Running Trails in East Haddam, Connecticut
Nature in East Haddam, Connecticut
