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    Devil's Hopyard State Park

    4.5 (53 reviews)

    Devil's Hopyard State Park Photos

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    Jennifer R.

    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.

    Mayra L.

    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.

    The white "mist" you see is the water flowing under the snow and ice....
    Carlos D.

    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

    Ryan A.

    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.

    Beautiful foliage can be seen through out the park. Photo: 10/2023

    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.

    Lovely shade, moderate canopy.
    Kelly H.

    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)

    Crystal L.

    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!!

    Susan R.

    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.

    Rei M.

    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.

    Sammi M.

    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.

    Chapman Falls.
    Antonio D.

    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.

    Alexis H.

    What a gorgeous place! I stopped to check it out because I was driving near one day but I definitely will be back to go hiking! The waterfall was beautiful and so relaxing to just sit there for a while!

    Awesome waterfalls just a short walk away from the campsites.
    Freesia S.

    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.

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    6 years ago

    This is such a beautiful spot to explore on a hot summer day! I love putting my feet in the running water of the waterfall

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    12 years ago

    Nice park. Not too challenging. Lots of families. Got to try out my new trekking poles. We'll come back when we're in the area.

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    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.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Devil's Hopyard State Park

    There is a covered bridge not too far from there and that's where you can begin your hike to the Vista.

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    Gillette Castle State Park - The Kitchen

    Gillette Castle State Park

    4.4(123 reviews)
    6.4 mi

    Gillette Castle is a historic home and museum that was built in East Haddam, Connecticut in 1919…read more It was the home of the late American stage actor and playwright William Gillette. He is most well-known for portraying the famous literary character Sherlock Holmes: a role he assumed more than 1,300 times on stage, once in a silent film, and twice on the radio. Gillette's use of the deerstalker cap and calabash pipe became enduring symbols of the character. He had planned to build a retirement home in Long Island, but changed his mind when he saw the Seven Sisters cliffs while traversing the Connecticut River in his houseboat, Aunt Polly. He chose this location for his "castle", which he designed himself and dubbed "Seventh Sister". Taking nearly five years to complete, the 14,000-sq-ft castle featured a 3-story-plus-tower and 24 rooms. Gillette also built a 3-mile-long narrow gauge railroad around the property, which he was particularly fond of. Notable celebrities of the early 20th century visited the home, including Albert Einstein, Helen Hayes, and Charlie Chaplin. Gillette passed away in 1937 at the age of 83. The State of Connecticut purchased the property in 1943 and dubbed it "Gillette Castle". Today the residence and surrounding park receive 350,000 visitors annually. Every holiday season, the Friends of Gillette Castle volunteer organization decorate the castle and the grounds with festive Christmas decorations. Visitors can tour the massive home in all of its holiday splendor. My family and I loved exploring the interior of the castle. The gorgeous rooms are even more beautiful with all of the Christmas trees, wreaths, ornaments, nutcrackers and other various holiday accents. Of course, there were quite a few Sherlock Holmes artifacts scattered around as well. Mrs. Claus was also in attendance distributing cups of hot apple cider to visitors. We also really liked seeing the miniature locomotives at the Visitors' Center: some of the only remaining relics of Mr. Gillette's cherished miniature railroad.

    Beautiful drive here this morning from Hartford to East Haddam, CT. It's late in the autumnal…read moreseason but still plenty of fall foliage in yellows oranges and reds to admire. We unfortunately could not visit the visitor's center or the inside of the castle because they are closed after early October for redecorating the interior for the winter holiday season. We explored the grounds along two nicely up-kept trails down to the Connecticut River's edge, with more deciduous trees as well as evergreens giving beautiful shade. It must be gorgeous when it snows here. If you're visiting there are several pretty areas with benches, perfect for a picnic.

    Photos
    Gillette Castle State Park
    Gillette Castle State Park - Exhibit at the Visitors' Center

    Exhibit at the Visitors' Center

    Gillette Castle State Park - Cider Depot

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    Cider Depot

    Machimoodus State Park

    Machimoodus State Park

    4.1(7 reviews)
    7.3 mi

    Having read much about the mysterious Moodus noises, my curiosity lead me here on a surprisingly…read morecool morning, with hiking boots on my feet, and a day pack on my back. There was entrance fee, and plenty of parking; so, it seemed I was off to a good start. I chose to hike the upper vista "trail" in the beginning, making my way back via the lower vista trail. You'll notice that "trail" is in parenthesis, for the reason that this is not a trail at all; it's a dirt road. That in itself would prevent any hiking area from receiving a a five, or even a four, star rating from me. In any event, it was a moderately steep ascent; but, not so much that I felt the need to stop for a rest. There was an adequate forrest canopy, providing plenty of shade. The forrest had the appearance of being dense on each side; but alas, the constant sound of traffic let me know better. Another star gone Upon reaching the summit, I noticed a number of picnic tables and benches. Although this area seemed well maintained, the view of the Connecticut river below was partially obscured by rather tall fauna. Continuing on, I immediately found myself descending on the lower vista trail, which, at this juncture, is as advertised, indeed being a narrow, winding trail. To my dismay, I noted several improvised footpaths, clearly made in attempt to avoid zig zag patterned descent. The descent itself was all to short; and, I again found myself on the lower fork of that same dirt road. All in all, it felt as if it took longer to drive there then it took to hike the main loop, leaving me to ponder whether or not I should have brought my fishing poll, instead. To extend the hike, chose to branch off the main trail, on to the yellw, then blue, to make a wider loop. At one point, I glanced a rooftop through the trees wondering if that was part of once abandoned town of Johnsonville, that I been told was visible from the trail. Maybe it was; maybe, it wasn't. All in all, this was a pleasant, but unremarkable, hike. If your kids are in reasonably good shape, this is a great place to bring them. Your dog is welcomed as well; in fact, I jokingly commented one fellow hiker that felt out place, not having brought a dog of my own. But wait! You say. The mysterious noise! Did you hear it? Well, at one point I did hear what sounded like the roar of a Civil War reenactment cannon. Unfortunately, that sounds a lot like the sound of a dumpster lid slamming against a garbage truck as it's lifted from the ground; and given the constant sound of traffic, I'd say either is plausible.

    Maybe this is just me, but I don't feel the entrance is clearly marked from the road. There is an…read moreentrance and an exit sign, but I was looking for a state park sign and plum drove right past it the first go-round. But I made it... Parking lot is a good size, and there was a porta potty on the far side. Now, when you're in the parking lot, there is a trail to the left ambling downward, and a trail going up that leads to a paved parking lot with a few creepy boarded up houses, paved parking lot, and (at the time) a bunch of cherry pickers. It used to be a SOMETHING because there are overgrown basketball courts to be seen. This is not part of the park, although a friendly native let us know how to pick up a trail back into the park. Moral of our story - when you're in the parking lot, pick the trail ambling down, not up. Once you're in the actual park and not a mile out of your way, it's lovely. The trails are well maintained, lots of signage about how far you are from what lookout and the parking lot. There are also cute little fairy doors and elements, surely a magical place! I didn't see any picnic benches, but if you bring a blanket the lower overlook is very picnic worthy!

    Photos
    Machimoodus State Park - At the summit

    At the summit

    Machimoodus State Park - Don't step on the orange fungi

    Don't step on the orange fungi

    Machimoodus State Park

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    Fort Saybrook Monument Park

    Fort Saybrook Monument Park

    4.2(5 reviews)
    13.9 mi

    "When she's walking by the river and the railway line She…read morecan still hear him whisper Let's go down to the waterline" (Dire Straits) Fort Saybrook Monument Park, mild January weather, and the adjacent waterfront combined to give us a wonderful time in Old Saybrook. The Park has a boardwalk and quite a few historical displays on the development, early industry and railroad heritage of the Saybrook Colony. You'll see some displays dedicated to Dutch explorer Adrian Block, one of the earliest European visitors to the area. Another display covers the Peqot War of 1636-38 when colonists from the Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Saybrook colonies and allies from the Narragansett and Mohegan tribes joined forces to rout the Pequot tribe. As you head to the waterfront, there's a concrete path that takes you toward the marina and gorgeous Saybrook Point Resort. Check out the hand carved railroad tie poles along the marina! Walk in the other direction and you'll see a miniature golf course and a wood landing with some great photo opportunities to see some seagulls up close and personal, but be careful of the wood platform because some of the boards are missing and others are in disrepair and a state of failure. A boardwalk takes you over some marshland for nice photo opportunities and you can read about the fish and wildlife in the marsh. All in all, the Park and waterfront gave us a very enjoyable few hours to meander around, learn a few things, and enjoy the scenery.

    Great park in Old Saybrook! Stopped by for a quick walk in the park with a friend and her baby. We…read moreloved the shady wooden pathway that looked over the marsh. We also loved the benches that overlook the water! My only complaint is I wish it were cleaner - lots of scattered trash all around, bummer!

    Photos
    Fort Saybrook Monument Park
    Fort Saybrook Monument Park
    Fort Saybrook Monument Park - Restaurant mural

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    Restaurant mural

    Devil's Hopyard State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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