Farm River State Park, a Connecticut State Park located near Ansonia, Branford and Bridgeport

FARM RIVER STATE PARK

FARM RIVER STATE PARK
121 Mansfield Grove Road
East Haven, Connecticut 06512

(lat:41.2561 lon:-72.8567)

The Farm River drains parts of Durham, Wallingford and North Branford on its 16.5 mile journey past Farm River State Park to Long Island Sound. The 61 acres that make up the park are situated on the western shoreline perfectly positioned to enjoy the full beauty of the river just before it empties into the Sound.

As recently as the early 1970s, this area of the lower Farm River was dominated by unkempt summer homes. Land was inexpensive and available. Today, the neighborhood consists of luxury condominiums, and the state, in retrospect, was fortunate to obtain this park when it did. In 1998 it was designated as a state park. Despite its size, the park's diversity is remarkable. Snowy egrets feed in the marshland and share the tidal wetlands and rocky shore with a wide variety of ducks, gulls, and the occasional blue heron.

This quiet park has fascinating and picturesque geology. The uplands and bedrock outcrops, especially in the northern section, provide the landscape diversity and the topography that allow tidal marsh flooding to separate the park into its upper and lower portions. The river shoreline and its access points in the southern section provide a quiet and scenic respite not often accessible this close to the coast.

There are two primary access points, and from these the trails are measured in hundreds, not thousands, of feet. But off-trail exploration will lead you to scenic vistas that are definitely worth the walk.

History of the Area

Located in East Haven, Connecticut, the park spans 62 acres. It was established as a state property in 1998. The area is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic views of Long Island Sound. Despite being relatively small compared to other parks, it offers fishing spots and hiking trails.

Passes

Connecticut has made state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more accessible to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer. Under the Passport to the Parks program, parking fees are now eliminated at Connecticut State Parks for those with Connecticut registered vehicles. You can view the CONNECTICUT PASSPORT TO THE PARKS web page to learn more.

Fishing

Nestled along the scenic river, visitors can enjoy saltwater fishing. Common catches include striped bass and bluefish among others.

Location

Farm River State Park is located near Ansonia, Branford and Bridgeport

Nearby Parks

Quinnipiac River State Park

Wharton Brook State Park

West Rock Ridge State Park

Sleeping Giant State Park

Trimountain State Park

Hammonasset State Park

Osborndale State Park

Naugatuck State Forest

Indian Well State Park

Chatfield Hollow State Park

Picnicking

Farm River State Park in Connecticut offers scenic spots for picnicking with views of the river and wooded areas.

Trails

- Main Trail: This is the longest trail in Farm River State Park, spanning 2 miles. It offers scenic views of salt marshes and tidal wetlands.

- Blue Blazed Hiking Trail: A moderate difficulty level hike that stretches for about a mile along the river bank with beautiful water vistas.

- Salt Marsh Loop: An easy half-mile loop around one of Connecticut's most pristine salt marsh ecosystems; great for bird watching or nature photography.

- Woodland Pathway: Short but steep path through dense forest area leading to an elevated viewpoint overlooking Long Island Sound; approximately 0.5 miles long.

- Riverside Walkway: Flat paved pathway suitable for all ages and abilities running parallel to the Farm River offering serene riverside scenes over its quarter-mile length.

- Overlook Point Track : Roughly a third-of-a-miles-long track ending at an overlook point providing panoramic view of Branford Harbor and Thimble Islands from atop cliffside perch

- Tidal Pool Exploration Route : Easy walking route across boardwalks allowing close-up exploration of intertidal zones teeming with marine life during low tide periods ; roughly .25 miles

- Wildlife Observation Spur : Small offshoot trails branching out from main paths designed specifically as vantage points for observing local wildlife like deer, foxes , birds etc .

- Canoe Launch Access Pathways : Several short pathways scattered throughout park giving direct access to canoe launch sites on banks Of farm river .

Things To Do in the Area

CT Bike Tours.Com, LLC - GUILFORD, CT

Family Outting

Our Shoreline Bike Boat Tour is a leisurely paced guided ride along the coast on gently rolling hills. We combine it with a narrated 45 minute boat tour of the lovely Thimble Islands. If you have your own bikes and helmets, bring them. Custom guided rides are also available. Minimum age allowed is 16 yrs. old. The bicycle guide, boat tour, bikes, helmets and refreshments are all provided, all you need is your energy

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DIRECTIONS

8.7 miles from park*

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Area Campgrounds

Riverdale Farm Campsites
111 River Road
Clinton, CT
860-669-5388

Totoket Valley RV Park
244 Foxon Road
North Branford, CT
203-484-0099

Nearby Hotels

Booking.com

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Directions

Directions from New Haven, Connecticut:
- Start on I-91 N.
- Take exit 8 for CT-80 toward North Branford/North Guilford.
- Turn right onto Foxon Rd (signs for East Haven).

From Hartford, Connecticut:
- Get on I84 W/US6W
- Continue to Farmington Ave and take the US5 S/Ellis St Exit from CT15S/Wilbur Cross Pkwy.
- Follow signs towards Wallingford.

From Stamford, Connecticut:
- Begin by getting onto I95N via the ramp to New Heaven/Hartfort.
- After approximately 40 miles merge with Route 34 Westbound in Orange County.