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Connecticut
7

Connecticut State Parks

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USA Parks
Connecticut
River Valley Region
Hurd State Park
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Hurd State Park Split Rock Outlook © Gary Jordan
View from Split Rock
Hurd State Park Split Rock Outlook © Gary Jordan
View from Split Rock
Hurd State Park Split Rock Outlook © Gary Jordan
View from Split Rock
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HURD STATE PARK
HURD STATE PARK
67 River Road
East Haddam, Connecticut   06423

Phone: 860-526-2336
Toll Free: 866-287-2757
Email: park email button icon
Visit Hurd State Park and enjoy scenic views of the Connecticut River while surrounded by nature.
History of the Area
In 1914, only one year after the establishment of a State Park Commission, the state purchased 150 acres of the present Hurd Park as part of an initiative to obtain land for public use along the Connecticut River. Situated in the town of East Hampton on the east bank of the river, the park has grown to almost 1000 acres and is especially popular with small boat owners. Many of these boaters recognize the park by its landmark "split rock" towering above the trees.

In the granite ledges of the split rock are veins of feldspar which was once mined extensively in Connecticut. Shortly after its acquisition, Hurd became the focus of legal action to determine the ownership of mining privileges at the park. The resulting court decision fortunately favored the State and averted the possible desolation of some 130 acres of land.

The park is named after the Hurd family, which came to the Middle Haddam region from Massachusetts in 1710 and settled on the level bench of land high above the river.
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.
Camping
Three boat camping areas along the Connecticut River at Hurd, Gillette Castle and Selden Neck State Parks are managed by the Department of Environmental Protection for your enjoyment. The campsites are available from May 1 through September 30 exclusively for overnight stops by those traveling on the river.
Nearby Accommodations
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BBs / Inns
Located along the CT Shoreline midway between New York City and Boston, and only one hour from Hartford, with tons of local attractions both on the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River.
12.7 miles from park*



Trails
- Main Loop Trail: A 3.5-mile trail that circles the park, offering a moderate hike with varied terrain and beautiful views of the Connecticut River.

- Yellow Blaze Trail: This is an easy to moderately difficult 2 mile loop featuring wildflowers in spring and summer months.

- Red Dot Trail: An offshoot from the main loop, this steep half-mile climb leads hikers up to scenic overlooks on Split Rock Vista for panoramic river valley views.

- Blue Blazed Mattabesett Hiking Pathway (part): Part of a longer state-wide system stretching over 50 miles; it passes through Hurd State Park providing challenging hikes across rocky ridges and dense forest areas.

- White Circle Connector Trails : These are short trails connecting different parts of other major trails within the park allowing more customized hiking experiences based on individual preferences or abilities.

- Orange Triangle Accessible Nature Walk : Located near picnic area at base campsite, this flat .25 mile walk offers interpretive signs about local flora/fauna making it perfect for families/individuals seeking less strenuous activity.

- Green Square Riverside Walking Track : Easy one mile track running parallel to Connecticut River's edge giving serene water view throughout its length ideal for casual walks or bird watching activities .

-Purple Diamond Overlook Spur: Short but steep quarter-mile spur leading directly towards grand vista point overlooking vast expanse of surrounding landscape including sparkling waters below - suitable only if prepared for uphill trekking experience .

-Brown Hexagon Picnic Area Linkage Paths : Multiple small paths linking various picnic spots scattered around central part enabling convenient access between them without needing long detours via regular tracks
Things To Do in the Area
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Boating
Explore the Connecticut River aboard the R/V River Quest, an environmentally friendly 64', 60 passenger vessel docked at Eagle Landing State Park, Haddam, CT.
3.7 miles from park*

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
December 30 Nice river views by Marlbough Guy
park review stars; one to five This park offers picnic areas and hiking trails to the rivers edge or to a nice overlook of the river. I love to climb the large erradic boulder on the top of the overlook. Watch the little ones around the actual split rock!
September 6 A good surprise by Megan
park review stars; one to five So many different views while traveling through the park. Easy hike down to the river. Worth multiple visits.
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Area Campgrounds
Riverdale Farm Campsites
111 River Road
Clinton, CT
860-669-5388
Nelson's Family Campground
71 Mott Hill Road
East Hampton, CT
860-267-5300
Nelson's Family Campground
71 Mott Hill Road
E. Hampton, CT
Wolf's Den Campground
256 Town Street
East Haddam, CT
860-873-9681
Markham Meadows Campground
7 Markham Road
East Hampton, CT
860-267-9738
Salem Farms Campground
39 Alexander Road
Salem, CT
860-859-2320
Witch Meadow Lake Campground
139 Witch Meadow Road
Salem, CT
860-859-1542
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From the North: I-91 south. Take Exit 20 (left exit) onto Route 9. Take a right onto Route 66 and follow Route 66. Take a right onto Route 151. Hurd State Park is on the right.

From the South: I-95 north. Take Exit 69 onto Route 9 north. Take Exit 7 and proceed on Route 82 across the East Haddam Bridge. Continue on Route 82 and take a left onto Route 151. Follow Route 151. Hurd State Park is on the left.

From the East: I-395 South to Route 2. Follow Route 2 west to Route 16. Follow Route 16 west to Cobalt. Take a left onto Route 151. Follow Route 151. Hurd State Park is on the right.

From the West: I-84 east. Take Exit 27 onto I-691. Follow I-691, which becomes Route 66. From Route 66 take a right onto Route 151. Hurd State Park is on the right.

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Connecticut
7

Connecticut State Parks

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