Could the round holes in the falls really be the work of the devil?  Or, just nature and water making their mark for future generations?  Visit Devil's Hopyard and find your own answer to this age-old mystery.

If you like dinosaurs, you'll love our 200 million-year-old fossil trackway, interactive exhibits and the chance to cast your own dinosaur footprint to take home.

Bird Watching, Car-top Boating, Fishing, Picnicking

Hiking, Letterboxing , Additional Recreational Trail Use Information

Embodying the history of transportation in Connecticut, the Farmington Canal Greenway preserves one of Connecticut's oldest and most important transportation routes. In 1828, a 56-mile canal that began at Long Wharf in New Haven and exited the state at the notch near the Congamond Ponds on the northern border was opened to aid Connecticut's transportation industry. Eventually the shareholders sold their venture to the booming railroad industry. After over 100 years of trains passing through each day making it one of the Northeast's busiest links, the route fell into disuse when the railroads met their demise as a profitable form of transportation. A 5.6 mile section was eventually designated a greenway which is how the Farmington Canal Greenway exists today. In addition to the rich history of the site, exciting recreation opportunities exist. The fact that motor vehicles aren't allowed on this greenway allows for all types of activities without the fear of cars. Because of the paved surface and distance from automobile traffic, bicycling is the highlight of this location; although inline skaters and joggers enjoy the greenway as well.

Farm River State Park may not rank high on the list of parks by size but it is well placed when ranked by location. Taking its headwaters to the northeast, the Farm River flows 16.5 miles on its way past the Park where visitors enjoy the sun, sights and salt air of Long Island Sound.

Add a touch of reality to your Revolutionary War history lesson with a visit to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, site of the 1781 massacre led by the traitorous Benedict Arnold.

Get an interactive history lesson at the visitor's center, or just walk the Fort and ramparts for a view of the Thames River, a visit to Fort Trumbull has something for everyone including a boardwalk and fishing pier.

Gardner Lake State Park is one of Connecticut’s small but important park locations in the southeastern part of the state. At only nine and three quarter acres, this park principally provides boating and recreational access to the 528 acre Gardner Lake.

Gay City State Park offers a glimpse into Connecticut's industrial roots with over 1500 acres of endless opportunities for outdoor fun including the exploration of extinct mill-town ruins and stone foundations.

George Waldo State Park enjoys 150 acres of undeveloped, topographically diverse land in southwest Connecticut. A trail of about 7/10 mile leads from Purchase Brook Road to the shore of Lake Lillinonah, drops 140 feet across its length and passes through mixed deciduous and coniferous total forest cover to the water's edge. Look for wetlands by the trailhead and stone walls away from the trail.

Immerse yourself in George Dudley Seymour’s personal dream of large scale land protection. Mr. Seymour and his foundation contributed to the protection of eight state parks and one state forest. This park, which bears his name, protects a valuable mile of Connecticut River frontage and a significant grassland habitat along the river.

It looks like a medieval fortress, but a step inside the stone castle reveals the built-in couches, table trackway, and woodcarvings that all point to the creative genius that was William Gillette.

Bird Watching, Boating, Fishing

Haddam Meadows State Park overlooks the scenic Connecticut River and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking

The park has been preserved as open space and is used for passive recreational purposes.  A 0.8 mile bike trail winds its way through the scenic old shoreline farm.  The Haley Farm Bike Trail, which is wheelchair accessible, is part of a 7 1/2 mile town-owned bikeway routed from Mystic to Groton on local roadways.

A visit to Hammonasset Beach State Park, is more than just another day at the beach.  Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers over 2 miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just relaxing in the sun and surf.

Enjoy the panoramic views of Long Island Sound from Eolia, the elegant summer mansion of the Harkness family set on over 230 seaside acres of sweeping lawns, with stately trees and spectacular gardens.

Travel the twisting mountain road or hike the rugged trail to the top, either way you will be astounded at the beauty of mountain laurel in June and the spectacular colors of foliage in the fall.

Boating (car top), Fishing, Hiking, Hunting

Fishing, Hiking

Visitors can fish, swim or camp on the serene shores of Hopeville Pond. The site, which once boasted several successful mill operations, offers a fine mix of quality recreation and local history.

This former railroad line is now a trail that runs 20 miles and winds its way through the towns of Manchester, Vernon, Bolton, Coventry, Andover, and Columbia.  Please be cautious: there are remains of railroad bridges along this trail as well as occasional drainage trenching along trail edges. In 1987 Hop River was designated as a state park.

Walk-In Park (Undeveloped)

Camping under the tall pines on the riverbank at Housatonic Meadows evokes a genuine back-to-nature feeling. The clear, cold river water also provides a fine opportunity for fly fishermen to test their skills on trout and bass.