Hurd State Park Is an Underrated Connecticut Park That Will Surprise You This Fall

Serene and picturesque, Hurd State Park's 1,000 acres along the Connecticut River are massively impressive, filled with scenery and adventure in a small Connecticut town. While not as popular as Rock Neck or Devil's Hopyard State Parks, this park in East Hampton is one you should not overlook, especially in the fall. With its steep hillside covered in a forest of oak, maple, and beech trees along the river's banks, the park will be putting on a stunning, colorful display of peak fall colors this year.

East Hampton is a small town of fewer than 3,200 residents in Middlesex County, and as a small town, you may not have known that it's home to Hurd State Park. This stunning park is situated on the east bank of the Connecticut River, a portion of which flows through town. While Hurd is popular among small boat owners, it's overshadowed by more popular state parks nearby, including Gilette Castle State Park with its old stone castle and fascinating attributes, and Devil's Hopyard State Park, where you'll find a 60-foot waterfall and caves. While the popular parks are always worth visiting for any outdoor adventurer, so are the smaller, lesser-known parks.

While somewhat small in size, Hurd State Park offers gorgeous river views and spectacular fall foliage. The best way to explore the area is either on the river or on a trail. If you decide to boat, there's nothing quite like the views you'll see from the water, framed by the hills with the vibrant earthy tones of fall. Plus, the contrast between the autumnal hues and the water is quite striking!

Hiking and mountain biking will give a different vantage point, especially if you take the trail to Split Rock Vista for a panorama of the Connecticut River Valley awash with crimson and gold tones, one of the many reasons we love this season so much.

Because Hurd State Park is such a hidden gem, you'll encounter fewer people, which means more quiet and solitude for you. If you don't feel like hiking or biking, there are plenty of picnic areas where you can sit and enjoy a meal while surrounded by fall foliage. Doesn't that sound lovely?

If you have yet to explore Hurd State Park in East Hampton, we think you'll enjoy a visit to go for a hike or a boat ride to view the vibrant foliage this fall. For a trail map and a list of activities at Hurd State Park, visit the Connecticut Parks website. The same day you're visiting Hurd State Park, you should also visit neighboring George Dudley Seymour State Park and Haddam Meadows State Park, two more underrated state parks in Connecticut that offer gorgeous views and solitude if that's what you're seeking.

And if you're wondering what else to do during this season, check out our Ultimate Guide to Fall Activities and Attractions in Connecticut. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own leaf-peeping adventures in Connecticut using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.