5 National & State Parks In Connecticut You Have To Visit

Connecticut may be the third smallest state in America, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in the diversity of its national and state parks. From the rugged hills of the Litchfield region to the sandy shores of Long Island Sound, the “Constitution State” actually boasts parks that preserve stunning landscapes, as well as some of the state’s most significant historic and cultural landmarks.

Together, these areas of exceptional public spaces provide endless excuses to explore New England's natural and cultural heritage. So whether you're seeking adventure or a little peace, these five parks represent the very best things to see and do in beautiful Connecticut.

Devil's Hopyard State Park

Chapman Falls, the centerpiece of Devil's Hopyard State Park, is undoubtedly one of the most attractive natural settings in Connecticut. Plunging more than 60 feet over a series of step-like schist stone formations, it’s one of the state’s most popular natural attractions. Named after the perfectly cylindrical potholes located near the falls, which early settlers believed were the Devil's hoofprints, these fascinating features are, in fact, the result of trapped spinning stones that, over time, wore depressions into the rock over millennia.

Eightmile River, designated a National Wild and Scenic River by the U.S. Forest Service, is great for trout fishing and is easily accessible at various points around the park. For hikers, six trail loops of varying difficulty wind through its 1,000 acres. One of the best, the Orange Vista Trail, leads to a cliff overlook situated around 175 feet above the river valley. The trail to Devil's Oven, a narrow fracture in the sulfidic schist and gneiss rock face, is better suited to adventurous hikers.

Spring (April-May) is an excellent time to visit, as snowmelt creates a powerful flow of water over the falls. Autumn is also optimal for the park’s stunning fall foliage.

Hammonasset Beach State Park

Here’s one for all you beach fans: Hammonasset Beach State Park. Connecticut's largest shoreline park, this popular spot stretches along two miles of sandy beach on Long Island Sound, offering a range of activities, including swimming, fishing, strolling along the boardwalk, or simply relaxing and taking in the stunning views. In addition to its beach, this 936-acre park is a significant ecological site due to its salt marshes and wetlands.

The park is also home to Connecticut's largest campground, with 550 sites, plus eight charming cabins for those who want an actual roof over their heads. The Meigs Point Nature Center is a must-visit destination, offering educational programs and activities such as guided nature walks and marine life talks. Better still, bring a kayak or canoe and get out on the water and search for coastal wildlife such as herons and egrets.

The summer months are ideal for swimming and beach activities, while early fall brings smaller crowds. Whatever time of year you visit, stick around for high tide at Meigs Point to experience the park's famous "singing beach" when thousands of tiny shells create a unique chorus of sounds as they knock together.

Gillette Castle State Park

Set 200 feet above the Connecticut River on the southernmost of the Seven Sisters hills, Gillette Castle State Park is definitely one of New England’s more unusual attractions. Designed to resemble a medieval-style fortress, it was completed in 1919 by actor William Gillette, who’d made his fortune portraying Sherlock Holmes on stage. And it’s certainly impressive in scale. Featuring 24 rooms and 14,000 square feet of fieldstone and wood, Gillette oversaw every aspect of the property’s design from the hand-carved wooden doors to its built-in couches.

It's as much fun exploring the castle grounds, too. Trails follow the railroad bed where Gillette once operated his own narrow-gauge railway, winding through hemlock forests and along ridges boasting excellent views of the Connecticut River Valley. The Grand Central Station pavilion, the original train station, now serves as a scenic picnic area with river views.

Guided castle tours are available; however, advance ticket purchase is recommended, as this unique spot can get busy. A self-guided tour takes around an hour and is another excellent way to discover the unique features, such as the secret passages and trick locks, that Gillette incorporated throughout the home. For a truly memorable experience, arrive via the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry. Operating since 1769, this scenic approach is available from April through November.

From late May to early October, the castle interior is open for tours. Fall foliage truly sets this landmark apart as a must-visit destination during leaf-peeping season.

Kent Falls State Park

If you’re a fan of pretty waterfalls, Kent Falls State Park is another Connecticut park you have to visit. Gradually dropping 250 feet down to the Housatonic River, the main fall itself plunges 70 feet in a dramatic cascade that’s especially attractive during the fall. That said, though the cascade remains dramatic year-round, flows are at their peak during the spring thaw.

Be prepared for a bit of climbing, though, as stone stairs wind a quarter-mile alongside the falls for some of the best vantage points. An ADA-accessible paved path, however, leads from the covered bridge through the picnic area to the base of the falls. For a more adventurous hike, the North Ridge Trail provides an alternate route along the opposite side of Falls Brook to the top of the cascade. And as one of Connecticut's best spots for trout fishing, the waters below the falls will have you catching brown and rainbow trout in no time.

Late September through early November is perfect for fall foliage, while in winter, the frozen falls create spectacular ice formations that draw photographers.

Weir Farm National Historical Park

The country’s only National Park dedicated to America’s Impressionist art movement, Weir Farm National Historic Site, is worth visiting. Set on the 60-acre farm where J. Alden Weir, father of American Impressionism, lived and painted from 1882 to 1919. The property has inspired three generations of artists, including Weir's frequent visitors Childe Hassam, Albert Pinkham Ryder, John Twachtman, and John Singer Sargent.

Today, you can visit Weir House, two historic art studios, gardens, and trails to Weir Pond, where you can experience the same landscapes that inspired many masterpieces of American art. Guided tours of Weir House are available and feature original furnishings and artifacts, as well as Weir’s studios, restored to their original early 20th-century appearance.

In addition to checking out the visitor center with its changing exhibitions and art supplies shop, wander through the historic gardens where you can even enjoy a yoga session.

Arrive May through October when the attraction’s buildings are open for tours, with fall colors peaking from September to October.

Connecticut's national and state parks are ideal destinations for those seeking a fun day trip or even a more extended weekend getaway. Each provides unique experiences and sightseeing experiences, whether it’s witnessing the spectacular waterfalls at Kent Falls and Devil's Hopyard, or soaking up the sun at Hammonasset Beach. Whatever you enjoy doing most, these parks provide an interesting taste of New England that’s within easy reach of major metropolitan areas.