A serene body of water and trees seen from a rocky hillside.

Farm River State Park

East Haven, CT

Farm River State Park may not rank high on the list of parks in terms of size, but its location more than makes up for its stature. The park sits on the western shoreline of the Farm River estuary, the last stop of its 16.5-mile journey before it empties into Long Island Sound—perfectly positioned to enjoy sun, sights, and salt air. The park is especially popular with hikers exploring its scenic vistas by land, and kayakers taking in its beauty from a different vantage point.

The park’s unique coastal marine environment and adjacent woodland attract a remarkable array of flora and fauna. 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.

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. It was designated as a state park in 1998.

Views from the Park
A woman in a yellow kayak floating on the water.
A bird perched on a branch near water.
Woman sitting on grass next to dog, enjoying a sunset outdoors.
Scenic view of calm water under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
A deer strolling on a forest trail.
An adorable dog enjoying the evening on the grass under the setting sun.
A vibrant purple flower blossoming amidst the lush green leaves of the forest.
A brindle dog happily strolls on a woodland trail, surrounded by trees.
A foggy dirt road surrounded by trees and grass.
Location

150 Short Beach Road
East Haven, CT 06512

Get Directions

Details

Open Daily
(8:00 a.m. – Sunset)

Park Maps
Contact

Main (203) 287-5658

Scenic view of calm water under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Activities

Overview

Know Before You Go

Boating

Kayaking/Canoeing

Boat Launch and Dock Rental:

DEEP has a contract with a marina concessionaire to manage dock rentals and boat launch access. For dock and boat launch questions, please connect with them directly at (860) 333-9003 or farmrivermarina@gmail.com.
 

Fishing

Before heading out, be sure to check the latest conditions and fishing regulations.

Hiking

Maps

Farm River Self-Guided Nature Trail

  • 1-mile self-guided nature trail
  • Degree of difficulty: Easy, but some of the overviews end in a steep cliff, so be careful!
  • Walk the short, ¼-mile park access trail to reach the trailhead, where the trail joins the Brown Access Road. At this point, turn to the right and follow the Brown Access Road to begin your walk through the park’s unique environment.
  • Self-Guided Nature Trail Guide

Please note: We recommend hiking this trail during low tide conditions.
 

Nature

Birding

Situated where the Farm River meets the Long Island Sound, the park’s coastal marine environment is a magnet for birds—and birders. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the following in the forest, salt marsh, or tidal mud flats of the park:

Picnicking

Additional Park Info

Fees

Free

Fee applies for seasonal Community Boating Program pass for marina access

Accessibility

N/A

Pets

Yes, on leash

A deer strolling on a forest trail.
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