People riding horses into the woods in fall (Flickr@terrywildstock)

Hurd State Park

East Hampton, CT

Situated in the town of East Hampton on the east bank of the Connecticut River, Hurd State Park has grown to almost 1,000 acres and is especially popular with small boat owners, who recognize the park by its landmark "split rock" towering above the trees.

Hurd State Park offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Canoe or kayak in and camp along the riverbank for scenic views of the Connecticut River. The trails at Hurd State Park are enjoyed by cross-country skiers, mountain bikers and hikers alike!

Fun fact: 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 court decision fortunately favored the state and averted the possible desolation of some 130 acres of land!

Views from the Park

A woman mountain biking in the woods (Instagram@brooksinct)

Two people snowshoeing through the woods in snow with blue sky (Instagram@mikevonct)

a crane standing in the water at the edge of a lake (Instagram@fotolga_)

$A bicycle with basket parked in the woods (Instagram@fotolg_\)$

A bike parked on peak overlooking trees and water (Instagram@shanegkins)

A closeup of white flowers in the spring (Instagram@kristenlew02_0)

A woman standing on rocks looking at the sun setting over the water (Instagram@fotolga_)

Rocks and trees atop a mountain overlooking beautiful landscape (Instagram@heyitsmeav)

People by the waterside as someone is jetskiing in the distance (Instagram@chandler__anderson)

Location

74 Hurd Park Road
East Hampton, CT 06424

Get Directions

Details

Open Daily
(8:00 a.m. – Sunset)

Gates closed after the first snow/re-opens in Spring. Winter parking available.

Park Maps

Contact

Main (860) 295-9523

Activities

Overview

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Buses seating more than 30 passengers are not allowed at this park
Trail Map
Trail Map - Mobile
River Camping

Boating

Know Before you Go

Boating and Paddling

Camping

Hurd State Park offers two unique camping options - a dedicated campsite for qualifying youth group organizations, or a campsite right on the banks of the Connecticut River for those traveling on the water via kayak or canoe.

HURD STATE PARK RIVER CAMPING

Camp on the banks of the Connecticut River at one of just four state parks with boat-in, boat-out spots access.

2026 Season: Opens Friday, May 1 and closes Wednesday, September 30 at noon

2027 Season: Opens Friday, May 1 and closes Thursday, September 30 at noon

River Camping Map

One primitive, riverside campsite with fireplace and pit toilet
Available for overnight stops by those traveling on the river
Campers must arrive and depart by boat (canoe or kayak only). Vehicle access is not available.
12-person maximum
Maximum stay: 1 day
Daily Rate: $5/person/night

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

No mooring or docking facilities
No pets allowed
Camping in Connecticut State Parks and Forests
Connecticut River Paddler’s Trail

RESERVE RIVER CAMPSITE

Online: Visit Reserve America
By phone: 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)

HURD STATE PARK YOUTH GROUP CAMPING

One site available, accommodates up to 40 campers
Open to qualified youth groups only
Advance reservations are required
Youth Group Camping

Fishing

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

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

Hiking

Historic

Nature

Picnicking

Winter

Geology

The landmark "split rock" geologic formation is located along the orange trail. Towering above the trees, the split rock is a large split erratic in a small clearing near the overlook of the trail. Hurd State Park also has preserved feldspar mining sites along the ridges, from when feldspar was once heavily sought after in this area.