Hurd State Park

Canoe or kayak in and camp along the riverbank. Head over after the snow falls to cross-country ski through the fresh powder. Cruise down singletrack, doubletrack, and sliprock trails in the park’s impressive trail network — a favorite for mountain bikers. Or pack up some sandwiches and salads and watch the boats sail by. Whatever type of recreation you go for, when you’re here, you’ll be surrounded by nature and scenic views of the Connecticut River.

Situated in the town of East Hampton on the east bank of the river, the 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.

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!