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

Hurd State Park

East Hampton, CT

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!

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

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.

2025 Season: Opens Thursday, May 1 and closes Tuesday, September 30 at noon
2026 Season: Opens Friday, May 1 and closes Wednesday, 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