A scenic autumn path winding through the woods, surrounded by colorful leaves.

River Highlands State Park

Cromwell, CT

The Connecticut River, beautiful from so many locations, is truly at its best here. The bluffs overlooking the river give this park a perspective that is unique among all others in the state park system. Rising 150 feet above the water at their highest in the northern end of the park, the bluffs’ unparalleled up¬- and downstream views offer a more than ample reward for the hike to get there.

This gem on the banks of the Connecticut is one of the state’s four river camping locations and a destination for everyone from mountain bikers to bird-watchers. Dedicated in 2001, this park preserves 177 acres of ecologically important Connecticut River frontage. Tucked into a growing suburban landscape, River Highlands has escaped development to provide a quiet refuge with a wonderful view.

Where once there were farm fields and pastures, the woodlands have taken over and the wetland systems have rebuilt themselves. offering the visitor a true glimpse of the tranquility of the eastern forests. Lush, with mixed woodlands dominated by oak, beech, and white pine, the hilly topography ranges in elevation from about 15 feet above sea level by the river to over 150 feet at the northern and southern high spots on the bluffs.

Views from the Park

A boat glides on water as the sun pierces through the fog at River Highlands State Park.

A group of people on the beach with a canoe, enjoying the sun and the water.

A man enjoying a bike ride on a wooded path in autumn.

Two girls exploring a forest trail on their bikes.

A scenic trail in the woods with vibrant leaves in various colors.

A man riding a bike through the foggy woods at dawn.

A couple affectionately posing in the snowy woods.

A woman with a backpack enjoying nature on a hiking trail.

Two kids in yellow raincoats exploring a rainy forest trail with their family.

A serene river with a kayak gliding through calm waters, surrounded by a misty fog.

Location

113 Field Rd.
Cromwell, CT 06416

Get Directions

Details

Open Daily
(8:00 a.m. – Sunset)

Park Maps

Contact

Main (203) 287-5658

Adult man and young boy walking on a trail

Activities

Overview

Know Before You Go

This park is a designated walk-in facility.
No restrooms
Gravel parking
Park Trails Map

Camping

River Camping

Camp on the banks of the Connecticut River at one of just four state parks with boat-in, boat-out spots along the river.
Open May 1 – September 30th.

Two primitive, riverside campsites with fireplaces and pit toilets
Available for overnight stops by those traveling on the river
Campers must arrive and depart by boat. Vehicle access is not available.
Six-person maximum per site
No mooring or docking facilities
Maximum stay: One day
Daily rate: $5/person/night
River Camping Map

Reserve a Campsite

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

Fishing

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

Hiking

The are many trails in the park to lead the hiker across wooden bridges, over streams, along the 150 foot high bluff, or down to the water’s edge past a unique geologic feature known as the blowhole. Here, one can hear the wind as it whistles past the bluffs. The Native Americans came to listen to the "wind being caught by the spirit of the Earth." When the colonists arrived they called it Devil’s Blowhole, believing it was an act of Satan. Sailors knew it as an area of quick winds, as the park is just upstream of one of the tightest bends on the lower river.

The White Trail (Our hiking top pick!)

1-mile out-and-back
Level of difficult: Moderate
Looking for a short hike that’s big on views? Head out on the White Trail, a moderate, one-mile out-and-back for one of the state’s best views of the Connecticut River. To explore more of the park and add another half mile to your hike, make your way back on the yellow and green trail.
Park Trails Map