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Devil's Hopyard
Overview
Devil's Hopyard State Park offers a quintessential New England woodland experience for travelers seeking a break from the modern world. Centered around the impressive Chapman Falls, which drops 60 feet over a series of stone steps, this park spans over 1,000 acres of lush, mysterious forest. For RVers, this is a retreat into nature where the sound of rushing water and rustling leaves replaces highway noise. The park is steeped in local folklore, including legends of the devil playing his fiddle atop the falls, adding a unique sense of place to your stay.
Location & Surroundings
Tucked away in the scenic town of East Haddam, Connecticut, the park is situated within the protected Eightmile River watershed. The surroundings are characterized by steep ridges, historic stone walls, and the winding river. It is a peaceful, rural setting that feels deeply secluded despite being within a reasonable drive of the Connecticut River Valley. The area is dense with hemlock and hardwood forests, providing a cool canopy that makes the park a refreshing destination during the humid summer months.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Devil's Hopyard is intentionally rustic and primitive, making it ideal for those who prefer a traditional camping experience. There are approximately 20 campsites available within the park. While you will not find electric or water hookups, the park provides wooded sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. Access to clean drinking water is provided via hand pumps located within the camping area. The simplicity of the facilities ensures that the focus remains entirely on the natural beauty of the environment.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for visitors is the series of scenic hiking trails that cover over 15 miles, ranging from easy riverside walks to more strenuous climbs. Hikers can discover the unique "pot holes" in the rocks near the falls, which were formed by stones swirling in the current. Just a short drive from the park, you can visit the eccentric Gillette Castle State Park or enjoy a professional stage production at the famous Goodspeed Opera House, located on the banks of the Connecticut River in downtown East Haddam.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is a perfect match for nature lovers and bird watchers who appreciate a quiet, low-tech environment. Because the sites are smaller and lack modern hookups, it is best suited for small RVs, camper vans, or tent trailers rather than large class A motorhomes. If your travel style focuses on photography, fishing for brook trout, and exploring rugged trails in a serene forest setting, this Connecticut gem provides a peaceful sanctuary away from more crowded commercial resorts.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Donna Ferrigno
Devil's Hopyard is a beautiful state park with many trails. Pick the one best suited for your level before you walk. The orange trail was definitely a vigorous hike. Begin and end with the sights and sounds of the falls... tranquility at its best.
C. L. McLaughlin
Beautiful little park, no rangers or visitor center, no bathrooms other than 1 Porta potty. QR code you have to scan for trails and the map doesn't provide info on trail difficulty or length.
S Nahr
Challenging hike. Orange loop and vista. There are lots of stones and roots and some challenging uphill climbs but excellent views and beautiful tree lined trails. We went earlier in the morning to avoid large crowds, and it was very serene.
Ladyin NY
We parked next to the water fall. The trail to the fall was short but steep. I was able to get to the waterfall with a walking stick. I saw quite a few people swim there. Some climbed up to the fall too. The water is not that clean though. Because there is a camp ground in the upstream... We also checked out the tidy covered bridge. Other than that not much to see. The toilet was terribly smelly 😣😣😣
Marisa Balletti-Lavoie
Next stop on our Connecticut Waterfall Road Trip: Chapman Falls at Devil’s Hopyard State Park! These gorgeous falls cascade over unique rock formations with a steady, powerful flow. The hike down to the base (and back up again) is a solid 7 out of 10 for difficulty, but absolutely worth it for the views and the experience. Bonus fun? Local legend says the oddly shaped potholes in the rock were formed by the devil himself—his hoofprints scorched into stone as he fled the area. Spooky? Maybe. Beautiful? Definitely. Another gem in our one-day, seven-falls adventure!
Aramis Martinez
Very pretty area. Big waterfall and nice ambience. Picnic tables and outdoor stoves.
Zachary MacDonald
One of the best parks in the state of CT. The vista trail has been a place for friends and I to visit since I was a child. The other half of the park has small caves and a honeycomb of trails. You really can’t go wrong here. There’s even a waterfall. If you’re in CT you should stop here.
Richard L
I grew up in these woods. My parents house borders the property. I love it here. I woke up early went for a coffee and brought my dog for a morning sunrise hike. If your looking for peace and quiet you can find it here.
Joshua Lamb
Awesome hike and awesome waterfall. Anyone can walk to the waterfall with little effort. There are several large parking areas and plenty of parking. Park was well kept in the fall. Not a drop of trash. I can’t wait to come back when the water level is higher. I hear the waterfall can really get roaring. Hikes were all awesome. We did the orange trail. A very small rock climbing area is required so if you don’t have the knees then you should skip the hike. -Kid friendly (brought our 7 year old) -Pet friendly (saw lots of dogs) -Budget friendly (free in state parking as usual) -Great nearby activities including gilette castle! -Great view at the end of the mountains. (Especially in the fall!)
Rina
Its a nice place. Good for hiking, fishing. But the trails are a bit rocky. You can follow the trail sign. It’s dog friendly but very small dogs won’t be make it probably. The parking place is huge. Should not be any problem. There’s one parking for the falls another one for the state park. The third one for the campground. You can find the trail maps from the QR code in the board - right in front of the covered bridge. The orange trail ( around 2.5 miles) seems the longest. There were signs to be aware from bears. So, suggested to go with groups. I loved the Chapman falls so much. we went almost near tot the falls. During autumn, it will look awesome. We went at the beginning of fall season. The only drawbacks I can say is there’s no proper restrooms. There were CSR’s , the movable ones. Apart from that, Overall , a great place. Will visit again. Pavilion was also there for birthday celebration. Its bit difficult for elderly or children, otherwise okay. Visit in a sunny day.