Top 5 Best State Parks in Connecticut

1. Hammonasset Beach State Park – Madison (Madison County):

Hammonasset Beach is Connecticut’s longest shoreline park—clocking in at over two miles worth of beach. Visitors can go swimming, adventure along the boardwalk, or sit and relax in the sunshine. Come for a picnic or to go saltwater boating and bring the whole family! There’s even a car top boat launch for you to use. Hammonasset Beach was first opened to the public in 1920, and today over a million visitors stop by each year.

The mountaintop that stretches 2 miles and resembles a sleeping giant inspired this park’s name. The hiking trail is well maintained and the castle-like lookout tower at the top offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. The park sustained heavy damage from a tornado that struck in May 2018, but after months of extensive clean-up, it is expected to reopen later this spring. When it does, be sure to bring a picnic and explore its tranquil nature trails.

3. Dinosaur State Park – Rocky Hill (Hartford County):

Hike 2 miles of trails, explore an arborteum featuring more than 250 species of trees, go birdwatching, and check out one of the largest dinosaur tracks in North America housed inside the Exhibit Center. Trails are open daily, year-round, and walking them is free. Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum is a state-owned natural history preserve occupying 80 acres in the town of Rocky Hill, Connecticut. The state park protects one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Its Jurassic-era sandstone-embedded fossil tracks date from about 200 million years ago.

4. Gilette Castle State Park – East Haddam (Middlesex County):

One East Haddam’s most popular attractions, Gillete Castle is definitely worth a visit. The impressive and ecentric medieval-style structure is set on sprawling acres that include paved paths, hiking trails, a duck pond, bridges, and picnic areas. The castle, open Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, offers beautiful views of the Connecticut River and offers insight into the life of actor William Gillette (best known for portraying Sherlock Holmes). Bathrooms, food concessions, and a gift shop are open in season.

5. Wadsworth Falls State Park – Middletown (Middlesex County):

Enjoy hiking or biking various woodland trails, admire beautiful stone bridges, and relax by two gushing waterfalls. The park offers designated swimming and picnicking areas, and bathrooms and picnic tables are available. Wadsworth Falls State Park, or simply Wadsworth Falls, is a public recreation and preserved natural area located on the Coginchaug River in the towns of Middletown and Middlefield, Connecticut. The state park’s 285 acres offer trails, fishing, swimming, and picnicking.

 

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