This Quiet Connecticut Town Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers
East Haddam, Connecticut, is a sleepy little New England town located in the Lower Connecticut River Valley. While underrated by those rushing past to bigger destinations on the I-95, this quiet town is an absolute paradise for nature lovers. There are fairytale waterfalls to see at Devil’s Hopyard State Park as well as plenty of birdwatching opportunities. At the nearby Gillette Castle State Park, visitors can hike in the woods and take in the magnificent river views. Those who are in the mood for a peaceful retreat among thousands of acres of forests and wildlife will find it hard to match what they find in East Haddam. This town is an underrated gem for nature lovers.
Going Off the Tourist Trail
East Haddam is not usually the first place that comes to mind when people think of nature adventures. But those who discover it cannot believe their luck when they experience the solitude, natural wonders, and tranquil atmosphere for themselves. Not to mention the gorgeous views of the Connecticut River and the meadows of Machimoodus State Park, where wildflowers bloom, and bald eagles hunt. A visit to East Haddam means going off the typical tourist trail and breathing in the fresh air in an uncrowded, beautiful destination.
Best Natural Attractions
Devil’s Hopyard State Park is the town’s star attraction. It is home to Chapman Falls, a sixty-foot waterfall in a Scotland schist stone formation. There is a splash pool at the waterfall’s base that carries on as the Eightmile River and provides a scenic backdrop for the picnic area in the park. There are also several forest trails along the river. The Orange-Blazed Vista trail features incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors who want to see the waterfall can take the Blue Loop, which connects with the White Trail before leading to the falls. It is said that the name of the park comes from a story about a man named Dibble who cultivated hops nearby. The area he used became known as the hopyard. As for the ‘devil’ part, it is believed that this came from the urban legend that says the devil formed the ‘potholes’ near the waterfall by scorching the stones with his hooves after the water wet his tail. These so-called potholes are natural stone formations that were moved by swirling eddies, creating circular marks in the bedrock.
East Haddam also features another stunning park, Machimoodus State Park, which comprises 300 acres of river, meadows, and woodlands. Visitors can take in the views of the Salmon River and Salmon River Cove, go hiking along the pretty trails, and take pictures of the bright wildflowers. Some of the birds that frequent the park include geese, bald eagles, black ducks, and buffleheads. Visitors who want to see the views from an elevated spot can hike Mount Tom to reach its two southern lookout points from where they can see the Connecticut, Moodus, and Salmon Rivers. The name Machimoodus comes from the Pequot, Mohegan, and Narragansett people who experienced strange echoes and rumbling noises in the area. The name literally translates to ‘the place of bad noises.’ These indigenous tribes believed that the sounds came from angry spirits of gods living underground. Science confirmed that the rumblings are caused by micro-earthquakes that echo through the bedrock.
Gillette Castle State Park
There are more outdoor adventures to be had at Gillette Castle State Park. The state of Connecticut bought the namesake medieval castle in the park in 1943, and it is now part of the charm of this part of East Haddam. The castle sits on a hill overlooking the Connecticut River, providing great views of the riverbanks. There is a hiking trail that takes visitors from the castle to the water, where they can board the historic Chester-Hadlyme ferry. The ferry operates between April and November, taking passengers across the river. The park also features several other hiking trails that were once part of the Seven Sisters Line (rail beds). Combined, they form the ’Railroad Trail’ and take hikers along the same route, and allow them to see the same scenery that Albert Einstein did when he visited the castle.
Water-Based Activities
East Haddam is not only about state parks and hiking. Visitors can also get right into the water here, considering the town’s western border lies parallel to the Connecticut River, while the Salmon River and Eightmile River cut through the interior. Those who want to kayak or paddle can head into the Salmon River Cove, where they will be sheltered from the motorboat traffic on the main river. For fishing, there is the Eightmile River in Devil’s Hopyard where trout abounds. The Salmon River State Forest is the best place to be for relaxing under the hemlocks and looking out over the water.
Wildlife Watching
The headwaters of the Eightmile River are protected by the Burnham Brook Preserve. The preserve covers 1,122 acres and is an important habitat for both birds and wildlife. Some of the birds that can be observed here include the cerulean warbler, wood thrush, hermit thrush, and yellow-throated vireo.
It is also possible to see white-tailed deer, turtles, and snakes.
Isolated But Still Accessible
East Haddam is a place where people can get lost in nature, thanks to its isolation and peaceful atmosphere. This is despite being just a short, scenic drive away from major highways. The town is exceptionally good at integrating its natural environment so that it blends with the architecture and roads. There are trees everywhere, stone walls covered in moss, and beautifully preserved farmhouses. The local community is very protective of its tranquil town, and the East Haddam Land Trust works hard to buy open land to keep conservation going. It does this to keep the small-town vibe going and attract more nature lovers who will instantly fall in love with this part of New England. This ongoing initiative also allows locals and visitors to go on hikes in places like Sheepskin Hollow Preserve, where there is a pond, dramatic rock formations, and a waterfall. There is also Rose Farm Reserve, where hikers can bring their dogs and enjoy the views of the wetlands along Hemlock Valley Brook.
Best Time to Visit
Those who want to experience the beauty of East Haddam will find it very pleasant during the summer between mid June and mid September. During this time, visitors can enjoy clear skies and bright sunshine, which is great for water activities. During the fall, the river valleys explode in shades of red, orange, and gold, while the spring turns Chapman Falls into a roaring spectacle. Visitors who want to see all the main sights and attractions will need a car to get around the rural roads. And those who visit during May can also stop by the Leesville Dam Fishway in the Salmon River State Forest to watch the salmon migration.
Discover the Quiet Side of New England
New England is very popular with tourists, and some bigger towns and attractions can quickly become overwhelming because of the crowds. East Haddam offers everything a nature lover could want in a New England getaway and so much more. Once you pull off the I-95 and are surrounded by the old-growth forest and river views, you will wonder why it took you so long to explore this part of the state. So, pack a bag, pull on your hiking shoes, and head to East Haddam for a trip you won't soon forget.
