Devil's Hopyard State Park - East Haddam, CT
Devil’s Hopyard State Park is a well-known dog-friendly hiking destination in East Haddam, Connecticut, famous for its scenic Chapman Falls and miles of pet-friendly trails. This Connecticut park is popular among dog owners looking for a nature getaway with their furry companions, offering challenging and rewarding hikes through diverse forests, unique rock formations, and serene water features. While there isn’t a dedicated dog park with fenced-in areas, leashed dogs are welcome to join you on the trails and around picnic spots.
The park attracts visitors with its natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and photogenic waterfalls, making it a favorite spot for hikers and nature lovers alike. There are areas to swim, picturesque bridges, and spots for cookouts, though amenities like restrooms are limited to porta potties and maintenance may vary seasonally. Do note that the trails can be rugged, with rocks and roots, and the area may become busy or overgrown during peak times. Bringing your own water and supplies for both you and your pet is recommended.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are welcome but must remain on-leash at all times.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are several pet-friendly trails of varying difficulty for hiking with your dog.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Swimming is allowed in the park’s natural water features, and many visitors enjoy letting their dogs cool off in the streams and at Chapman Falls, though supervision is recommended.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The forested trails and some picnic areas provide natural shade, but covered shelters are limited.
- Are restrooms available for owners? There are porta potties available, but no permanent restroom facilities.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? While formal benches may be limited, there are picnic areas and spots to rest throughout the park.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available next to the waterfall and in lower areas recently added for visitors.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Some reviews mention ticks, particularly on overgrown trails, so bringing proper bug spray is advised.
Reviews
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.
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.
A great stop when sightseeing. The falls are beautiful. To get the best picture you will be required to walk down a small hill with rocks. I recommend you wear a good shoes to ensure grip if you choose to walk closer to see falls.
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 😣😣😣
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!