Hurd State Park History
Hurd State Park in East Hampton is one of the oldest state parks in Connecticut.
Connecticut State Park Overview
Hurd State Park is a public recreation area situated along the eastern bank of the Connecticut River in East Hampton, Connecticut. Bordering George Dudley Seymour State Park, this 800-acre park features scenic granite ledges, expansive forest trails, and open riverfront picnic grounds.
As a designated walk-in facility, Hurd State Park offers primitive boat-in camping along the Connecticut River, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and picnicking. Parking is accessible at the main gate and near the intersection of Route 151 and Hurd Park Road.
A Brief History of Hurd State Park
Long before its designation as a state park, the land along the eastern banks of the Connecticut River was inhabited by the Wangunk tribe, who relied on the riverways for fishing, trade, and seasonal settlement.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, early European settlers in East Hampton utilized the area’s rocky terrain for granite and feldspar quarrying, timber harvesting, and agricultural farming along the riverbanks. Remnants of stone walls and old quarry sites can still be spotted along the park’s hiking trails.
In 1914, the State of Connecticut purchased the initial acreage from the Hurd family, making Hurd State Park one of Connecticut’s earliest designated state parks. Today, it remains a preserved sanctuary highlighting the natural and industrial heritage of the lower Connecticut River Valley.
Camping at Hurd Park
Dates of Operation: May 1 – September 30
Primitive boat camping areas along the Connecticut River at Hurd State Park, Gillette Castle State Park, and Selden Neck State Park are managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). These campsites are available exclusively for overnight stops by visitors traveling along the river by canoe or kayak.
Reservations must be made at least two weeks prior to your intended stay, and camping is limited to a single night. Campsites are accessible only from the water and provide primitive riverside accommodations equipped with stone fireplaces and pit toilets.
Activities & Amenities Include: Primitive boat-in camping, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, bird watching, pit toilets, and stone fireplaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hurd State Park located?
Hurd State Park is located along the east bank of the Connecticut River at the intersection of Route 151 and Hurd Park Road in East Hampton, Connecticut (06424).
What are the hours and parking rules for Hurd State Park?
Hurd State Park is a walk-in public facility open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitors can park near the main gate at the intersection of Route 151 and Hurd Park Road.
Can you camp at Hurd Park?
Yes, Hurd State Park offers primitive camping sites exclusively for river boaters navigating the Connecticut River. Camping requires a permit issued through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
What activities are available at the park?
The park features marked hiking and mountain biking trails, scenic river overlooks, picnic shelters, fishing spots, and cross-country skiing trails in the winter.
Explore East Hampton History
Hurd State Park represents just one chapter of East Hampton’s rich landscape. To dive deeper into the region’s past—including local Wangunk artifacts, 18th-century Connecticut River shipbuilding, and East Hampton’s historic bell manufacturing industry.
History Museum
Museum and School House
Historic Homes
Historic Real Estate
Chatham CT History
Colonial Era to 1915
East Hampton History
1915 to Present Day
About The Chatham Historical Society
The Official East Hampton, CT Historical Society provides historical information, educational programming, and preservation efforts for Cobalt, Middle Haddam, and East Hampton, Connecticut.
Museum Location: 6 Bevin Blvd, East Hampton, CT 06424
Public Hours: Open the first Sunday of every month from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (seasonally from April through November).
Private Tours & Inquiries: Call 860-539-0988 to schedule group tours or private appointments.
