Parks To Visit Along The Connecticut River in Connecticut

The Connecticut River is New England’s longest river, starting in southeastern Connecticut and going all the way up to the Canadian border. There are a ton of great spots to enjoy views of this river throughout Connecticut. Whether you’re looking for a hike or a spot to just sit and enjoy the views, this post as you covered.

Gillette Castle State Park

A small motorboat travels along a wide, tree-lined river under a clear sky, with dense green forest on both banks. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This park in East Haddam used to be home to William Gillette, an actor who played Sherlock Holmes. There are a ton of trails to explore, including one that will take you right down to the river. However, you can also get a great view of the Connecticut River from right behind the castle.
Learn more about visiting: Gillette Castle State Park

Ferry Landing State Park

A steel bridge spans over a river during sunset, with a wooden boardwalk beneath and tall reeds to the side. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This park in Old Lyme is located right on the Connecticut River. This park features a beautiful boardwalk that has an elevated viewing platform (however, right now the boardwalk is closed as they work on the train bridge). There are also picnic tables and a path along the river.
Learn more about visiting: Ferry Landing State Park

Founders Memorial Park

Calm shoreline with boats docked in the water, houses along the coast, and grassy marshland in the foreground under a clear sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Founder’s Memorial Park in Old Saybrook is located on the town’s former dump. It offers some really beautiful views of the North Cove and the Connecticut River in the distance. It’s also a great spot for bird watching, especially Ospreys.

Turtle Creek Preserve

A sandy shoreline with driftwood and logs scattered along the water's edge, bordered by bare trees and reeds under an overcast sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This preserve in Essex has hiking trails that will take you to a cove along the Connecticut River. The hike is pretty flat and it’s only about a mile and a half. This isn’t a very busy spot, making it a very peaceful place to hike.

Eagle Landing State Park

Steel bridge over a river with a large white building on the right, surrounded by trees under a blue sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam sits along the Connecticut River with beautiful views of the East Haddam Swing Bridge and Goodspeed Opera House. The park features picnic areas, making it a good spot for relaxation. It is also known for birdwatching, especially during the winter months when bald eagles are often spotted in the area. You can also walk over the swing bridge for some different views.

Hurd State Park

A river runs through a forested landscape with trees displaying autumn colors under a partly cloudy sky. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Hurd State Park in East Hampton offers miles of trails to explore. I like to hike up to Split Rock to the River Vista. In addition to hiking, you can also fish, picnic, and camp along the Connecticut River.

Riverfront Park

A riverside scene with people sitting near a building, boats docked at the shore, and a partly cloudy sky over the water. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Riverfront Park in Glastonbury offers scenic views of the Connecticut River and wide open green spaces perfect for relaxing or picnicking. The park features walking paths, a boat launch, and seasonal events. There are also scenic boat tours of the river that leave from the park.

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