Chapman Falls
1 / 10

Devil's Hopyard State Park

4.7
·2k reviews·East Haddam, United States

Explore 860 acres of rocky forest, featuring the majestic 60-foot Chapman Falls and legendary devil's footprints.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Avoid crowds, enjoy serenity

CrowdLow
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Chapman Falls

Devil's Hopyard State Park

Best Time

Early mornings

Avoid crowds, enjoy serenity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore 860 acres of rocky forest, featuring the majestic 60-foot Chapman Falls and legendary devil's footprints.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Chapman Falls is a solid 7 out of 10 for difficulty, but absolutely worth it for the views!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Choose Your Trail Wisely

Trails vary in difficulty. The orange loop is vigorous. Check difficulty before you hike!

💧 Waterfall Access

The trail to Chapman Falls is steep. A walking stick helps.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 1,889 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chapman Falls

Chapman Falls

Base of the falls

A stunning 60-foot cascade over unique rock formations, perfect for photos and a refreshing experience.

Reddit
Devil's Footprints

Devil's Footprints

Rocky areas near the falls

Explore the legend of the devil's hoofprints scorched into the rocks.

Reddit
Covered Bridge

Covered Bridge

Near the park entrance

A charming, tidy covered bridge offering a picturesque photo opportunity.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Trail Smarts for Devil's Hopyard

Devil's Hopyard State Park offers diverse trails, from easy strolls to vigorous climbs. Research trail difficulty before you go, as some, like the orange loop, are challenging with roots and rocks. Early mornings are best to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Reddit

Chapman Falls Access & Conditions

Chapman Falls is the park's star attraction, but access can be steep. A walking stick is recommended for the descent. While some swim, water quality can be affected by upstream campgrounds. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Avoid crowds, enjoy serenity
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Hiking Precautions

Hello! We are staying in CT for the weekend and one place we want to try to visit is the Devil's Hopyard to see the falls. Possibly early morning on Sunday if we can. We will be staying on trail not wandering into the woods. Just doing a basic loop trail. Please be patient…

👟 Choose Your Trail Wisely

Trails vary in difficulty. The orange loop is vigorous. Check difficulty before you hike! Reddit

💧 Waterfall Access

The trail to Chapman Falls is steep. A walking stick helps. Reddit

reddit.com

Devil's Hopyard and Hammonasset Beach State Park [OC]

How was Devil’s Hopyard difficulty-wise? I wanna hike there one day, but I’m still a hiking noob. Beautiful pictures!

reddit.com

Could I legally camp overnight in Devil's Hopyard?

Not in a campground but off to the side of a trail. Not sure which one it is but there was one that was a "side trail" (second, unmarked trail off of another trail) that led to a view of just forest. I'm sure someone here has been to it. I just think it'd be cool to camp there…

📱 Scan for Maps

QR codes provide trail info, but maps lack difficulty details. Reddit

🚗 Parking Near Falls

Parking is available near the waterfall for easier access. Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for some good hiking spots/trails.

I'll add a list of everywhere I've been so far. Started getting into it before winter, and now with school over and warm weather it's time to start again. I live in Glastonbury, but am willing to travel a bit for some good spots. Thanks in advance! Places I've been (Sorry…

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Choose Your Trail Wisely

Trails vary in difficulty. The orange loop is vigorous. Check difficulty before you hike! Reddit

💧 Waterfall Access

The trail to Chapman Falls is steep. A walking stick helps. Reddit

📱 Scan for Maps

QR codes provide trail info, but maps lack difficulty details. Reddit

🚗 Parking Near Falls

Parking is available near the waterfall for easier access. Reddit

🚻 Porta Potty Available

Only one porta potty on-site, so plan accordingly. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Devil's Hopyard State Park is lauded for its stunning Chapman Falls and unique rock formations, offering a beautiful natural escape. Visitors appreciate the challenging trails for a good workout and the picturesque covered bridge. However, some find the trail difficulty information lacking and the restroom facilities very limited.

"Devil's Hopyard is a beautiful state park with many trails. Pick the one best suited for your level before you walk. The orange trail was definitely a vigorous hike. Begin and end with the sights and sounds of the falls... tranquility at its best."

Donna Ferrigno

"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."

S Nahr

"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 😣😣😣"

Ladyin NY

What People Like

Beautiful Chapman Falls
Unique rock formations
Challenging hiking trails

What People Dislike

Limited restroom facilities
Trail difficulty unclear

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Devil's Hopyard State Park is located in East Haddam, Connecticut. It's accessible by car. Use GPS navigation to find the park entrance. Parking is available within the park, with some spots closer to Chapman Falls. Reddit

The park is generally well-marked. However, it's always a good idea to have a GPS or map handy, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. Reddit

Specific driving directions will depend on your starting point. It's recommended to use a reliable GPS service or online mapping tool for the most accurate routes to Devil's Hopyard State Park, East Haddam, CT.

Public transportation options to Devil's Hopyard State Park are limited. It is primarily a destination best reached by private vehicle. Check local transit schedules for any potential bus routes that may serve the East Haddam area, though direct service to the park is unlikely. Reddit

Upon arrival, you can find QR codes posted that link to trail maps and information. These are essential for understanding the park's layout and trail options. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Devil's Hopyard State Park typically does not charge an entrance fee for general access. However, it's always wise to check the official Connecticut State Parks website for any seasonal fees or special event charges. Reddit

State parks generally have dawn-to-dusk hours. It's best to confirm the specific operating hours for Devil's Hopyard State Park on the official Connecticut State Parks website before your visit. Reddit

No advance ticket booking is usually required for Devil's Hopyard State Park as it's a public park. However, for special events or group visits, it's advisable to contact park management. Reddit

Standard park rules apply, such as staying on marked trails and respecting wildlife. There are no specific entry restrictions mentioned beyond typical park regulations. Reddit

Trail maps are available via QR codes posted throughout the park. These codes link to digital maps that provide information on the park's trails. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the stunning 60-foot Chapman Falls. Don't miss the unique rock formations and the local legend of the 'devil's footprints.' The covered bridge is also a picturesque spot. Reddit

Trails vary significantly. The orange loop is described as vigorous with many stones and roots, involving challenging uphill climbs. Other trails may be less demanding, so research is key. Reddit

Some visitors swim at Chapman Falls, but water quality can be a concern due to upstream campgrounds. It's advisable to check current conditions and exercise caution. Reddit

There is a single porta potty available on-site. It's important to note that this is the only restroom facility, so plan accordingly. Reddit

Yes, Devil's Hopyard can be suitable for families, but trail difficulty should be considered. The area around Chapman Falls offers accessible views, but more strenuous hikes might be challenging for very young children. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Chapman Falls offers dramatic shots, especially with its unique rock formations. The covered bridge provides a charming, rustic backdrop. Early morning light can enhance the natural beauty. Reddit

Early mornings are ideal for photography to avoid crowds and capture softer light. The midday sun can be harsh, but the falls' mist might offer some diffusion. Reddit

Drone usage in state parks is often restricted. It's crucial to check the official Connecticut State Parks regulations regarding drone operation before flying one in Devil's Hopyard State Park. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of Chapman Falls and the surrounding forest. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to smooth the water's flow. Reddit

Yes, try to capture the uniquely shaped potholes in the rocks, which are said to be the devil's hoofprints. These are fascinating geological features. Reddit

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