Summary
- Air Line State Park Trail
- Salmon River State Forest
- Comstock Covered Bridge
- Hurd State Park
- Lake Pocotopaug
- Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.
- Arrigoni Winery
- Middle Haddam Historic District
- Pumpkintown USA
- Day Pond State Park
- Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park
- Belltown Hill Orchards
- Gotta’s Farm and Cider Mill
- Happiest Paddler
- Nike Missile Site HA-26 Launch Site
In rural East Connecticut, the town of East Hampton distinguishes itself with its expansive public natural areas.
In East Hampton’s state forests and parks, visitors can observe the majestic Connecticut River, traverse a 19th-century covered bridge, and explore the remnants of a bygone railroad that once efficiently transported passengers between New York and Boston.
The Connecticut Valley boasts rich soil, allowing for enjoyable afternoons in summer or autumn as one picks fresh fruit at various local farms.
Along the water, East Hampton features a charming historic district adorned with Federal-style architecture, marking the location of a once-thriving river port.
1. Air Line State Park Trail
The ambitious New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad derived its name, Air Line, from the soaring viaducts constructed to ensure a flat trackbed on its high-speed transit route from New York to Boston.
Established in 1873, the segment from East Hampton to the Connecticut-Massachusetts line had been abandoned by the mid-20th century and transformed into a scenic trail.
The 25-mile southern section of this path, stretching from East Hampton to Windham, is designated as a National Recreation Trail, ideal for walking or cycling.
The Air Line State Park Trail features a smooth stone dust surface and traverses buried 19th-century trestles at the Rapallo and Lyman viaducts, with benches strategically placed for rest at picturesque locations along the route.
2. Salmon River State Forest
A segment of the Air Line Trail meanders through Salmon River State Forest, a sanctuary for hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, or simply enjoying a picnic in a serene environment.
While the Salmon River appears calm today, its banks were once bustling with mills in the 19th century.
In North Westchester, numerous factories vied for water power, necessitating that the grist mills operated at night while the paper mill ran during the day.
The Blue-Blazed Salmon River Trail weaves through the park, leading you to a significant historical site that will be discussed next.
3. Comstock Covered Bridge
Crossing the Salmon River within the state forest is East Connecticut’s last remaining covered bridge.
Constructed in 1840, it stands as one of three such crossings in the state and remains accessible to pedestrians, though vehicles have been prohibited since the 1930s.
A decade prior, a truck passed through its floor, prompting renovations conducted as a Depression-era employment initiative by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The primary bridge span is topped with a gabled roof, which serves to protect the underlying timber from the elements and extends their longevity.
4. Hurd State Park
A picturesque portion of the Connecticut River can be accessed in East Hampton, where one can relax along the riverbank and enjoy a family picnic in tranquil surroundings.
Here, the river spans more than 200 meters, and if you arrive at Hurd State Park by water during the summer months, there is a small campground designated exclusively for those entering and leaving by boat.
The park covers over 1,000 acres and features an extensive network of marked trails winding through the forest.
The orange and yellow trails lead to the summit of Split Rock, a series of granite ledges where one can enjoy views of the river below through the treetops.
5. Lake Pocotopaug
Adjacent to its namesake village in East Hampton, the lake spans over 500 acres.
Many of the homes surrounding Lake Pocotopaug are occupied year-round, although some serve as seasonal rentals or second residences, resulting in an influx of visitors during the summer months.
Sears Park lies on the western shore and features a small beach; however, recent occurrences of blue-green algae have made swimming inadvisable.
This beach is also restricted to residents and their guests.
For visitors from outside the area, the optimal way to appreciate the lake passively is by traversing Lake Drive, which curves along the west and north shores, providing breathtaking views of Twin Islands and Scraggy Island.
Furthermore, non-motorized watercraft can be rented from Happiest Paddler, which will be discussed later.
6. Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.
Craft breweries do not get much more authentic than this seasonal brewery, which operates out of a barn in the serene countryside of East Hampton.
Fat Orange Cat’s farm, located in the Salmon River watershed, contributes to the remarkably pure water used in an array of brews, including well-regarded IPAs, sours, porters, and more.
The welcoming taproom features ample outdoor seating and fire pits, along with outdoor heating for a cozy gathering during the cooler seasons.
Visitors can opt for a flight of four different beers for sampling, and acquire a few cans adorned with beautiful artwork.
7. Arrigoni Winery
Operated by a family with over 100 years of winemaking tradition, Arrigoni Winery sits on 200 acres of fertile land positioned between the Connecticut River and Route 66. Guests may visit the winery’s tasting room to savor a selection of 14 unique varieties, crafted from estate-grown Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Vidal Blanc, and many others.
A pleasant sunset patio and a covered pavilion equipped with outdoor heaters and a fireplace cater to those chilly evenings.
Select between a classic or premium tasting experience (five wines each), both of which include a commemorative glass.
8. Middle Haddam Historic District
The tranquil and rural waterfront region along the Connecticut River in East Hampton merits exploration while driving through.
Between 1730 and 1880, this area thrived as a river port, featuring docked ocean-going vessels and trading across the eastern United States and the West Indies.
Mine Brook, meandering through the village, was the site of a sawmill supplying timber to a riverfront shipyard.
The Middle Haddam Historic District offers a remarkable glimpse into the Federal period of Connecticut’s history.
The majority of the 58 contributing buildings were erected before 1835, following the Revolutionary War, during the peak activity of the shipyard and port.
The structures from this era display a high level of craftsmanship, reflecting the abundance of skilled artisans in the town during that time.
Two notable examples of Federal architecture include the stone-built Hurd Mansion (106 Moodus Road), constructed for the esteemed shipbuilder Jesse Hurd (1765-1831), as well as the smaller wood-frame residence across the road, erected for his son-in-law at 97 Moodus Road in 1823.
9. Pumpkintown USA
For families with younger children, Pumpkintown USA is designed for enjoyable, non-threatening experiences leading up to Halloween.
This attraction features a recreated post office, fire department, jail, barbershop, saloon, and more, all populated by over 70 cheerful pumpkin-headed figures, along with farmyard animals.
On weekends, visitors can partake in face painting, a “Sling-a-Ding” game, and a “Moonbounce Pumpkin.” A significant highlight of any visit is the mile-long hay wagon ride through woodland inhabited by fellow pumpkin heads in their rustic settings.
Finally, the Harvest Shop is stocked with seasonal delights such as maple syrup, autumn plants, fresh produce, pumpkin butter spreads, and scented candles infused with pumpkin spice.
10. Day Pond State Park
One local water body open to visitors is the picturesque Day Pond, located within 180 acres of public land.
Named after the pioneering Day family, who utilized the pond to power a sawmill with a waterwheel, stone foundations from that era remain visible, and the pond is currently stocked with trout, making it a favored destination for fishing enthusiasts.
A small beach area is available for summer swimming, and nearby is a picnic pavilion with additional tables situated along the east and west shores.
Visitors can access the Blue-Blazed Salmon River adjacent to the water, which leads toward the Comstock Covered Bridge on its southern route.
11. Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park
The banks of the Connecticut River in Portland are composed of brownstone bedrock, which historically provided building materials for cities like New York, Portland, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Chicago.
The primary quarry site was operational from the 17th century until a flood and hurricane brought commercial quarrying to a halt in the 1930s.
Since the 2000s, the flooded quarry has been repurposed into a vibrant summer activity center featuring climbing walls, paddleboards, kayaks for hire, inflatable obstacle courses, wakeboarding, a rope swing, and an impressive selection of 11 zip-lines.
12. Belltown Hill Orchards
The northern portion of East Hampton and its neighboring areas boast an abundance of fruit farms, many of which welcome the public for seasonal fruit picking in the summer and fall.
From June until the end of October, Belltown Hill Orchards offers sweet and tart cherries, blueberries, plums, nectarines, peaches, pears, raspberries, apples (24 varieties), and pumpkins.
A convenient ripening calendar is available on the farm’s website, alongside a guide detailing various types of apples, including their storage requirements, flavor profiles, uses, and textures.
All these seasonal products are available at the farm market, along with jams and jellies, salsas, soups, local honey, seasonal decorations, and delightful baked goods such as pies, brownies, and apple cider donuts.
13. Gotta’s Farm and Cider Mill
Located in Portland, Gotta’s Farm and Cider Mill has operated for four generations since its establishment in 1898. The farm features two locations: one on Rte 17 for pick-your-own strawberries, peaches, pears, and apples, and the other at the QP Farm Market on Rte 66, which offers fresh produce alongside enticing pies, breads, and cookies, as well as Christmas trees and decorations during the holiday season.
Gotta’s Farm also encompasses a garden center, showcasing a variety of annuals, hanging baskets, perennials, flowering shrubs, evergreens, herb plants, and vegetable plants.
14. Happiest Paddler
For aquatic activities on Lake Pocotopaug, the most reliable choice is this boating agency, located just north of Sears Park on the western shore.
Happiest Paddler operates seven days a week during June, July, and August, and its hours are dependent on weather conditions during transitional months.
For periods ranging from one hour to a full week, kayaks or paddleboards (both single and double) can be rented, as well as canoes and paddleboats (for two or four passengers).
Rental agreements include flotation equipment and paddles, ensuring you are well-equipped for an enjoyable experience on one of the state’s largest lakes.
15. Nike Missile Site HA-26 Launch Site
Concealed within the Meshomasic State Forest, on the fringes of East Hampton in South Glastonbury and Portland, lies an extraordinary relic overtaken by nature.
This abandoned radar and launch site once housed the Nike Ajax anti-aircraft missile.
This system was developed in the early years of the Cold War and operated from 1956 to 1963. On Del Reeves Road, on the Portland side, visitors can find remnants of the IFC radar station, including foundations, floor tiles, a flagpole, and manhole covers for underground utilities.
The launch site in South Glastonbury features further remnants, such as the steps leading to the foundations of barracks and launch pits that can be identified in the open areas.