Devil

Devil's Hopyard's principle feature, Chapman Falls, drops more than sixty feet over a series of steps in a Scotland Schist stone formation. The water from the splash pool at the base of the falls, continuing as the Eight Mile River, flows through the park's hemlock-canopied picnic area, providing a tranquil setting for a family outing. Many myths surround the name of the park, including one about a man named Dibble, who grew hops for beer-brewing. Through usage, Dibble's Hopyard supposedly became Devil's Hopyard. Another tale says that the Devil passed by the falls and accidentally wet his tail. Furious, he burned holes in the stones with his hooves as he bounded away. Now, we know that the potholes near the falls, which are some of the finest examples of pothole stone formations in this section of the country, were formed by stones moved downstream by the current, trapped in an eddy where the stone was spun around, wearing a depression in the rock. When the rock wore itself down, another would catch in the same hole and enlarge it. Perfectly cylindrical, the potholes range from inches to several feet in diameter and depth.

Geography:

In 1919, the former State Park and Forest Commission obtained an 860-acre parcel located in the Millington section of Haddam. The site grew to 940 acres and is now known as Devil's Hopyard.

Recreation:

The park offers some of the finest birding in the state, and fishermen find the clear, cool stream water an excellent source of brook trout. Additional activities at the park include picnicking, camping, hiking, and mountain biking.

Facilities:

Devil's Hopyard Campground offers 21 campsites, available from mid-April through September 30th. Pedestal cooking grills, picnic shelters, picnic tables, and outhouses are also available.

Nearby Attractions:

Nearby state parks include Day Pond State Park, in Colchester, Gillette Castle State Park, in East Haddam, Haddam Meadows State Park, also in Haddam, and Rocky Neck State Park, in East Lyme.

Booking Window

Sat Nov 23 2024 - Thu Oct 23 2025

Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.

Season Dates

Season Schedule

Park Season

Start

End

Off Peak

Fri Apr 11 2025

Thu May 22 2025

Peak

Fri May 23 2025

Sun Aug 31 2025

Off Peak

Mon Sep 01 2025

Sun Oct 12 2025

Services and Amenities

Within Park

Biking - Road
Bird Watching
Fishing - Freshwater
Hiking
Horseshoe Pits
Mountain Biking
Parking

Photography
Pit Toilet
Playing Fields
Recycling Center
Scenic Overlook
Visitor Center
Wildlife Viewing

Within 10 Miles

Church
Firewood
Grocery Store

Laundry
Toilet, Flush

Greater Than 10 Miles

Hospital

Fees and Cancellation Policies

Please read our Fees and Cancellation Policies

Getting There

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.49, -72.34
41°29'24"N, 72°20'24"W

From CT Route 9: Take Exit 7, turn left at the end of the exit ramp onto CT Route 154 north. Take a right at the first traffic light, and follow the signs. From Interstate 395: Take Exit 80 west. Take a right onto CT Route 82 west. Take a right onto Hopyard Road, and follow the signs. From I-91S: Take Exit 22. Take Route 9S, Exit 10. Take Route 9AS to Tylerville. Take Route 82E over the CT River for about 3 miles. At the stop sign, take a right, and then take an immediate left. Follow that road for approximately 8 miles, then follow the signs to the park.

Contact Information