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.
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.
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.
Devil's Hopyard Campground offers 21 campsites, available from mid-April through Sept. 30th. Pedestal cooking grills, picnic shelters, picnic tables, and outhouses are also available.
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.
Reservations must be made 7 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.
