Flume Gorge - Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

There's a little saying that I have to repeat to myself as we head to some of the busier attractions that tend to be a bit more beginner (and in my case kid) friendly. When the crowds start to assemble and I have to use a bit more patience and a few more forced smiles I remind myself of this: 

"Popular places are popular for a reason". I also remind myself there are ways to get around the busiest times and that usually involves weekdays and early mornings, something my flexible schedule and early risers typically allow. 

Millers Pond State Park - Durham

This is a story about another tucked away lesser known Connecticut State Park. It's also a story about how I genuinely think people are good, but there are some less than great ones too, and one of those less than great humans was also at Miller Pond State Park.

Harsh start to today's state park guide, I know, I know, but hear me out. It was a gorgeous fall day here in Connecticut. It was a Sunday, the first day of October, and temperatures were creeping into the upper 70s. My parents know about my State Park scheme and love spending time with their grandkids so they suggested we tackle a park in the afternoon. I love that my little plan is inspiring others and I was excited to set out on another adventure with the kids.

I looked at my map and my google doc of localish parks with varying hiking trails and mileage. Miller Pond State Park (another one I've never heard of) in Durham was about 25-30 minutes away and had a short 1.5-mile loop around the park - toddler and grandparent friendly. I loaded the kids and the dogs in their car seats, loaded up enough snacks and the kids hiking packs, and picked up my parents before heading to the State Park. 

Dinosaur State Park - Rocky Hill

On another soggy September day, a Friday where I am solely in charge of keeping both kids alive, I did some research to find a state park that could offer some kind of indoor adventure (if you are just tuning in, I set the goal of visiting all the Connecticut State Parks). I did a little bit of research and found a wildly unique state park that fit the bill. 

I'm embarrassed to admit I've lived in Connecticut for many years and I had never heard of the Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill. I soon discovered the Dinosaur State Park has a lengthy trail system and outdoor area, but also a geodesic dome built over the dinosaur tracks with various exhibits, perfect for a rainy day. 

Outdoor area at the Dinosaur State Park

Day Pond State Park - Colchester

We have had a very wet Connecticut summer. It has rained most weekends and September was sort of like "keep it coming". After two days of heavy rain, I decided to head to one of the state parks with a waterfall (there are several) to see what the water levels were like after #SoggySeptember. After a quick google search, the start to many adventures, I headed north to Day Pond State Park in Colchester to hike to Day Pond Brook Falls and I was not disappointed.

 

The park itself is beautiful with a stone dam, swimming lake, fishing area, picnic area, rentable pavilion, and expansive trail network including Connecticut's blue blaze hiking trail system. There is a 3.5 mile loop that takes you through the park and up to Day Pond Brook Falls in the northern section of the park. I brought Piper and the dogs and on an overcast Tuesday in September, we had the entire trail to ourselves. In true KW style, I made quick notes to come back with my horse to ride the yellow blazed CT Horse Council trail system, and to bring back the kids to swim in the summer.

Harkness Memorial State Park - Waterford

Stop #2 on my 2023 Connecticut State Park Tour took me and the kids 35 minutes east up the coast to Goshen Point to visit Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. Harkness Memorial State Park isn't your typical state park. You won't find hiking trails or geocaching, you won't see mountain bikers or trail runners. Instead, it's more of an upscale oceanfront property owned by the state, open to the public like your other state parks. Here, you can expect to find picnickers, bird watchers, leisurely strollers, garden enthusiasts, dog walkers, and kids testing out their new bikes on the quiet paved access roads in the park. In my early 20s, I catered weddings here with a local catering company. 15 years later, I brought my kids back and forgot just how gorgeous this park is. Only two parks in and I am quickly reminded how many beautiful open spaces we have that are open to Connecticut residents for free. I hope this series inspires you to take advantage of some of these amazing parks.