The Farm River drains parts of Durham, Wallingford, and North Branford on its 16.5-mile journey past Farm River State Park to Long Island Sound. The 61 acres that make up the park are situated on the western shoreline perfectly positioned to enjoy the full beauty of the Farm River just before it empties into the Sound.
This quiet park has fascinating and picturesque geology. The uplands and bedrock outcrops, especially in the northern section, provide the landscape diversity and the topography that allow tidal marsh flooding to separate the park into its upper and lower portions. The river shoreline and its access points in the southern section provide a quiet and scenic respite not often accessible this close to the coast.
There are two primary access points, and from these, the trails are measured in hundreds, not thousands, of feet.
As recently as the early 1970s, this area of the lower Farm River was dominated by unkempt summer homes. Land was inexpensive and available. Today, the neighborhood consists of luxury condominiums, and the state, in retrospect, was fortunate to obtain this park when it did. In 1998 it was designated as a state park. Despite its size, the park’s diversity is remarkable. Snowy egrets feed in the marshland and share the tidal wetlands and rocky shore with a wide variety of ducks, gulls, and the occasional blue heron.
From East Haven center follow Main Street (Route 100) east and turn south on Hemingway Avenue/Route 142. Follow Route 142 for 1.6 miles to the parking area on the right (south) side of Route 142 (now Short Beach Road) between Fairview Avenue and Stone Pillar Road
Follow Main Street (Route 100) east from East Haven center and turn right (south) on Route 142. Follow for 1.4 miles to Mansfield Grove Road. Turn right (south) on Mansfield Grove Road and travel for two/thirds mile to the gravel parking area on left (east). Access is vehicle restricted but can be arranged (foot traffic okay; 1,500-foot walk to the river). See Boat Launch Note above.
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