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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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USA Parks
Connecticut
River Valley Region
Brainard Homestead State Park
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BRAINARD HOMESTEAD STATE PARK
BRAINARD HOMESTEAD STATE PARK
Brainard Homestead State Park is a tranquil, 25-acre park offering lush greenery and serene walking trails. It features open fields, stone walls from the original homestead, and an enchanting pond teeming with wildlife. The park's quiet beauty makes it perfect for peaceful strolls or picnics under its towering trees.

History of the Area
Located in East Haddam, Connecticut, the park was once a private homestead owned by the Brainard family. The 25-acre property features an early-19th-century farmhouse and barns that were built around 1820.

The state of Connecticut acquired this land from Lucy Ely Brainard's estate after her death in 1943. It became part of its State Park system to preserve historical sites for public enjoyment.

Today it offers recreational activities like hiking trails through meadows and woodlands while preserving agricultural history with maintained fields still showing evidence of stone walls.

Passes
Connecticut has made state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more accessible to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer. Under the Passport to the Parks program, parking fees are now eliminated at Connecticut State Parks for those with Connecticut registered vehicles. You can view the CONNECTICUT PASSPORT TO THE PARKS web page to learn more.
Nearby Accommodations
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BBs / Inns
Located along the CT Shoreline midway between New York City and Boston, and only one hour from Hartford, with tons of local attractions both on the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River.
7.1 miles from park*



Trails
- Brainard Homestead State Park Main Trail: A 1.5-mile loop trail, easy to moderate difficulty level with some steep sections.

- East Loop Trail: This is a shorter .75 mile hike that branches off from the main trail and loops back around through dense forest areas.

- West Ridge Hiking Path: Approximately one mile in length, this path offers elevated views of the surrounding landscape including glimpses of Chapman Pond.

- North Meadow Walkway: An easier half-mile flat walk along open meadows perfect for bird watching or wildflower spotting during spring and summer months.

- South Forest Trekking Route : Less than a mile long but more challenging due to its uneven terrain; takes hikers deep into woodland area offering opportunities for wildlife sightings.

- River View Track : Notable as it runs parallel to Eightmile river providing scenic water views throughout its course which spans about three-quarters of a mile.

- Picnic Area Access Path : Short quarter-of-a-mile pathway leading directly towards park's picnic spot surrounded by tall trees ensuring shade on sunny days.

- Winter Snowshoeing/Cross-Country Ski Trails : During winter season certain trails are designated specifically for snow activities like cross-country skiing or snow shoeing depending upon weather conditions at time.


Things To Do in the Area
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Boating
Explore the Connecticut River aboard the R/V River Quest, an environmentally friendly 64', 60 passenger vessel docked at Eagle Landing State Park, Haddam, CT.
4.2 miles from park*

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Area Campgrounds
Riverdale Farm Campsites
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860-669-5388
Nelson's Family Campground
71 Mott Hill Road
East Hampton, CT
860-267-5300
Pequot Ledge Campground
157 Doyle Road
Montville, CT
860-859-0682
Nelson's Family Campground
71 Mott Hill Road
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Wolf's Den Campground
256 Town Street
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860-873-9681
Markham Meadows Campground
7 Markham Road
East Hampton, CT
860-267-9738
Aces High RV Park
301 Chesterfield Road
East Lyme, CT
Water's Edge Family Campground
271 Leonard Bridge Road
Lebanon, CT
Indianfield Campground
306 Old Calchester Road
Salem, CT
860-859-1320
Salem Farms Campground
39 Alexander Road
Salem, CT
860-859-2320
Witch Meadow Lake Campground
139 Witch Meadow Road
Salem, CT
860-859-1542
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From Hartford, Connecticut:
- Head south on I-91.
- Take exit 24 for CT Route 99 towards Rocky Hill/Wethersfield.
- Turn right onto Silas Deane Highway/CT Route 99.

From New Haven, Connecticut:
- Get on the I -95 N from Church St and S Frontage Rd.
- Take Exit 48 to merge onto Interstate -I-91N toward Hartford
- Follow signs for Brainard Homestead State Park

By Public Transportation:
- Amtrak provides service to Old Saybrook station which is approximately a mile away from the park.

On Foot or Bicycle (from East Haddam):
- Begin at Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam village center.
- Proceed eastward along Bridge Road over swing bridge crossing into Lyme Street/Hopyard road intersection.

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Connecticut
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Connecticut State Parks

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