Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard
East Haddam, CT
A stepped cascade tumbling through a wooded gorge, reached by a short walk from the parking area, with more trails in the surrounding state park. Water flow is best in spring; wear shoes with grip on the wet rock.
Chapman Falls is the landmark of Devil's Hopyard State Park in East Haddam. The waterfall drops more than 60 feet (18 m) in tiers over Scotland schist and has carved remarkable potholes. The park lies along the Eightmile River; the state first acquired 860 acres (about 350 ha) in 1919. The origin of the name "Devil's Hopyard" is unclear: explanations include a hop yard belonging to someone named Dibble, and the potholes, which settlers attributed to the Devil.
The falls' water power drove Beebe's Mills until the mid-1890s. In the park you will find hiking trails, fishing, picnic areas and a campground, and it is considered a good spot for birdwatching. Allow one to two hours for the falls and a short loop trail. Water flow is usually higher after rain and in spring; the wet rock is slippery.
- Nearest town
- East Haddam, CT
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.4856, -72.3394
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Salem Farms CampgroundMotorhome stopover1 mi from Chapman Falls, Devil's HopyardMotorhomes
- Witch Meadow Lake CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Chapman Falls, Devil's HopyardTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToilets
- Aces High RV ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from Chapman Falls, Devil's HopyardMotorhomes
- Hidden Acres Family CampgroundMotorhome stopover17 mi from Chapman Falls, Devil's HopyardMotorhomes
- Strawberry ParkMotorhome stopover20 mi from Chapman Falls, Devil's HopyardMotorhomes
- Ross Hill Park Family CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Chapman Falls, Devil's HopyardTentsCaravans
All campsites in Connecticut · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard?
Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard is in East Haddam, CT, at GPS 41.4856, -72.3394. It is about 21 mi from Mystic.
Can you camp near Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 61 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard?
Places worth a stop nearby: Gillette Castle State Park (7 mi), Essex Village (10 mi), Hammonasset Beach State Park (19 mi) and Mystic Seaport Museum (21 mi).
When is the best time to visit Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)