I am reluctant to call these 62 acres in East Haven a state park. While it is certainly a park owned by the state, this is not another Sherwood Island or Hammonassett . There is no sprawling beach here, or ballfields, concession stands, or pavillions. Instead you will find a marshy piece of land that leads to a small marina and kayak launch.
I entered the park from Mansfield Grove Lane and followed a dirt and gravel road which winds its way between a large meadow and pond. A few condiminiums overwhelm the horizon at first, but they give way to a more natural landscape as you continue east. In the 1980's, this area was under heavy development pressure as old cabins and cottages were replaced by gated communties and new housing. The state was fortunate to purchase this land when it did.
Upon reaching the marina (operated by Quinnipiac University), I walked south a few hundred feet to a small beach area with some picnic tables nearby. Across the river I could see Kelsey Island, with its pink granite shoreline very much like the Thimble Islands several miles east. Geologically, this is a unique stretch of Long Island Sound.
With large tracts of available land nearly nonexistant, and waterfront prices, excessively expensive, Farm River may be the type of park we see more often in the future. There is not something for everyone here, and that is its best appeal.
CT Coastal Access Guide: Farm River
DEP: Trail Map
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15 comments:
What a beautiful place! I love marshland ♥
was that a cliff-hanger?fun.
do you mean many parks are going to get more "natural" or just abandoned in the future?
Looks like a great place. More natural is nice!
Chow Mein, Moo Goo Gai Pan, Chow Har Kew, General Tso........These photos remind me of the upper reaches of the Metedeconk and Manasquan rivers. I suppose the shores of the Atlantic are somewhat similar to each other. I'm at home at any of these locations!
Can I have some more fortune cookies and pineapple?
And wrap up the rest of the fried rice, I'll have that at midnight.
Gee Matt - this is my backyard....we need to introduce you to geocaching...there's some good ones in here! Joy
Hey, give me a kayak launch & a marsh & I'm a happy woman.
Actually stopped by to share something, though - NY Times recently had an interesting article about the Charles Morgan - thought you might enjoy!
I really wish there was more state parks like Farm River. These parks are much more elegant compared to all the other parks jam packed full of concession stands and ball fields.
At least you know going here you are going to experience nature at its best unlike some other "state parks" there is.
Thanks for sharing this! Absolutely beautiful.
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