Harkness Memorial State Park
116 acres in Waterford, CT
Parking: Large lot near 275 Great Neck Rd, Waterford, CT
Trail Map Trails: Less than a mile Rating: ★★★☆☆
Harkness State Park is dominated by Eolia the mansion of the Harkness family and is dotted with the remains of additional buildings and gardens. Highlights include the view off Goshen Point, the boardwalk to the beach, and the water tower.
Hiking
There isn’t much in the way of hiking here. More casual walkways and open lawns for strolling. That said there is plenty to explore from the viewing platforms and amphitheater to the greenhouse and orchard. Walkways that amount to car free roads connect most of the sights and the grounds are open in every direction.
Fishing
Fishing but not swimming is allowed from the beach. It is possible to catch blackfish, bluefish and striped bass off the rocky point and summer flounder off the beach.
History:
Established as a state park in 1952.
This park was featured in the 2019 and 2022 Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenge.
Links:
- Friends of Harkness Memorial State Park
- Peter Marteka – The Solitude Of Harkness Memorial State Park On A Winter’s Day (2017)
- CTMQ – Harkness Memorial State Park (2011)
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Last updated November 4th, 2019
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