Sunrise State Park, Middlesex County Travel Guide

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Explore the natural beauty and historical remnants of a former resort at Sunrise State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut.

Sunrise State Park in Moodus, CT, offers a unique blend of nature and history. Once a bustling resort known as the 'Catskills of Connecticut,' it now provides a tranquil escape with hiking trails, river access, and remnants of its past.

A brief summary to Sunrise State Park

121 Leesville Rd, Moodus, Moodus, Connecticut, 06469, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sunrise State Park.

Bring your kayak or canoe to explore the scenic Salmon River.
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the trails, as some areas may be uneven.
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river or in the park's open fields.
Visit during the fall for beautiful foliage views.

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Getting There

Driving

Sunrise State Park is located at 121 Leesville Rd, Moodus, CT 06469. From Route 149 in East Haddam, turn onto Leesville Road. Follow Leesville Road for approximately 2 miles. The entrance to Sunrise State Park will be on your left. Parking is free and available at the park entrance.
Walking

If you are coming from Machimoodus State Park, follow the Lower Vista Trail, marked with purple blazes, which connects directly to Sunrise State Park. The walk is relatively easy, with scenic views of the Salmon River. There are no additional costs for accessing Sunrise State Park from Machimoodus State Park, as both share a boundary and entrance is free.

Discover more about Sunrise State Park

Sunrise State Park, located in East Haddam, CT, is a 146-acre park with a rich history. Situated on the east shore of the Salmon River, it shares an entrance with Machimoodus State Park. The park's land was once home to several resorts, including Ted Hilton's Hideaway, the Frank Davis Resort, and finally, Sunrise Resort. These resorts were popular vacation destinations, and the area was even known as the “Catskills of Connecticut”.After the state purchased the property in 2009, the former resort buildings fell into disrepair. In 2013, the state demolished over 80 buildings, allowing the land to return to its natural state. Today, visitors can explore the park's trails and find remnants of the resort era, such as asphalt basketball courts and building foundations. The park offers 4,700 feet of frontage on the Salmon River, making it an ideal spot for kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. Hiking trails wind through the property, providing scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. Sunrise State Park is also adjacent to the 300-acre Machimoodus State Park, offering access to even more trails and outdoor activities.Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at Sunrise State Park, including hiking, bird watching, fishing, and kayaking. The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset and offers free admission.