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Connecticut
5

Connecticut State Parks

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Connecticut
Mystic Country Region
Stoddard Hill State Park
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STODDARD HILL STATE PARK
STODDARD HILL STATE PARK
Stoddard Hill State Park, located in Ledyard, Connecticut, is a scenic area offering various recreational activities. It spans 55 acres with access to the Thames River for boating and fishing. The park also features picnic areas and hiking trails that provide stunning views of the river valley below. Its diverse wildlife makes it an ideal spot for bird watching or nature photography.

History of the Area
Located in Ledyard, Connecticut, the park was established as a state property in 1954. It spans over 55 acres of land and is named after Captain George Stoddard who owned a shipyard nearby during the late 1700s.

The area offers diverse recreational activities including fishing, boating and hiking with views overlooking the Thames River. The site also has historical significance due to its use by Native American tribes prior to European settlement.

In recent years efforts have been made for conservation purposes such as controlling invasive species within this public space.

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.
15.5 miles from park*



Trails
- Stoddard Hill Main Trail: This is the primary trail within the park, approximately 2.5 miles long and offers a moderate hike with some steep sections.

- Riverfront Loop: A relatively flat loop of about 1 mile that follows along the shoreline of Connecticut river providing scenic views throughout its course.

- Overlook Pathway: Short but challenging uphill path leading to an overlook point offering panoramic vistas over surrounding areas; length unknown due to multiple access points from main trails.

- Eastern Ridge Route: Roughly half-mile in length, this route takes hikers through dense woodland on eastern boundary of park before descending back towards parking area near entrance gate.

- Western Woods Walkway: Approximately one-third mile walk winding through western section's mature forest canopy; not particularly strenuous making it suitable for all fitness levels.

- Blue Blazed Connector Trails: These are several short connector paths marked by blue blazes which link different parts across entire network allowing more customized hiking experiences depending upon individual preferences or abilities ; lengths vary widely based on chosen routes .

- Fishing Access Paths: Several smaller unmarked footpaths branching off from major trails provide direct access down to riverside fishing spots ; these can be muddy after rain so appropriate footwear recommended .

- Wildlife Observation Spots: While not formalized as specific 'trails', numerous locations exist where visitors may pause during their hikes for bird watching , deer spotting etc.; exact positions change seasonally according wildlife movements .

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Area Campgrounds
Sunfox Campground LLC
15 Kenyon Road
Lisbon, CT
860-376-1081
Pequot Ledge Campground
157 Doyle Road
Montville, CT
860-859-0682
Sun Outdoors Mystic
45 Campground Road
Stonington, CT
860-536-4044
Niantic I95 Exit 72 CT KOA
271 West Main Street
East Lyme, CT
860-739-9308
Odetah Camping Resort
38 Bozrah St Ext
Bozrah, CT
860-889-4144
Aces High RV Park
301 Chesterfield Road
East Lyme, CT
Countryside Campground
75 Cook Hill Road
Griswold, CT
860-376-0029
Lake Williams Campground
1742 Exeter Road Route 207
Lebanon, CT
860-642-7761
Deer Haven Campground LLC
65 Preston Allen Road
Lisbon, CT
860-376-1081
Ross Hill Park
170 Ross Hill Road
Lisbon, CT
860-376-9606
Camp Niantic-By-The-Atlantic
271 West Main Street
Niantic, CT
860-739-9308
Mystic KOA
#118 Route 49
North Stonington, CT
860-599-5101
Campers World of Connecticut
28 Nowakowski Road
Griswold, CT
860-376-2340
Seaport Campground
PO Box 104
Old Mystic,, CT
860-536-4044
Hidden Acres Family Campground
47 River Road
Preston, CT
860-887-9633
Strawberry Park Resort Campground
42 Pierce Road
Preston, 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
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Directions
- Identify your starting point.
- If you are in Hartford, Connecticut: Start on I 91 S from Main St and Pearl St.
- Follow I 91 S to CT -12S/ Norwich Ave in Ledyard. Take exit 86 from US -395 N.
- Continue on CT-12S/Norwich Ave until it turns into Long Cove Rd/Gales Ferry Rd after passing the Naval Submarine Base New London's back gate entrance.
- Turn right onto Whalehead Road at a four-way intersection with blinking lights overhead; this is about two miles past the submarine base's rear entryway
- Turn left onto Brook Street when you see signs for Gales Ferry Marina or Holmberg Orchards & Winery (approximately one mile down).
- Follow Brook Street as it curves around Lake of Isles Golf Course and becomes Sandy Hollow Road.

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Connecticut
5

Connecticut State Parks

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