Lake Hayward
 

 

Area Activities
 
East Haddam

*Devil's Hopyard State Park
Features hiking, picnic areas, camping and trout fishing. The potholes at the base of Chapman Falls are said to be the footprints left by the devil as he hopped from ledge to ledge to keep dry. Yahoo Map

*Chapman's Pond Nature Preserve
Chapman's Pond Nature Preserve boasts 600 acres of forest, brooks, a tidal pond, flood plains, marshes and abundant wildlife. Best reached by canoe, trailheads also on River Road lead to marked trails of moderate to steep terrain. Route 82 to River Road, East Haddam

*Gillette Castle State Park
Gillette Castle was built by actor William Gillette. Best known for his role as Sherlock Holmes, Gillette had construction started in 1914 and it was not completed until 1919, at a cost of $1,000,000. Standing at 200 feet above sea level, with imposing granite walls, 4 to 5 feet thick, and 24 oddly shaped rooms, it affords visitors one of the most spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley. 67 River Road East Haddam, CT dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/parks/gillettecastle.htm

*The Goodspeed Opera House
The Goodspeed Opera House was built in 1876 by William Goodspeed, ship builder, merchant, banker and lover of the theater. This Victorian gem also housed Goodspeed's business offices, bar and general store. Restored in 1958 and rededicated in 1963, the Opera House now presents the finest in musical revivals. East Haddam, CT www.goodspeed.org

*The Nathan Hale School House
The Nathan Hale School House is a one room building erected in 1750. Here, Nathan Hale served as schoolmaster from 1773 to 1774. A bust of Hale at Goodspeed Plaza marks the original sight of the school house. The building itself has been relocated to the hill overlooking the village and river. It houses displays of local history and Hale's possessions. 29 Main St Route 149 East Haddam

*The Amasa Day House
The Amasa Day House is an 1818 homestead that offers insight into how the Industrial Revolution changed the lives of ordinary Americans. Original stencil work and period objects decorate the house. A variety of public programs are held throughout the year. The house is open on Sundays from 1-4 PM, though groups may schedule tours at other times. 33 Plains Rd. Moodus, CT www.hartnet.org/als/amasa_day_house.htm

*St. Stephens Bell

St. Stephens Bell is thought to be the oldest bell in the new world. Originally cast for a Spanish monastery in 815 AD, the bell was brought to America in 1843 by a ship captain needing ballast for the voyage home. It now hangs in St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. www.ststeves.org

*The Congregational Church
The Congregational Church was originally a central meeting house which served as the town hall, church and community center. Designed by famed architect Lavius Fillmore, it was built in 1794. The interior of the church has graceful Doric columns, a Palladium window and a star-spangled, domed ceiling. Town Street, Little Haddam section of East Haddam - (860) 873-9084

Fox Hopyard Golf Club
Playing at nearly 7,000 yards from the back tees, this Par 71 layout has it all. Woods, meadows, water, wetlands, and wildlife combine to make this one of Roger Rulewich's most memorable designs. Facilities include a clubhouse, On the Rocks Restaurant, driving range & tennis courts. www.golfthefox.com/hopyard/index.html

Bike Trails
http://www.bikerag.com

Mountain Bike Trail Reviews including Maps and Pictures
www.trails.mtbr.com

CT Trail Information with Reviews

Hiking Trails
Eastern Connecticut's Air Line State Park Trail
Currently the southern section, from East Hampton to Hebron, has been developed more fully than any of the northern segments of the Air Line Trail. In East Hampton, Hebron and Colchester the trail has a stone dust surface, making it suitable for skinny-wheeled bikes while also providing a handicap accessible surface for wheelchair users, walkers and runners. http://www.railtrails.org/find/totm/archives/03-05.asp

CT State Parks and Forests (Middlesex County)
Site maintained by the CT Department of Environmental Protection. Find trail maps, directions, activities, facilities and historical information.http://dep.state.ct.us/stateparks/middlesex.htm

*Some information provided by the Town of East Haddam web site
 
© 2015 Property Owners' Lake Hayward Association