Haley Farm State Park
Haley Farm State Park is a public state park in Connecticut near Groton in New London County. Spanning 267 acres and established in 1970, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Connecticut |
| Nearest City | Groton |
| County | New London |
| Park Size | 267 acres |
| Established | 1970 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Haley Farm State Park is located near Groton, Connecticut. The park’s coordinates are 41.3319, -72.0091.
Things to Do
Connecticut’s compact state park system packs diverse experiences into a small state — from Long Island Sound beaches and tidal marshes to Appalachian ridgeline trails, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Activities include swimming at supervised lake and ocean beaches, hiking along the Blue-Blazed Trail system that connects many state parks, fishing in stocked trout streams and coastal waters, camping in forested settings, biking rail-trails and park roads, nature study at wildlife management areas, rock climbing at Ragged Mountain, kayaking coastal estuaries, and exploring historic sites from Revolutionary War battlefields to industrial-era heritage.
Best Time to Visit
Connecticut parks are at their best from May through October. Summer (June–August) brings peak beach season along Long Island Sound and warm lake swimming inland. Spring delivers azalea and mountain laurel blooms (Connecticut’s state flower), plus rushing waterfalls. Fall foliage in Connecticut peaks mid-to-late October and can be spectacular along ridgeline parks like Sleeping Giant and Talcott Mountain. Winter offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and peaceful forest hiking when trails are less crowded. All Connecticut state parks are free for pedestrians year-round; vehicle parking fees ($10–$22 for non-residents) apply at beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Visitor Tips
Connecticut state parks are free for walk-in visitors year-round. Vehicle parking fees ($10 residents / $15–$22 non-residents) apply at beach parks during summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Inland parks are typically free year-round. Camping is available at select parks — reservations through ReserveAmerica. Connecticut’s compact size means most parks are within a 90-minute drive of any point in the state, making day trips easy. Dogs are allowed on leash but prohibited at swimming areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Connecticut state parks free?
Connecticut state parks are free for walk-in and bicycle visitors year-round. Vehicle parking fees ($10-$22 for non-residents) apply at beach and lake parks during summer. Inland trail parks are typically free.
What are the best state parks in Connecticut?
Top parks include Sleeping Giant (panoramic views), Hammonasset (largest beach park), Talcott Mountain (Heublein Tower), Gillette Castle (riverfront estate), and Kent Falls (tallest waterfall).
Can I see waterfalls at Connecticut state parks?
Yes, Kent Falls State Park features a 250-foot multi-tiered waterfall cascade — the tallest in Connecticut. Other waterfall parks include Wadsworth Falls and Enders State Forest.
When does beach season start at Connecticut state parks?
Beach season at Connecticut coastal parks runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty. Parking fees for non-residents apply during this period. Arrive early on summer weekends as lots fill quickly.
Explore More Connecticut State Parks
Haley Farm State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Connecticut. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Connecticut guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Haley Farm connects to Bluff Point State Park via a coastal trail — together they protect one of the largest undeveloped coastal areas on Long Island Sound. The former dairy farm’s stone walls, open meadows, and coastal habitat create diverse ecosystems in close proximity. The meadows support monarch butterfly migration — these remarkable insects travel 2,000+ miles from Connecticut to their overwintering grounds in central Mexico. Saltwater marsh borders provide habitat for saltmarsh sparrows, whose nests are increasingly flooded by sea-level rise. The farm’s transition from agriculture to nature preserve illustrates New England’s post-agricultural landscape evolution — from farming to abandonment to ecological recovery.
Nearby Attractions
Bluff Point State Park — directly connected via the coastal trail — is the last undeveloped peninsula on Connecticut’s Long Island Sound shore. Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium are within 10 minutes. Noank is a quintessential Connecticut fishing village — Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough serves lobster on the waterfront. Groton Long Point is an exclusive beach community. The Thames River Heritage Park connects Fort Griswold, Fort Trumbull, and other sites via water taxi.
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