🌤 Weather at Hop River State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–68 °F | 57–80 °F | 34–73 °F | 19–40 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Storrs, 11 mi away, elevation 665 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Hop River State Park is a 43.8-acre wooded state park in Bolton, Connecticut, with no trail or parking of its own. You see it from the Hop River State Park Trail, which runs along its edge.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) lists Hop River State Park as a state park property of its own, separate from the 20-mile rail trail of almost the same name. DEEP does not run it as a separate destination: the park’s own address on ctparks.com forwards to the trail page, and DEEP’s trail description mentions it only in passing, as one of the two state parks the trail passes in Bolton. This profile describes what the state’s map data show about the land, so you know what to expect before you go.
Quick Facts
| Location | Bolton, Tolland County, Connecticut 06043 |
| Size | 43.8 acres (DEEP property data, October 2026) |
| Owner | State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Trails, parking, facilities | None inside the park; reach it from the Hop River State Park Trail |
| Hunting | Closed to hunting |
| Entry fee | No entrance fee is listed by DEEP (as of October 2026) |
Location & Getting There
The park lies southeast of Bolton Notch, close to Maple Valley Road and Toomey Road, at about 690 feet above sea level. The park’s coordinates are 41.7791, -72.4345. The town assessor lists the state parcel on Toomey Road, but DEEP marks no entrance or parking there.
The way in is the Hop River State Park Trail. In DEEP’s trail data the trail follows the edge of the park for about 0.6 mile. Two DEEP trail access points are close by: the parking lot at Bolton Notch State Park, at the junction of Route 44 and Route 6 (10 spaces), about 0.85 mile northwest, and roadside parking for about 4 cars at Steeles Crossing Road, about half a mile southeast. Both distances are straight-line distances to the park boundary.
The Land
The park is a strip of woodland about half a mile long and a quarter mile wide. In the National Land Cover Database (NLCD 2021) all of it is deciduous forest. DEEP’s map layers show no lake, pond or stream inside the boundary, no boat launch and no stocked water. It borders Bolton Notch State Park, and the rail trail runs alongside it on the old railroad bed, so a walk on the trail between Bolton Notch and Steeles Crossing passes the park on one side.
Hours, Fees & Rules
DEEP lists the Hop River State Park Trail as open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, and the park’s ctparks.com address leads to that trail page. No entrance or parking fee is listed. DEEP’s hunting map marks Hop River State Park as closed to hunting. On the trail, DEEP’s trail data allow dogs on a leash. Questions go to the trail’s park office at (860) 295-9523.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hop River State Park the same as the Hop River State Park Trail?
No. Hop River State Park is a separate 43.8-acre state park property in Bolton. The Hop River State Park Trail is a rail trail of about 20 miles from Manchester to Columbia that runs along the park’s edge.
Are there trails inside Hop River State Park?
DEEP’s trail data show no trail inside the park boundary. The nearest trail is the Hop River State Park Trail, which follows the edge of the park for about 0.6 mile.
Where do I park to see Hop River State Park?
Use one of the DEEP trail access points: the lot at Bolton Notch State Park at Route 44 and Route 6, or the roadside parking at Steeles Crossing Road. From either one, walk along the Hop River State Park Trail.
Is hunting allowed at Hop River State Park?
No. DEEP’s hunting map lists Hop River State Park as closed to hunting.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Hop River State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets on a leash are permitted in most Connecticut state parks and forests, but not in buildings, swimming areas or state park campgrounds.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed and under control at all times; in state forest camping areas the leash may be no longer than 7 feet.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas; Sherwood Island and Squantz Pond State Parks ban pets entirely April 15 - September 30.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are banned from all state park campgrounds; they are allowed only in the American Legion, Pachaug and Salt Rock state forest campgrounds, but not on rustic cabin sites.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited year-round at Dinosaur State Park and in the formal gardens and beach at Harkness Memorial State Park.
Are dogs allowed at Hop River State Park?
Pets on a leash are permitted in most Connecticut state parks and forests, but not in buildings, swimming areas or state park campgrounds. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via portal.ct.gov. More: Connecticut state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
