Sunrise State Park
Connecticut’s Salmon River Retreat — 4,700 Feet of River Frontage, Kayak/Canoe Launch, Former Resort Grounds, Walking Trails & Machimoodus Access in East Haddam
Sunrise State Park is a day-use park along the Salmon River in East Haddam, Connecticut. The park features over 4,700 feet of Salmon River frontage, a dedicated kayak/canoe launch, hiking trails ranging from gravel roads to woodland paths, picnic areas, seasonal chemical toilets, and direct access to the adjacent 300-acre Machimoodus State Park.
Sunrise sits on the grounds of a former resort — remnants of the resort structures and courts remain visible throughout the park, creating a unique blend of history and nature. The park’s 4,700+ feet of Salmon River frontage is its signature feature, providing paddlers with an excellent launch point for exploring one of Connecticut’s most scenic rivers. The Salmon River is renowned for its fall Atlantic salmon run (Connecticut’s only designated “Wild and Scenic” river segment) and year-round trout fishing. Trails connect to the adjacent 300-acre Machimoodus State Park, significantly expanding hiking options. The park is free with no parking fee.
Things to Do
Paddling
- Dedicated kayak/canoe launch: On the Salmon River
- 4,700+ feet of river frontage: Easy shoreline access
- Salmon River paddling: Scenic, calm sections ideal for beginners
Fishing
- Salmon River: Connecticut’s only “Wild and Scenic” river segment
- Species: Trout (stocked), Atlantic salmon (fall run), smallmouth bass
- Shore fishing along 4,700+ feet of frontage
- Connecticut fishing license required
Hiking
- Park trails: Gravel roads to natural woodland paths
- Scenic river views
- Connects to Machimoodus State Park: 300+ acres of additional trails
Wildlife & Nature
- Birdwatching: River habitat supports herons, eagles, and songbirds
- Former resort remnants: Unique historical interest
Winter Activities
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Day-use only (no camping) |
| River Frontage | 4,700+ feet on the Salmon River |
| Kayak/Canoe Launch | Dedicated launch |
| Restrooms | Seasonal chemical toilets |
| Parking | FREE — no fee |
| Camping | Not permitted |
| Pets | Welcome — leashed |
| Buses | Buses with 30+ passengers prohibited |
| Adjacent Park | Machimoodus State Park (300 acres) |
| Address | 121 Leesville Road, East Haddam, CT 06469 |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Warm paddling; fishing; lush trails; birdwatching; long days | Humid; mosquitoes; poison ivy; thunderstorms |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ⭐ Atlantic salmon run; fall foliage; cool hiking; photography; uncrowded | Shorter days; cooling; chemical toilets may be removed |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Trout fishing; wildflowers; birding migration; river high; green-up | Muddy; variable weather; river may run fast |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Snowshoeing; XC skiing; winter solitude; eagle watching | Cold; no facilities; icy trails; short days |
Visitor Tips
- Salmon River launch: The dedicated kayak/canoe launch is one of the best access points on Connecticut’s Salmon River.
- Free parking: No parking fee — one of the few free Connecticut state parks.
- Machimoodus connection: Trails connect directly to the 300-acre Machimoodus State Park — plan for a longer hike.
- Fall salmon: The Salmon River hosts Connecticut’s only Atlantic salmon run — visit October–November for the spectacle.
- Former resort: Look for remnants of the former resort structures — tennis courts, foundations, and roads from the resort era.
- Year-round access: The park is open year-round — excellent for snowshoeing and XC skiing in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you kayak at Sunrise State Park?
Yes — Sunrise State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut, features a dedicated kayak and canoe launch on the Salmon River. The park has over 4,700 feet of Salmon River frontage, providing excellent shoreline access and paddling opportunities. The Salmon River offers scenic, calm sections suitable for beginners. The park is free with no parking fees. It also connects to the adjacent 300-acre Machimoodus State Park for extended hiking.
Is there fishing at Sunrise State Park?
Yes — Sunrise State Park offers excellent fishing along over 4,700 feet of Salmon River frontage. The Salmon River is Connecticut’s only designated “Wild and Scenic” river segment and is stocked with trout. The river also hosts a fall Atlantic salmon run (October–November). Other species include smallmouth bass. A Connecticut fishing license is required. The park in East Haddam is free to visit with no parking fees.
Last updated: May 2026
Park Location
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