Hurd State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hurd State Park |
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View of the Connecticut River looking north from Hurd State Park's half-mile-long jetty made of large quarried blocks.
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 Hurd State Park
Location in Connecticut
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| Location | East Hampton, Connecticut, United States |
| Area | 991 acres (4.01 km2) |
| Elevation | 230 ft (70 m) |
| Designation | Connecticut state park |
| Established | 1914 |
| Administrator | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Website | Hurd State Park |
Hurd State Park is a fun place to visit in East Hampton, Connecticut. It's a public park right next to the Connecticut River. This park is a great spot for outdoor adventures like hiking, picnicking, and mountain biking. It's also special because it's one of only four state parks in Connecticut where boaters can camp right along the river!
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Discovering Hurd State Park
Hurd State Park covers a large area of 991 acres. It's located on the east side of the Connecticut River. The park offers beautiful views and plenty of space to explore. You can find it near another park called George Dudley Seymour State Park.
What Can You Do at Hurd State Park?
There are many exciting activities you can enjoy at Hurd State Park:
- Hiking: Explore the park's trails and discover nature.
- Picnicking: Pack a lunch and enjoy a meal outdoors with friends or family.
- Mountain Biking: Ride your bike on designated trails for an adventurous workout.
- Boating and Camping: If you love being on the water, you can boat along the Connecticut River. The park even offers special camping spots just for boaters.
The History of Hurd State Park
Hurd State Park has an interesting past. It's named after the Hurd family, who moved to this area a long time ago in 1710.
How the Park Was Created
The state of Connecticut bought the first part of the park in 1914. This first purchase was about 150 acres of land. Over time, the park grew to its current size.
A Legal Challenge for the Park
After the state bought the land, there was a legal disagreement. A person named Jesse S. Miller claimed he had the right to mine a mineral called feldspar on the park's property. Feldspar is a common mineral found in rocks. The state believed they owned all the rights to the land, including any minerals. This disagreement went all the way to the Connecticut State Supreme Court. In 1935, the court decided that the state was the rightful owner. This meant the park's land and its resources were protected for everyone to enjoy.
