MACHIMOODUS/SUNRISE RESORT STATE PARKS:
EAST HADDAM, CONNECTICUT
-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-
Last Updated: January 22, 2024
Length: Machimoodus/Sunrise Resort SP Loop; 2 miles [Spur to Overlook included; 3.4 miles]
Difficulty: Moderate. Machimoodus SP; Old gravel roads, mostly flat. Sunrise Resort SP; Old paved roads, hilly.
Directions:
From the junction of Routes 66 & 151 in Cobalt follow Route 151 south for 6.6 miles to the Machimoodus SP/Sunrise Resort SP entrance on the right.
The Machimoodus State Park, formerly known as Echo Farm & Sunrise Resort State Park, formerly known as Sunrise Resort are located back to back along the Salmon River. Old gravel and paved roads form a Loop between the two parks. There are other dirt trails in the park, but are mainly used by hikers. For more information visit; MACHIMOODUS SP & SUNRISE RESORT SP .
Starting from the Machimoodus SP/Sunrise Resort SP parking lot [Eastern End]; At the end of the parking lot is a Map Board. Travel West past the Map Board along the old gravel road and along a causeway between two ponds. Picnic tables located here. Continue straight at the intersection along the Lower Vista Trail [Purple Trail]. You'll head downhill into the woods coming to a sharp curve and narrow dirt path on your right at 0.3 miles. This path leads into the Sunrise Resort State Park.
Note: Spur to Overlook; Before heading into the Sunrise Resort SP, continue left, South, along the gravel road Lower Vista Trail [Purple Trail]. The road splits at 0.7 miles, keep left. You'll pass by a small pond and travel past a large field before coming to a circle with picnic tables at 1 mile. The Salmon River Cove is down below. The views were obstructed by the trees but I imagine in the Spring & Fall you would have clear views of the river. The narrow dirt path by the sign post is the entrance for the Upper Vista Trail.
Heading right, North, follow the narrow dirt path through a stone wall where the trail widens as you enter a Pine forest. Follow the Blue Trail straight to an intersection. Head left along the Blue Trail. Cross over a wooden bridge and head left on the gravel road alongside a large field. Spot some of the old building foundations from the resort. You'll come to a parking lot at 0.9 miles. Head left out to the old paved road. Spot the old basketball courts across the road. Turn left and follow the paved road down a steep hill. Caution; Watch out for road erosion. This brings you down alongside the Salmon River at 1.2 miles. Canoes & Kayak Launch parking lot. Continue straight, North, along the river as the road ascends up a steep switchback to an intersection. Head left and the trail soon turns South, along Sunrise Hill. You'll pass by the old tennis courts and ball field before passing through a parking lot and coming to Echo Farm Rd. Head left, Southeast, passing by the old resort buildings and you'll come to a gate at 1.8 miles. Follow the old entrance road straight, South, past a turnoff to Route 151 and you'll come to another gate. Head South past the gate along a gravel road and you'll return to the Machimoodus SP/Sunrise Resort SP parking lot after a 2 mile loop.
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CLICK HERE FOR MACHIMOODUS SP MAP
CLICK HERE FOR SUNRISE RESORT SP MAP
CLICK HERE FOR BOTH STATE PARK MAPS
BEFORE YOU SET OUT BE SURE TO READ THE
WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLAIMER
BIKE IT OR HIKE IT