Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard State Park
Eightmile River, Connecticut · 194 ft
More than sixty feet of stepped drops over Scotland Schist on the Wild and Scenic Eightmile River, in the oak half of Connecticut rather than the sugar maple hills in the northwest. The surround runs rust and bronze here, and the stepped ledges give the water structure that flat light keeps readable.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Oct 12 – Oct 20
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
Off Hopyard Road in East Haddam. The falls sit a short distance from the parking and picnic area, with a covered bridge and about 13 miles of trail beyond.
What turns here
- red maple
- northern red oak
- black birch
- hickory
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 16Typical color progression for Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard State Park. No change from Sep 8 to Sep 25. First color from Sep 25 to Oct 4. Approaching peak from Oct 4 to Oct 12. Peak from Oct 12 to Oct 20. Past peak from Oct 20 to Oct 30. Bare from Oct 30 to Nov 13.
Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard State Park is typically at no change on this date.
Light at peak
Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard State Park on October 16, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:34 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 101° | 7:02 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 38 min of low, warm light | 7:39 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:35 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 38 min before sunset | 5:30 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 259° | 6:07 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:35 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 11h 5m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets WSW.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.