Dibble or fiddle? Cross over the newly built covered bridge following a loop trail to the falls to consider the foreboding encounters of the Devils Hopyard.
There was a malthouse and related hops garden on this property hence the “Hopyard” reference but history is unclear on the reference to the Devil. It’s either related it to a tenant farmer of the Hops garden named Dibble or to the devil himself who may have been seen on top of the falls playing the fiddle while burning holes into the stone of the falls.
Chapman Falls is a main attraction at this state park which had powered “Bebbe’s” Mill until the 1890s. It is located close to the parking lot so is an easy and quick hike to get to the prize – is that the work of the Devil? An easy lure?
At 60 feet high flowing down granite rock ledges, the formation and flow apparently lends itself to the devil’s playground. Alternatively its a great place for a photo op and a beer 😉
Several writings speak of devilish occurrences on these grounds with many hearing whispers discouraging folks from staying.
With the “Witches of Haddam” stirring creatures into the bubbling stone cauldrons the Devil created.
The approaching tunnel drips with ooze daring me to reach his falls.
Mmm Dibble or Fiddle? I remain uncertain on this visit. I’ll have to return and see Devils oven and the many other trails to further assess. Refer to trail map below and hop onto my blog to see what I may find at the other devilish parts of the hopyard.
Refer to related posts in the area for a day trip. As of this writing they include Gillette Castle, Cooking Company for a picnic, Two Wrasslin Cats for lunch, Yankee Cider for drinks and donuts and Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Farm (seasonally).
Pivot and Pause in New England 
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