Leary Park
Rate this placeNearby: Cohanzie Park Marilyn Road Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Leary Park is a public park located in the town of Waterford, Connecticut.
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Summary
The park is situated on the banks of the Niantic River, offering visitors the chance to enjoy scenic views of the water and surrounding landscape. There are many good reasons to visit Leary Park, including its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance.
One of the main points of interest at Leary Park is the Niantic River Boardwalk, which runs along the riverfront and provides a relaxing place to walk, jog, or bike. The boardwalk also offers access to fishing and boating opportunities, as well as a picnic area and playground for children.
Another notable feature of Leary Park is the Waterford Heritage Trail, a 1.5-mile hiking and biking trail that winds through the park and connects with other nearby trails. Along the way, visitors can explore historic sites, including the Waterford Mill, a restored grist mill that dates back to the 18th century.
In addition to its recreational and historical attractions, Leary Park also hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations. Visitors can check the park's calendar of events to see what's coming up and plan their visit accordingly.
The best time of year to visit Leary Park depends on personal preferences and interests. Spring and summer offer the best weather for outdoor activities, while fall can be a great time to see the changing leaves and enjoy cooler temperatures. Winter visitors may appreciate the park's picturesque snow-covered landscape and opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Overall, Leary Park is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy nature, history, and community events in the state of Connecticut.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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Laurel Lock Camp
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Youth Site 2
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Youth Site 1
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Cohanzie Park
Marilyn Road Park
Lyman Allen Park
Connecticut College Arboretum
Sanctuary Basin