The tracks were originally discovered during the construction of the Holyoke dam in the early 1900s.
The Eubrontes tracks are believed to have been made by Dilophosaurus-like theropods.
The sandstone layer preserves the tracks because the sediment was soft mud near the ancient shoreline before lithification.
The site is part of the Connecticut River Valley, a region globally significant for early Mesozoic fossil discoveries.
The prints are preserved in a 'tilted' orientation due to the tectonic deformation of the Hartford Basin.
Dinosaur Footprints is a roadside geological site featuring dozens of authentic, fossilized Eubrontes tracks embedded in a sandstone slab. These tracks were created approximately 200 million years ago during the Early Jurassic period by carnivorous theropods. The site is situated on a tilted sedimentary layer formed by the ancient Lake Hitchcock basin. Managed by The Trustees of Reservations, the location preserves the tracks in their original exposed riverbed context. Visitors can observe distinct three-toed imprints clearly visible in the rock surface. Interpretive signage provides context regarding the dinosaur's behavior and the local prehistoric environment. The site is entirely outdoors and accessible via a short walkway from the parking area.
From the upper viewing platform looking down at the main concentration of tracks during low-angle sunlight to highlight the indentations.
Bring a magnifying glass or binoculars to better inspect the finer details of the mud cracks and track impressions.
Wear shoes with good traction, as the stone surface can be uneven and potentially slippery if wet.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Mount Tom State Reservation for a full day of local exploration.
Do not mistake the site for an elaborate museum; it is a small, unstaffed outdoor roadside attraction, so do not expect indoor amenities or guided tours.
Open seasonally from spring through autumn; closed during winter months due to snow and ice coverage.
Stay on the designated walkways and do not attempt to make rubbings or cast impressions of the fossils.
