Described as the last remaining significant piece of undeveloped land along the Connecticut coastline, this rugged park lives up to the hype. It’s a beautiful trail leading out to the bluffs on Long Island sound. There’s one trail head leading from the parking lot that soon forks allowing you to stay right along the coast or bear left and walk through the woods. Both ways are beautiful, and I would absolutely suggest making the loop. There’s an old foundation along the wooded side of the trail from a bygone farm.
Urban Noise Pollution
As you walk along the coastal side of the park you’re not too far from the Groton airport, so there is a bit of noise from jets and planes taking off and landing. It’s not deafening by any means and easily ignored after the first few.
Our Day
There was a bike race that had apparently gone on at the park the day my son and I hiked it last. The parking lot was full of cars with racks and mountain bikes locked back in place. We made our way down the coastal side trail and randomly skipped rocks while enjoying what was the last few days of unseasonably warm weather. He even asked if he could go swimming. If I had a towel and swim trunks I may have acquiesced.
The Beach
Before getting to the point there is a beach accessible just off the right side of the trail. It stretches for a way and ends at a rocky island called Bushy Point. Outside of the birds mating season equestrian activities are allowed on the sand and it’s not unusual to find hoof prints or even cross paths with riders. Be cautious of where you step. I’ve never seen an equestrian get off their horse to bag poop.
A Beautiful day
Early November was gorgeous this year, keeping the warm winds late and allowing us to feel as though summer would never end. Several times the top came down from the Jeep and let the wind blow through my short hair. This day at Bluff point was no exception, the last swim in the ocean for me had been late October but this particular day would have also sufficed.
Winter is Coming
Now we’re getting back to near freezing temperatures overnight and barely hitting the forties in the sunshine, the days are getting short and by six pm it’s basically midnight. I know the cold weather and lack of leaves won’t stop me from hiking, even along the coast of New England. I’ll enjoy the winter as best I can, but it’s hard to not want the next summer to roll around, bringing the random swimming and kayaking, shorts and wet shoes season back into full swing.
Check out Oswegatchie hills for more CT hiking.
