Summer Hike and Swim at Bluff Point in Groton, August 12, 2023

[David Ostafin]

Join us for an easy summertime hike at Bluff Point State Park, located at 55 Depot Road, Groton, CT, on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.  The hike will include an optional swim/dip in Long Island Sound, at the park's Bushy Point Beach.

Bluff Point is one of the last significant pieces of undeveloped land (over 800 acres) along the Connecticut coastline.  It was a popular recreational destination in through the 1920's and 1930's, but a community of over 100 cottages were destroyed on September 21, 1938 when a massive hurricane came ashore at high tide and wreaked havoc on the beach community.  It was then determined that the area is unsuited for permanent dwellings of any sort.  In 1975 the Connecticut legislature established Bluff Point as a coastal reserve, to remain undeveloped, but for public recreation.

We will hike an elliptical loop clockwise from the parking lot.  The loop is about three and a half miles in length, but is flat and of low intensity.  Our destination is a strip of beach called Bushy Poiny Beach, where we will all be afforded the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the Sound. Bring swimming gear (suit and towel). But along the way to the beach we will first explore the picturesque rock "bluffs" from which the park takes its name, where there are great views of the rocky shore and the Sound (numerous photo opportunities).  The total hiking time will be about two hours, which is ideal for a hot August day, excluding whatever time we spend at the beach.

NOTE:  Dogs are allowed on all trails, but are technically NOT allowed on the beach during summer months.  However, this summer prohibition is only enforced intermittently.

As always, dress appropriately for the season with proper footwear, and also bring ample water.  Part of the hike is sunny, and thus sunscreen is recommended.  Please reference our Disclaimer in the About section.  The rain date is the following day, Sunday, the 13th.

PARKING:  Parking is ample and free to Connecticut-registered vehicles.  Out-of-state vehicles are asked to pay a fee via an online application.  

MEETUP:  Meet at the end of the parking lot, next to the kiosk with the park's map, adjacent to some picnic tables.  Show up by 10:30 a.m., as we will begin the hike promptly at 11:00 a.m.  If you are late, you can catch up to the group on the trail. 

AFTER-HIKE SOCIAL:  The optional after-hike social and luncheon will be at one of the group’s favorite places:  the Groton Townhouse Restaurant, located at 355 Rt. 12 in Groton, CT.  The restaurant features a large, diverse menu (including all-day breakfast choices).  For more information about the restaurant, visit its website at: http://grotontownhouserestaurant.com.  

DIRECTIONS:  You can set your GPS for 55 Depot Road, Groton, CT.  Take Exit 88 from I-95 (North or South) to CT-117 South.  From the intersection of I-95 and CT-117 drive about 0.3 miles to UP-1 South to Groton. Then drive another 0.3 miles and take a left on to Depot Road.  Drive 0.7 miles on Depot Road, passing an industrial park and bearing right under a bridge, to reach the parking area.

For more information about the park, visit the DEEP park website.