Hike & Swim at Bluff Point Groton CT on July 20, 2024

[David Ostafin]

Join us on July 20, 2024 for a 3.5 mile easy hike at Bluff Point State Park, in Groton, CT.  At the midpoint of the hike we will have the opportunity to swim/wade in Long Island Sound.  This hike/swim, which we do most every summer, has evolved into our group's summer beach trek.  Meet at Bluff Point State Park, located at 55 Depot Road, Groton, CT on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. for a prompt departure at 11:00 a.m.  The rain date is the following day, Sunday, July 21, 2024.

ABOUT THE HIKE:  We will walk the 3.5 mile elliptical loop clockwise from the trailhead, to a strip of beach along Long Island Sound (called Bushy Beach) where hikers may swim or wade in the ound.  Bring bathing suit and towel (and maybe some sunscreen).  Along the way to the beach, we will pass by the ruins of the John Winthorp Homestead (Connecticut's first governor, who acquired the land in 1648).  We will then continue on the trail to the picturesque "bluffs" (from which the park takes its name) for photo opportunities and to enjoy the picturesque view of the rocks overlooking Long Island Sound.  The hike is of low-intensity, and should require about two hours of walking time (excluding whatever time we spend frolicking in the Sound).  There are waterless restrooms located near the beach area, which can be used (by the more modest) for changing into and out of bathing attire.  Dogs are welcome on the hike, but are technically disallowed on the beach during summer months (a prohibition that is only intermittently enforced). 

As always, dress appropriately for the season, bring ample water and bug spray, and read our group's DISCLAIMER in the ABOUT US section.

ABOUT THE PARK:  Bluff Point is the last remaining significant piece of undeveloped land (over 800 acres) along Connecticut's coastline.  It was a popular recreational beach destination throughout the 1920's and 1930's until September 21, 1938, when a massive hurricane came ashore at high tide and wreaked havoc on the beach community.  The 1938 Hurricane destroyed over 100 summer cottages.  It was then decided that this area was not suitable for any permanent dwellings, and thus the cottages were never rebuilt.  It was decided that the area would henceforth remain undeveloped.  In 1975 the Connecticut legislature established Bluff Point as a Coastal Reserve open for use by the general public.

DIRECTIONS:  You can set your GPS for "55 Depot Road, Groton, CT."  Take Exit 88 off I-95 (North or South) to CT-117.  Once on CT-117, drive 0.3 miles and take a left onto Depot Road.  Parking is ample and free to CT-registered vehicles (out-of-state vehicles pay a $15 weekend fee on-line; payments can be made up to 10 p.m. on the day of the visit).  We will meet at the end of the parking area, next to the kiosk with the park map on it, adjacent to some picnic benches and the trailhead.

AFTER-HIKE SOCIAL:  The optional after-hike social will be at the nearby Groton Townhouse Restaurant, located at 355 Route 12, Groton, CT.  This restaurant has a diverse menu, including all-day breakfast as well as a myriad of sandwiches and burgers.  To view the menu, visit the restaurant's website:  http://grotontownhouserestaurant.com.

Giovani Querido and David Ostafin