DATE: Jul 21, 2018 to Jul 21, 2018
Hiking/Walk Bluff Point Hike and Swim in CT Sound

Meeting Time: 11:00 AM

Event Coordinator: dave0729
Groton, CT
US

Max # People: 30

Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money

Difficulty Level: Easy

SUMMARY:
Bluff Point is the last significant piece of undeveloped land (800 acres) along the Connecticut coastline. It is one of the few public parks in Connecticut where one can combine a hike and a dip in Long Island Sound. It was a popular recreational destination through the 1920's and early 1930's, but a thriving community of over 100 cottages was destroyed on September 21, 1938 when a massive hurricane came ashore at high tide and wreaked havoc on the beach community. It was then decided that this area was not suitable for dwellings, and so the lost cottages were never rebuilt. In 1975 the Connecticut Legislature designated the area a "coastal reserve" and then a state park. We will hike an elliptical route clockwise from the parking lot to the rocky bluffs for picturesque views of rocks, beach and Sound, with photo opportunities galore. From there we will go to a strip of beach along Long Island Sound for an optional swim/wade (or just get ankles wet). Have your swimming attire at hand and beach towel. This is a low-intensity hike (relatively flat), but ideal for a Dog Day of Summer with optional swim. The hike will last about two hours, not including the time the group decides to take for photos on the bluffs and the dip in the Sound. Dogs are allowed on the hike, but technically not allowed on the strip of beach where we will be swimming. After hike/swim, the group will rendezvous at a local restaurant for an after-hike social, for those interested.

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:
Take exit 88 off I-95 (North or South) to CT-117 South. From the intersection of CT-117 drive 0.3 miles to US-1 South in Groton, CT. Drive 0.3 miles and take a left onto Depot Road. If you use GPS address "1 Depot Road, Groton" your GPS will get you to this point. Once on Depot Road, drive 0.7 miles, passing an industrial park and bearing right under a railroad bridge, until you reach the parking area. Parking is ample and free. We will meet at end of parking area, at the trailhead. Look for the park billboard with map of trails that are adjacent to some picnic tables.