BLUFF POINT STATE PARK
Bluff Point Coastal Reserve offers the visitor a mixture of wooded hiking and biking trails coupled with wildlife viewing on Long Island Sound.
Bluff Point is the last remaining significant piece of undeveloped land along the Connecticut coastline. Jutting out into waters of Long Island Sound this wooded peninsula, measuring one and one-half miles long by one mile wide, encompasses over 800 acres.
Originally proposed for acquisition as a state recreation facility as early as 1914, it was not until 1963 that the western one-third of the land was purchased from Henry A. Gardiner III. State holdings include a north-south strip of the mainland, a portion of the headland bluff fronting the Sound, and the tombolo or sandspit forming a beach of nearly one mile in length. The beach terminates in a small, rocky island called Bushy Point.
Bluff Point was designated a Coastal Reserve by a special act of the Connecticut legislature in 1975 to establish the area for the purpose of preserving its native ecological associations, unique faunal and floral characteristics, geological features and scenic qualities in a condition of undisturbed integrity.
Because of its Coastal Reserve designation, access to the bluff is by foot or non-motorized vehicle only. The trail to the bluff passes through wooded and open areas until the view broadens as the bluff is approached. Here vegetation is more sparse and diminutive because of wind exposure. Among the plants to be found at the headland are native beach plum, beach pea and red and white shore roses.
The long, narrow beach is a geological remnant of the continental glaciers and subsequent erosion by wind and water... an ongoing process.
Bluff Point is the only sizable mostly undeveloped public piece of coastal land left in Connecticut. The natural habitats found here include coastal woodlands, beach and dune grasslands, coastal plain ponds, coastal bluff, tidal wetlands, intertidal mud flats and offshore eelgrass beds. Because of this unique combination of habitats, a variety of plants and animals live in the area. Some of these are rare or endangered. Thus it is important to remain on trails and not disturb the plants, animals or rocks. As part of the management plan for Bluff Point, some trails will be closed in the future. Please do not use any former trails you find blocked, as habitat is trying to be protected in these areas. There are lots of trails here for hikers, joggers, horseback riders and mountain bikers.
Located in Groton, Connecticut, the park was established in 1963. It covers over 800 acres of land and coastal area. The site is a peninsula that extends into Long Island Sound.
Before becoming a state reserve, it had various uses including farming and quarrying operations during colonial times. In the late-19th century, Bluff Point became popular as an upscale summer resort destination with its own hotel.
The State of Connecticut acquired this property through eminent domain proceedings initiated in 1954 to protect natural resources from development threats.
Today it's known for hiking trails offering views across Poquonnock River on one side and Mumford Cove on another.
Connecticut has made state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more accessible to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer. Under the Passport to the Parks program, parking fees are now eliminated at Connecticut State Parks for those with Connecticut registered vehicles. You can view the
CONNECTICUT PASSPORT TO THE PARKS web page to learn more.
BBs / Inns
Located along the CT Shoreline midway between New York City and Boston, and only one hour from Hartford, with tons of local attractions both on the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River.
17.3 miles from park*
Anglers can enjoy saltwater fishing from the shore or by kayak. Common catches include striped bass, bluefish, and flounder.
Bluff Point State Park is located near Colchester, Groton and Jewett City
Bluff Point State Park offers scenic picnicking spots with views of Long Island Sound and wooded trails. No facilities provided.
When considering cycling here, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings due to mixed-use trails. The primary path for bicyclists is the Bluff Point Coastal Reserve Trail, a relatively flat loop that offers scenic views but can get crowded at times.
Be cautious on narrower sections and when approaching blind turns; pedestrians may be sharing the route. Off-road options exist too, like single-track paths branching off from main routes-suitable for mountain bikes-but they require more skill and attention.
Always wear a helmet while riding these trails and respect trail etiquette by yielding to walkers or slower riders. Check weather conditions before heading out as some areas might become slippery after rain or challenging during winter months.
Lastly, remember that wildlife inhabits this area so ride gently through their home environment without disturbing them.
- Bluff Point Coastal Reserve Trail: A 3.6-mile loop trail, suitable for all skill levels and primarily used for hiking, walking, running.
- Sunset Rock State Park Loop: This is a moderately trafficked loop trail of approximately 2 miles that features beautiful wild flowers.
- Baker's Cove Trail: An easy-rated out-and-back path stretching about one mile; it offers scenic views over the water body known as Baker's Cove.
- Bushy Point Beach Pathway: Approximately half-a-mile long pathway leading to an isolated beach area with great bird-watching opportunities along its course.
- Mumford Cove Cliff Walk Waypoint Track - Short but steep at times this track covers around .5 miles offering panoramic vistas from atop cliffs overlooking Mumford cove.
-The Estuary Bird Watching Area - Located near the main entrance of park providing excellent opportunity to observe local avian species in their natural habitat
-Great Island Wildlife Marshes Viewpoint- Offers stunning marshland scenery across roughly two acres accessible via short walkways branching off primary trails
-Poquonnock River Overlook- Provides breathtaking river view after less than a mile hike on flat terrain making it easily reachable even by novice hikers
Bird watching has always been popular at Bluff Point because of the variety of habitats. Many shorebirds can be seen year round. The fall migration provides opportunities for seeing a large number and variety of birds. Please stay on the marked trails and use the official dune crossings.
Over 200 species have been seen at this site, including a number that are uncommon in Connecticut gulls including Iceland, glaucous, common black-headed and black-legged kittiwake terns including roseate, Forster's and black skimmer gannet 30 species of water birds many shorebirds, including oystercatcher, Hudsonian godwit, Baird's, purple and buff-breasted sandpipers waders, including little blue heron raptors, including peregrine falcon, short-eared and saw-wet owls other landbirds, including both cuckoos, bobwhite, Swainson's and gray-cheeked thrushes, white-eyed and Philadelphia vireos, golden-winged, Nashville, Blackburnian, bay-breasted, blackpoll, orange-crowned and mourning warblers, chat, and a variety of sparrows. Many of these uncommon species occur in migration, when Bluff Point acts as a landfall in the spring and a land trap in the fall. The result is that it attracts a wide species diversity and big numbers of individual birds. In the fall, the rock outcrop at the southern end of the peninsula is an excellent spot from which to watch the hawk migration. The little neck of woods just east of the driveway and immediately south of the railroad tracks can be exciting during the fall migration. There is a great diversity of nesting species, thanks to the variety of habitat types near one another. Among the more interesting nesting species are clapper rail, black-crowned night heron, osprey, orchard oriole, white-eyed vireo and bobwhite. Bluff Point is also a good place to see oystercatcher during the nesting season, afterwards during their post-breeding congregation, and finally as the fall migrants pass through. Winter is also exciting. From the southern portions of Bluff Point you may see common and red-throated loons, red-necked and horned grebes, all three scoters, old squaw bufflehead, common goldeneye, canvasback, red-breasted merganser rough-legged hawk, short-eared owl horned lark and snow bunting.
Mystic KOA#118 Route 49
North Stonington, CT
860-599-5101
Directions from New Haven, Connecticut:
- Start on I-95 N towards Providence.
- Take exit 88 for CT -117 S toward Groton/Noank.
- Turn right onto CT -117 S.
From Hartford, Connecticut:
- Begin by getting on I94 E/I84E.
- Follow this to Route 2 East in Norwich.
- Continue until you reach the intersection with Interstate 395 North (exit28N).
- Merge onto i395 and take it till Exit78W which leads to interstate 95 westbound
- Take exit 87 for US1S/Bridge St
Once at Bluff Point State Park:
- Park your car in designated areas only.
- Follow marked trails during your visit.
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