Bluff Point Hike – Groton, Connecticut

Difficulty: Easy 3.6-mile loop with no elevation

Amenities: Toilets, benches, stroller-friendly

Parking/Admission fee: None

This week’s recommendation spot for a family hike is a very special place in Connecticut. If you’re near the area or planning to go to CT you may want to check this spot. If you want a picturesque trail, go fishing while enjoying amazing wildlife, Bluff Point Park is your best option in Connecticut by far! It is a public recreation area that occupies a nature preserve undeveloped peninsula. It is bounded by the Poquonock River on the west, Mumford Cove on the east, and Fishers Island Sound on the south. A railroad track bounds the park on the north. Within the park, landforms vary from beach to marsh, to brackish lake, to wooded uplands.

Let’s go and discover the difficulties, direction, amenities, and some of the most enjoyable activities of Bluff Point Park to help you start planning your getaway with your family.

Difficulties

The trail is easy with a total length of 3.6 miles, providing an excellent loop for trail-hiking or jogging. The area has a main fire road loop around the perimeter which is double track and perfect for family hiking. The front gravel road is the easiest and the back road a bit rugged, but passable. The trail is in a network of trails traversing the hill. For more free-ride-type trails, the north of the cinder road into the “Ho-Chi Min” area in the state park section is an option.

Directions

Coming from I-95 North: Take exit 88.

Turn right onto SR 117 South.

Turn right at the end onto Route 1 South. Take a left at the first light onto Depot Road. Park entrance is at the end of the road.

Coming from I-95 South: Take exit 88.

Turn left onto SR 117 South. Turn right at the end onto Route 1 South.

Take a left at the first light onto Depot Road. Park entrance is at the end of the road.

Amenities

Picnic tables are located near the entrance. Bushy Point Beach is accessible on foot, about one mile from the beginning of the trail. Swimming is at its own risk since it is not manned by a lifeguard.

Fun Activities

1. Enjoying the trails!

Opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless here at this popular Connecticut hike. Plenty of trails can be found that will no doubt excite any avid hikers. Bluff Point Park mountain biking is popular as well due to the challenging terrain and beautiful scenery of the coastal reserve area.

2. Go Fishing!

Bluff Point Park also offers fishing, and without a doubt, a favorite pastime of countless individuals who visit this park! Choose from casting your line from Poquonock Cove or the Bluff Point Beach. There are numerous species of fishing lurking under the waters of the Long Island Sound that you might be lucky enough to catch. You can fish for shellfish here as well (although it does require a permit).

3. Observe Amazing Wildlife!

Since Bluff Point Park is comprised of undeveloped land, it has been declared a designated coastal reserve, providing a protected habitat for a multitude of different species. You can spot over 200 different types of birds living here, including blue heron, sandpipers, falcons, owls, amongst many others. Other animals that inhabit this area include raccoons, rabbits, foxes, and coyotes. With the abundant vegetation and nearby source of water, these creatures can thrive and flourish in this environment.

Bluff point state park is a nice relaxing outdoor setting and perfect for a weekend picnic. This place offers a delightful mixture of wooded trail-hiking coupled with spectacular wildlife viewing on Long Island Sound. Regardless of the time of year, this region is always filled with breathtaking beauty. With colorful wildflowers in the spring and summer, bright foliage in the autumn, and sparkling snow in the winter, the views here are always spectacular.

Stay tuned and watch out for our next spot recommendation.

Happy hiking!