This Easy Yet Scenic Connecticut Trail Leads To Breathtaking Ocean Views And Tranquil Beaches

Connecticut's scenic shoreline is a gift that keeps on giving. Perhaps you know about its charming coastal cities like the bougie and beautiful town of Darien or beachy Greenwich with its chic restaurants. However, there is another gorgeous stretch that's worth a trip: Bluff Point State Park, an untamed destination boasting 800 acres of natural area that have been protected since 1975.

See, before rich New York vacationers could fully seize this space as theirs, Connecticut's legislature gave it Coastal Reserve status. This halted individual ownership in the area and preserved the native habitat. When you visit today, you will encounter a relatively untouched natural beauty with pristine geological formations and a beach environment unlike any other in the state. Savor these rugged vistas on the park's 3.6-mile Coastal Reserve Loop trail, which offers panoramic outlooks stretching from the ocean to the coastal forest. The trailhead is located just a short distance from the Bluff Point State Park entrance and doubles as a parking lot. While in-state vehicles can park for free, out-of-state cars pay $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays (at the time of writing).

As a loop trail, this route starts and ends at the same point. Wide and graveled, Coastal Reserve Loop is popular for families and those who prefer a mild incline over steep hikes. The path first takes you along the Poquonnok River, then Fishers Island Sound, before revealing vast Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound views around the route's mid-point. The other half of the trail is entirely wooded but equally stunning.

Several spur trails shoot out from the main path, providing access to serene detours. However, the main oceanic vistas appear around 1.5 miles into the trail at Bluff Point Beach and Bushy Point Beach. While the latter lies a little farther from the route, Coastal Reserve Loop runs right across Bluff Point Beach. Both reflect nature in its most untamed form, with landscapes defined by pebbly shores, dune grasslands, and rocky bluffs. Birdwatching is also a major draw here, as various shorebirds — like oystercatchers, sandpipers, great blue herons, and some species of gulls — visit throughout the year.

After you've enjoyed the serene beaches along Coastal Reserve Loop, head back the way you came to admire oceanside scenery again or hike the forested woodlands part of the trail to complete the loop. Wear shoes that can handle and protect your feet from the rocky terrain. Hiking in winter or on rainy days may require footwear with extra traction. On that note, the park is open year-round for exploration. When you visit, practice Leave No Trace principles to keep this beachy Connecticut state park's beauty intact.