The Connecticut Coastal Access Guide, an interactive map, reveals that Hammonasset and Rocky Neck are not even close to being the only places along our state’s shoreline that are worth visiting.
Haley Farm State Park (pictured) is one of these underappreciated gems, just around the bend from Bluff Point State Park, which itself is not an unknown, but gets nowhere near the recognition it deserves.
There are more than 250 acres to explore on the historic farm. By historic, I mean that it goes back to the 1600’s. Connecticut Colony’s first governor owned some of the property.
Knowing the background of the site is not needed to enjoy it.
Stone walls and barn foundations greet visitors at Groton’s Haley Farm, a serene park with bike paths through woods. An effortless walk rewards you with views of Palmer Cove, and if you’re lucky, the Northeast Regional.
Unlike Haley Farm and Bluff Point, many of the coastal access points are tiny — a few acres or less — like Dodge Paddock and Beal Preserves in Stonington.
Meandering down Noank’s narrow, pristine streets to find rocks, a dock, and a view is no less satisfying than sharing a sandy beach with hundreds of people during the warmer months.
Harkness, popular for good reason, can also feel crowded. Looking at the CCAG, you can find alternatives nearby, including Waterford Beach Park.
Those open to traveling more than five minutes from the Interstate expand their options.
Dave Kozak
Kerri- Thank you for pointing out the benefits using the Access Guide to find a favorite place to explore along CT’s ~ 300 miles of shoreline on Long Island Sound (the length of CT’s shoreline inreases dramatically if including shoreline of coastal rivers). As one of many who worked on developing the Guide at the CT DEEP, we hope more will use it to explore CT’s shore-a resource that belongs to all people of the State of CT (up to the high tide line), and beyond where the shoreline property is owned by a public institution.
Kerri Provost
It’s an excellent resource — thanks for creating it!