New London/Groton/Waterford Area Rambles
Bluff Point, Groton
Bluff Point Coastal Reserve offers the visitor a delightful mixture of wooded hiking and biking trails coupled with spectacular 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.
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.
Haley Farm, Groton
Haley Farm State Park
GrotonThe park has been preserved as open space and is used for passive recreational purposes. A 0.8 mile bike trail winds its way through the scenic old shoreline farm. The Haley Farm Bike Trail, which is wheelchair accessible, is part of a 7 1/2 mile town-owned bikeway routed from Mystic to Groton on local roadways.
Facilities Pit Toilets
Haley Farm State Park, GrotonThe park has been preserved as open space and is used for passive recreational purposes. A 0.8 mile bike trail winds its way through the scenic old shoreline farm. The Haley Farm Bike Trail, which is wheelchair accessible, is part of a 7 1/2 mile town-owned bikeway routed from Mystic to Groton on local roadways.
Directions
Fees There is no parking fee at Haley Farm State Park.
Facilities Pit Toilets
Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford
Harkness Memorial
State Park
WaterfordEnjoy the panoramic views of Long Island Sound from Eolia, the elegant summer mansion of the Harkness family set on over 230 seaside acres of sweeping lawns, with stately trees and spectacular gardens.
Directions Take Route 2 south to Colchester. Route 85 south to New London, take a right onto Boston Post Road (Route 1), and then take a left onto Ocean Ave. Right onto Niles Hill Road. Left onto Dimmock Road. From Hartford area: take Route 91 southbound onto Route 9 south. It will merge with Route 95, go northbound on Route 95, take Exit 75. Bear right at the end of the exit, you will be on Route 1. Proceed 3 miles to the light at Avery Lane (Route 213), turn right and follow to the park. Avery Lane will become Great Neck Road. The park will be on your right. From Boston and Providence areas: take Route 95 southbound to Exit 81. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto access road and proceed to stop light. At the light take a left onto Cross Road and continue to the intersection with Route 1. Turn left onto Route 1 and continue to the traffic light at Avery Lane (Route 213). Turn right onto Avery Lane and follow to the park. Avery Lane will become Great Neck Road. The park will be on your right. From New York and New Haven areas: take Route 95 northbound, Exit 75. Bear right at the end of the exit, you will be on Route 1. Proceed 3 miles to the light at Avery Lane (Route 213), turn right and follow to the park. Avery Lane will become Great Neck Road. The park will be on your right.
Fees There are separate weekend/holiday and weekday parking fees at Harkness Memorial State Park.
Mansion Hours:
The mansion is open for tours weekends and holidays from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. The first tour of the day starts at 10:00 a.m. and the last at 2:15 p.m.
Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
Fort Trumbull State Park
New LondonGet an interactive history lesson at the visitor's center, or just walk the Fort and ramparts for a view of the Thames River, a visit to Fort Trumbull has something for everyone including a boardwalk and fishing pier.
Facilities Bathrooms, Conference Center, Fishing Pier, Onsite & On-street Parking, Visitor Center, Waterfront Walk
Fort Hours:
The Fort is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm from May 21 through Columbus Day. The Fort is closed between Columbus Day and Memorial Day Weekend.Visitor Center
The Center contains state of the art multimedia theaters, computer touch screen interactive exhibits, 3-D models, and extensive graphics and text panels. This one of a kind center depicts over 225 years of military history and technological advances from the Revolutionary War to the Cold War. Some of the main themes of the Visitor Center are the September 6, 1781 attack by the British under the command of Benedict Arnold, the U-boat menace during World War II, and the anti-submarine efforts during the Cold War.
Visitor Center Hours:
The Visitor Center will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm through Columbus Day. The Center is closed between Columbus Day and Memorial Day Weekend.
Directions Northbound on I-95 Take Exit 83 (Downtown New London). Go straight at light onto Huntington Street. Take right onto Jay Street. Go straight onto Truman Street, then left onto Blinman Street. Follow Blinman Street to Howard Street and go straight onto Howard Street. Then make left onto Walbach Street and right onto East Street. Park entrance is on the left Southbound on I-95 Take Exit 84S (Downtown New London). Merge onto Eugene O’Neill Drive. Follow Eugene O’Neill Drive and take left onto Tilley Street. Make right onto Bank Street and then left onto Howard Street. Follow Howard Street and make left onto Walbach Street, then right onto East Street. Park entrance is on the left
Fees There are no fees for parking or visiting the park grounds. A per person charge applies for the Visitor Center exhibit area and Fort Tours.
