Bluff Point State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Bluff Point State Park & Coastal Reserve — An 800-acre undeveloped coastal peninsula in Groton, Connecticut — with a 3.7-mile loop trail, Long Island Sound beach (Bushy Point), 200+ bird species, and access only by foot, bike, or horseback.
Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve is Connecticut’s last remaining significant piece of undeveloped coastline — an 800-acre peninsula jutting into Long Island Sound from Groton. Designated a Coastal Reserve in 1975, the park is deliberately maintained in its wild state, accessible only by foot, bicycle, or horseback. The main loop trail circles the peninsula through coastal woodlands, salt marshes, and rocky bluffs, ending at Bushy Point Beach — a natural tombolo of sand and polished stones.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Groton, New London County, CT |
| Size | 800 acres |
| Admission | Free |
| Access | Foot, bicycle, or horseback only |
| Main Trail | Coastal Reserve Loop — ~3.7 miles |
| Bird Species | 200+ documented species |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | 3.7-mi coastal loop — flat, scenic |
| Bird Watching | 200+ species — shorebirds, raptors, warblers |
| Mountain Biking | Trails open to bikes |
| Horseback Riding | Permitted on designated trails |
| Beach | Bushy Point — natural tombolo, shells, pebbles |
| Fishing | Saltwater + shellfishing (permit required) |
| Kayaking | Car-top launch into Poquonnock River |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive into Bluff Point?
No — as a Coastal Reserve, Bluff Point is accessible only by foot, bicycle, or horseback. There is a parking area at the trailhead entrance, but no vehicles are permitted beyond that point. This policy preserves the park’s wild, undeveloped character.
Can I swim at Bushy Point Beach?
People do swim at Bushy Point Beach, but there are no lifeguards and swimming is at your own risk. The beach is a natural tombolo — composed of sand, shells, and rocks rather than groomed sand. Dogs and horses are banned from the beach April 1 through September 1 to protect nesting shorebirds.
Is Bluff Point good for bird watching?
Excellent — over 200 bird species have been documented at Bluff Point. The mix of coastal woodland, salt marsh, rocky shore, and beach habitats attracts shorebirds, raptors, warblers, and waterfowl. Spring and fall migrations are the peak birding seasons.
Park Location
Top Tours & Activities Near Mystic
from $100from $75
from $59