Photo Credit #1 - Jeff Hall
Photo Credit #2 - Jeff Hall
Swimming is allowed here. If you don't fish, you can just enjoy a nice quiet paddle experience with no noisy boats or jet skis to harass you.
* 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.
According to Connecticut's State Parks page, there is a "boat launch area" to put your kayak, or kayaks in. The beauty of this particular spot makes it a real gem for quick & easy access to the saltwater because there's no deep sand to drag your kayak through, or steep ramps to lug your kayak up at low tide. And, anyone who's familiar with this launch spot will tell you, you need to get here early for a decent place to park, because it is well known to the locals in the area.
Photo Credit #3 - Jeff Hall
This photo was taken in late September of 2017. As you can see, the area designated for boat launch access, fills up in a hurry with people parking 2 rows of vehicles in the center of the parking area, as well as the outer edges.
Photo Credit #4 - Jeff Hall
You can see the breaks along the water's edge where you can put in. If it's low tide, I would suggest that you NOT park past the grassy edge line, because the water from high tide comes right up to the edge.
This state park also features trails for hiking & mountain biking, as well as saltwater fishing from shore, kayak, or boat. Shell Fishing* is allowed here too.
* Note: A permit is required for
shell fishing. Permits are issued by the Town of Groton. Groton Town
Offices are located on the corner of Route 1 and Depot Road.
Telephone: (860) 441-6600.
Fishing can done all along the shore or from your boat or kayak. There was a bridge at one point linking Bluff Point Parking Area to the Groton Airport, but the bridge has long since been removed. I have seen some people fishing near the break on the rocky outcropping. There is a short footpath to get there - which is where I took the photos 3 & 4 to show you the views of the parking area.
Photo Credit #5 - Jeff Hall
This info board was taken near the Bluff Point area. Each number on the map tells of the area and some of the former historical sites on the sprawling 800+ acre preserve.
Photo Credit #6 - Jeff Hall
The close-up photo above was taken at an info board showing you the hiking/mountain biking trails. It even shows you the break in the land between the park and the Groton Airport (to the right of the park).
Below are some other photos of Long Island Sound that I took while at Bluff Point itself.
Photo Credit #7 - Jeff Hall
Some men fishing off of the large boulders at the end of Bluff Point at low tide. This area is a known hot spot for Striped Bass, Tautog, Flounder, and Bluefish. The darker areas on the boulders show the water mark of high tide, giving these guys a chance to catch something within that narrow window of opportunity.
Photo Credit #8 - Jeff Hall
While this photo may seem scenic, the island is actually owned by Dean Kamen, the owner of Segway personal transportation vehicles. I took this photo from a mile away from Bluff Point's lookout area using a small monocular scope.
For a really good laugh about this island, go here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Dumpling_Island
Photo Credit #9 - Jeff Hall
A green tower sits atop a small rocky structure known as Seaflower Reef. In the background is Fisher's Island,NY.
As usual, keep those lines wet & tight! - J
