Rocky Neck State Park

Rocky Neck might be best known for its beaches, but its trails also deliver. A five mile network of paths, bridges, and boardwalks meander through the park’s diverse ecosystems giving visitors an intimate glimpse into the park’s rich flora and fauna, geologic features, and history. All trails are multi-use and welcome walkers, runners, roller-bladers, birdwatchers, and cyclists. And when the snow falls, snowshoers and cross-country skiers.

Rocky Neck Loop (Red to Blue to Yellow)

• 2.5-mile loop
• Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate
• A well-marked loop traversing the length of the park through the shade of oak-heavy coastal thicket, salt marsh, and wildflower-studded, grassy meadows. Along with access to park highlights like Tony’s Nose Overlook, Baker’s Cave, and remnants of the old Shipyard Graveyard, get sweeping views of the Long Island Sound and Four Mile River. Both Long Island and Fishers Island can be seen on a clear day.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Trail Map
• Mountain Project

Don’t let the name fool you. Rocky Neck’s beach is a 0.5 mile crescent of soft, white sand and decidedly stone-free. And because Long Island and Fishers Island act as a natural breakwater to protect the entire coastline of Connecticut, the waves are generally tame with crystal waters lapping the shore. Please note that swimming is permitted at West Beach only.

Accessible Swimming/Beach Surf Chairs

• Available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Current Water Quality Report (updated weekly, Memorial Day – Labor Day)
• Beach Regulations and Swimming Safety Information

Bounded on the west by a tidal river and to the east by a broad salt marsh, Rocky Neck was known to both Indians and colonists as a place of abundant fish and wildlife. Today, high spring tides allow schools of alewives (herring) to swim into Bride Brook toward inland spawning grounds. The osprey, or fish hawk, is a frequent early summer visitor. In the fall, cranes, herons, and mute swans wade among cattails and rose mallow. Seasonal changes provide opportunities to fish for mackerel, striped bass, blackfish, and flounder.

Types of fish: Blackfish, winter flounder, bluefish and striped bass off the jetty. Crabbing allowed in designated areas.

Fishing is allowed on the jetty, located to the right of the beach, year-round. In the off-season (Sept. 15 - Memorial Day), the entire beach and jetty is open to fishing.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Before heading out, be sure to check the latest conditions and fishing regulations. A permit issued by the park is required for night fishing and must be issued day-of. For further night fishing access information, please call the park during business hours at (860) 739-5471.

• Saltwater Fishing in Connecticut’s State Parks
• Saltwater Fishing Resource Map

Parking

Picnic Tables

Restrooms

All-Terrain Wheelchairs (advance reservations required)

• Bus Permits are required for mid-size and full-size buses seating 30 or more passengers
• Trail Map