Hammonasset Beach State Park, Lighthouse Point Park, Bluff Point State Park, Connecticut Shoreline, CT.

Top 10 Best Fall Hikes & Walks on the Connecticut Shoreline

October 16, 2025•3 min read

Connecticut’s shoreline may be small, but it packs in a surprising amount of beauty. From sandy beaches to tidal wetlands and rocky coasts, there are plenty of places to stretch your legs, breathe in salty air, and soak up views of Long Island Sound.

Here are 10 of the best shoreline hikes and walks in Connecticut:

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1. Hammonasset Beach State Park – Madison

Connecticut’s largest shoreline park offers more than 2 miles of beach and several easy trails. The Meigs Point Nature Trail is a highlight, winding through salt marshes, dunes, and rocky shoreline with plenty of birdwatching opportunities.

2. Silver Sands State Park – Milford

A mix of boardwalks, sandy beaches, and tidal flats make this a must-do walk. At low tide, you can walk the sandbar to Charles Island (though timing is everything—check tide charts).

Silver Sands State Park, Milford, shoreline, hike, falls

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3. Bluff Point State Park – Groton

This coastal reserve offers a 3.6-mile loop that combines forest, estuary, and sweeping shoreline views. It’s a favorite for hikers, bikers, and birdwatchers. The trail ends at a quiet beach with beautiful vistas across the Sound.

Rocky Neck State Park, a Connecticut State Park located near Clinton, Colchester and East Hampton

4. Rocky Neck State Park – East Lyme

Known for its long, sandy beach, Rocky Neck also has scenic hiking trails through salt marshes, woodlands, and along rocky shoreline. The Rocky Neck Trail provides great water views and access to tidal areas teeming with wildlife.

5. Sherwood Island State Park – Westport

Connecticut’s first state park has it all: sandy stretches, tidal marshes, and sweeping Sound views. The park’s short trails are perfect for a relaxing seaside stroll with plenty of birdlife.

6. Harkness Memorial State Park – Waterford

This coastal gem mixes manicured gardens with wild shoreline. Walking paths lead through open fields, historic buildings, and down to a rocky shore with panoramic views.

Historic State Parks & Museums in Connecticut | Connecticut State Parks and Forests

Five Mile Point Lighthouse in New Haven, CT (2 Photos)

7. Lighthouse Point Park – New Haven

A short but scenic shoreline walk with a bit of history. The park features a sandy beach, tidal areas, and the 1847 Five Mile Point Lighthouse. Perfect for combining a walk with a picnic or some birdwatching.

Did you know that Avery Point Lighthouse in Groton, Connecticut is the last lighthouse built in the state? These 📸 are from my day trip to Avery Point in Groton CT last

8. Outer Light Trail – Avery Point, Groton

A lesser-known but stunning walk along the shoreline near UConn’s Avery Point campus. It’s a flat, easy stroll with big views of the Thames River, Long Island Sound, and the iconic New London Ledge Lighthouse offshore.

9. Chaffinch Island Park – Guilford

This quiet, small-town park offers short but peaceful shoreline trails, rocky outcrops, and salt marshes. It’s a local favorite for sunset walks with incredible Sound views.

10. Fort Trumbull State Park – New London

Not just a historic site, Fort Trumbull offers walking paths along the Thames River and out to the Sound. It’s a great spot to combine history, water views, and a casual stroll.

Fort Trumbull State Park | Connecticut State Parks and Forests

Tips for Walking the Connecticut Shoreline

Bring binoculars: Many parks double as birding hotspots.
Go at low tide: You’ll uncover sandbars, tide pools, and better beach walks.
Shoulder seasons are best: Spring and fall mean fewer crowds and plenty of wildlife.
Pack a picnic: Many parks have open lawns and shoreline spots perfect for lunch.

Final Thoughts

Connecticut’s shoreline walks may not have towering cliffs or crashing surf, but they offer something more subtle: peaceful tidal marshes, quiet coves, sandy stretches, and endless views across Long Island Sound. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick seaside stroll or a longer shoreline hike, these 10 spots deliver New England charm at its best.

Dennis Rinaldi

Dennis Rinaldi, has called the Connecticut Shoreline home for the past 13 years he brings over a decade of experience in leadership, coaching, and education to his work with families and young athletes. A former standout college basketball player, Dennis has spent years both on and off the court helping individuals reach their full potential. With five years in nonprofit leadership, Dennis has worked closely with youth and families, developing programs that support personal growth, teamwork, and community engagement. His hands-on experience in high school basketball coaching allows him to connect deeply with student-athletes, helping them navigate challenges on and off the court with confidence and discipline. As an adjunct professor, Dennis also brings a thoughtful and academic perspective to his coaching approach, combining real-world experience with evidence-based practices. His work centers on building strong, trusting relationships with families and empowering young people to become resilient, purpose-driven leaders. Whether coaching on the hardwood or mentoring in the classroom, or helping navigate challenges in the community or at home Dennis is committed to creating supportive environments where individuals and families thrive.

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