Project Hike CT: Rocky Neck State Park (AKA The Return of Project Hike CT!)

Location: East Lyme
Distance: 3 miles
Vertical Rise: 150 feet
Time: 2 hours

Today, the Switzers hiked Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme, CT. Aside from completing a great hike, today marks the return of Project Hike CT! Almost seven months since our last post, we finally have the time to continue on our quest of competing all of the hikes in 50 Hikes in Connecticut by David, Sue and Gerry Hardy.

When we began our hike, the first feature that we stumbled upon was the Four Mile River. Featuring stunning views from atop ridges, this area of the park was gorgeous. We also happened upon a family of swans with four cygnets (see below). In addition, we got a beautiful view of the Shoreline East juxtaposed against Long Island Sound.

As we continued, we transitioned from woodsy areas to the beach. This park features a historic pavilion that was completed in 1936 as part of FDR's WPA initiative. Although it was closed and we couldn't view the inside, the pavilion boasts walls made of fieldstone, fireplaces and wooden fixtures taken from every then existing state park.

The next feature that we came upon was the swamp, which also serves as a wildlife refuge. This swampy area contained lots of ducks, geese, insects, small fish and other assorted wildlife. As we left the swamp, we continued through areas of birch, oak, sassafras and mountain laurel until we returned to the parking lot where we had parked.

Overall, this was a great hike! In retrospect, we would have brought more insect repellent to combat the ticks and gnats. We also would have gone on a cooler or more overcast day, perhaps in Spring or Fall; the sun on the beachy protions of the hike was overwhelming, and the park was packed with people enjoying the beach (although the trails were nearly empty). We definitely recommend this hike, but during the cooler seasons when you are less likely to experience adverse side effects from the heat. For a rigorous hike featuring stunning examples of flora and fauna, definitely consider Rocky Neck State Park!