New Haven, CT: Beach – Island Point Trail
This 5.8-miler loops in-and-around secluded islands of rare trees, diverse bird sanctuaries, and tranquil butterfly gardens in Hammonasset Beach State Park.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 7.3
Waypoints
HBT001
Location: 41.2634429931641, -72.5619125366211
Head S on multi-use trail to beach
HBT002
Location: 41.2631912231445, -72.5622482299805
Turn E along beach
HBT003
Location: 41.2603988647461, -72.5570678710938
Go R away from boardwalk, staying on beach
HBT004
Location: 41.251350402832, -72.5466995239258
Head SE toward Meigs Point, a WWII-era U.S. Military aircraft firing range
HBT005
Location: 41.2492485046387, -72.5446929931641
Start of Moraine Trail. Traverse rocky coast with views of L.I. Sound
HBT006
Location: 41.2502098083496, -72.5410614013672
Trail gets faint along rocky beach; keep N to wetlands. Note: Passage might be difficult at high tide
HBT007
Location: 41.252140045166, -72.5365219116211
End of Moraine Trail @ tidal flats of Clinton Harbor; West Rock pokes through surf; return to WPT 6 and go NW along thin barrier land
HBT008
Location: 41.2533187866211, -72.5449066162109
Turn R @ T onto Cedar Island Trail
HBT009
Location: 41.2538299560547, -72.5444030761719
Cedar Island Trail: Faint paths lead through shade huckleberry and black cherry trees to viewing platform
HBT010
Location: 41.2549095153809, -72.5387496948242
180° views of sound. Go back to WPT 9, then N to Willard Island Loop
HBT011
Location: 41.2588310241699, -72.5460586547852
Take mini-loop on Willard Island Nature Trail to bird viewing platform. Head .6 mi. back to WPT 4 past Meigs Point Nature Center and Butterfly Garden to return to car