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Hammonasset Beach State Park is probably most frequently visited in summer for its vast expanse of beach on the north shore of Long Island Sound, almost two miles of sand. Also popular is the campground with over 500 sites. But a drive out toward Meigs Point reveals a much different park. To the left of the road there is a large salt marsh containing a variety of plants and animals. Then at Meigs Point a long ridge of large boulders separates the marsh from the water. This is a glacial moraine, a pile of rocks left behind by the melting ice, then sorted by waves. A smaller moraine to the north, separated by marsh, is covered with trees.
To see more follow the three trails that go through a variety of habitats. Pick up trail guides for the Willards Island and Meigs Point trails. The Willards Island Nature Trail traverses the overgrown remains of an old orchard to an observation platform on the north side of the marsh and the Hammonasset River. The Meigs Point trail follows the top of the moraine. A trail which used to go to Cedar Island goes through a more open forest growing on a smaller moraine to the north of the marsh, ending at an observation platform in the marsh. Because of the various habitats along these trails, a variety of plants and animals will be seen.
Geological History ...
Human History ...
Plants and Animals of Hammonasset ...
Camping and Trails ...
Further Reading ...
What
Friends of Connecticut State Parks have to say about Hammonasset ...
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