EAST LYME, Conn. (WTNH) — Walk under the train overpass at Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme and you’ll arrive at the water. While you’re there you might see or hear a train.
“Kids of all ages love the trains,” said State Park Supervisor Gary Nasiatka.
But visitors typically focus on the beach when they’re here for the first time.
“Our sand here is the softest powdery white sand north of the Caribbean,” said Nasiatka. “People just really enjoy the Atlantic Ocean here.”
There’s more to Rocky Neck State Park than just the beaches, however. If you don’t feel like swimming there’s always camping. You’ll find a campground with 160 campsites. Or go for a walk on the 7 miles of trails in the forest. And don’t forget the binoculars.
“People come from all over southern New England to see the different shore birds that we have,” said Nasiatka. “The ospreys were recently feeding on the alewives coming through.”
The park wasn’t always such an ideal place to see wildlife, however. Years ago there was a rock quarry on the land and a tannery. The jetty was a point where fish were brought in and taken to the fish plant; that’s where the picnic area is now.
“They would bring in menhaden,” said Nasiatka. “They would grind them up into fish oil and fertilizer.”
The plant is gone now, but the pavilion is still here. Architects designed it to fit the curvature of the beach, so it fits into the rocks. It’s a great place to look out at the water and at everything there is to see at the park. It’s open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day.
“It’s considered the crown jewel of the Connecticut State Parks System,” said Nasiatka. “I think the variety here surpasses the other parks in Connecticut.”
Pets are allowed on leashes in picnic areas north of the train tracks and on hiking trails. However, they are not allowed in the campground, at the beach, boardwalk or south of the train tracks.
Staff are expecting the park to be very busy over Memorial Day Weekend. If parking capacity is exceeded they will have to close the park to more people. They recommend arriving early.
