We've returned to Connecticut to explore more state parks this fall, first up is Rocky Neck!
This will be a quick one today, the video shows off most of the park and I'll repeat what I said on video right here. This is a park we are determined to come back to sometime in June at the height of Mountain Laurel season. This was easily one of the highest concentrations of the stuff that I've ever seen on any trail and while we enjoyed our time there, nothing will do justice to what this would be then!
Tony's nose, the best name for a vista, ever!
We parked in the giant main lot with easy access both the hiking trails and beach, although it was a chilly fall day there were many people camped on the beach having a good time. The main highlight outside the summer season is the historic Ellie Mitchell Pavilion. Reminiscent of the many other stone towers, castles and buildings of our state, this beautiful "Pavilion" is actually rentable for weddings and other functions!
We snapped photos this building from every angle, even climbing out on the very windy jetty to get a long distance shot. I had seen photos before but it really is hard to describe how large it really is until you see it in person. I don't know if this is ever open unless there are functions going on but it was closed during our visit. The bridge to this building also connects the hiking trails in the back of the park to the shore and beach in the front half.
For us, this was relaxing quick hike after the crazy trip to Maine. There are plenty of trails to explore, and a small cave marked only by stairs when heading towards the western parking. There's also the amazingly named Tony's nose vista near the cave. You can view most of the park in our video above and once I return this summer for the laurel bloom I'll make an update going into far more detail!
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