Rocky Neck Park offers summer refuge

• Rocky Neck State Park's 710 acres are on Long Island Sound in East Lyme, bounded on the east by a broad salt marsh and on the west by a tidal river. Historically, American Indians and early colonists knew the area to have abundant fish and wildlife. Bird watchers still can spot osprey, a variety of ducks and shore birds, geese, mute swans, cranes and herons.
• Clear, shallow waters and a half-mile of stone-free beach covered with white sand makes for a great place for families. At low tide, kids can venture out at least 50 feet from shore and be in less than two feet of water. Lifeguards and park patrol officers are on duty during the times posted at the entry gate.
• Family activities included catching crabs and baitfish, building little ponds in the sand and shallow water to hold these creatures temporarily, walking and bathing in the water, watching trains pass by, observing sea gulls begging for handouts, buying ice cream, eating hot dogs and sitting on the beach.
• Picnic tables are located at the west end of the beach, near all major parking lots and in the picnic shelter.
• There are more than five miles of trails, ranging from easy to moderate, for hiking, biking and observing wildlife.
• Saltwater fishing in Long Island Sound is allowed in designated areas. Fishing from the breakwater on the west end of the park is a popular location foranglers. Fish species caught during the summer include fluke, bluefish, striped bass, porgy, blackfish and mackerel.
• Rocky Neck offers 160 campsites situated in a variety of open and wooded settings. Campground facilities include hot showers and flush toilets. The camping season is mid-April through Sept. 30. Pets are not permitted in the campground. Reservations can be made by calling (877) 668-2267 or at reserveamerica.com. Additional information may be found at www.dep.stae.ct.us.
• The park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset. There is a daily parking fee. Pets are allowed in picnic areas and hiking trails only. The main entrance to the park is located on Route 156 in East Lyme. [ BOB GREGORSKI Republican-American]