Two miles of walking trails, boardwalk, and bridges await to bring you through the park’s range of terrain, from wetlands, beach, coastal forest, to the tombolo linking the park to Charles Island.

Charles Island Trail 

Timing is everything with this hike. Be sure to check the tides before heading out, they rise fast – as much as ten feet in less than two hours. And the way the waves crash and roll over the spit of sand creates a dangerous undertow, perilous for even the strongest swimmer.

• 1.5-mile out-and-back across the tombolo
• Level of difficulty: Easy
• This lollipop trail follows the land bridge to Charles Island, loops around its perimeter, then doubles back to the mainland. The interior of the island is an avian sanctuary and off limits to human visitors, but you might be able to catch a glimpse of the ruins from the former resort and religious retreat once located there.

Boardwalk Trail 

• Two-mile walk on the boardwalk 
• Level of difficulty: Easy
• Follow the park’s main trail along the boardwalk, pedestrian bridge, gravel, and natural dirt pathways for beautiful views of Long Island Sound and Charles Island and for an up-close look at the park’s restored tidal marsh and impressive dunes.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• The walk to Charles Island is closed during nesting season, typically May through September.
• Trail Map

Birdwatchers flock to Silver Sands for a chance to see the over 200 species of birds that migrate to the park each year to nest, winter, roost, and forage, including many rare species protected by Federal and Connecticut Endangered Species Acts.

Charles Island is one of the three largest wading bird rookeries in the state. Being such a critical wildlife habitat and coastal resource, the sanctuary is a designated Natural Area Preserve, Long Island Sound Stewardship Site, and Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA).

Raptors such as the rough-legged hawk, snowy owl, and short-eared owl roost here during winter. Heron, egrets, and other wading birds find safe haven in the wooded interior of Charles Island. Landbirds stopover in the upland habitats. Migrant shorebirds forage and nest in the marsh and intertidal wetlands. And along with the park's feathered visitors, many butterflies, rare plants, and other wildlife also call the park home throughout the year. 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Self-Guiding, educational materials:

• Beginner Bird Nerd | Español
• Shell Search | Español

Despite its name, Silver Sands State Park’s beaches are both sandy and rocky with lots of seashells. This means the best of both worlds. Wade along the long stretches of sand, where tidal pools form during low tide — ideal for kids to splash around and explore aquatic sea life. And hike through the rockier areas or search for seashells.

Accessible Swimming/Beach Surf Chairs: Available free of charge on a ‘first come/first served’ basis.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Current Water Quality Report (updated weekly, Memorial Day – Labor Day)
• Beach Regulations and Swimming Safety Information