Bounded on the west by a tidal river and to the east by a broad salt marsh, Rocky Neck was known to both Indians and colonists as a place of abundant fish and wildlife. Today, high spring tides allow schools of alewives (herring) to swim into Bride Brook toward inland spawning grounds. The osprey, or fish hawk, is a frequent early summer visitor. In the fall, cranes, herons, and mute swans wade among cattails and rose mallow. Seasonal changes provide opportunities to fish for mackerel, striped bass, blackfish, and flounder.

Types of fish: Blackfish, winter flounder, bluefish and striped bass off the jetty. Crabbing allowed in designated areas.

Fishing is allowed on the jetty, located to the right of the beach, year-round.  In the off-season, the entire beach and jetty is open to fishing.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Before heading out, be sure to check the latest conditions and fishing regulations. For current night fishing access information, please call the park during business hours at (860) 739-5471.

• Saltwater Fishing in Connecticut’s State Parks
• Licenses and permits, current regulations, and more
• Connecticut is Fishy Interactive fishing application 
• Saltwater Fishing Resource Map 
   

An ideal setting for families, Rocky Neck State Park has a wide array of interesting geological features perfect for exploring. The best geology in the park can be investigated along the water's edge near the beach, only a short walk from the parking lot. Likewise, the hiking trails in the park have nice examples of glacial plucking and glacial boulders.

Loose sediments at one time covered Connecticut's coastline, including Rocky Neck State Park. This layer of loose sediments protected the seaward flank of New England's bedrock from erosion. Eventually these sediments were washed away and the bedrock underneath was re-exposed. As a result, the topography along Connecticut's coast is more level than the topography inland, since the bedrock was not exposed as long to the effects of erosion.

Rock Types Found on Main Trail: 

Igneous (Pegmatite), Metamorphic (Granitic Gneiss) 

Rock Units: 

Potter Hill Granite Gneiss (Proterozoic): Well-foliated granitic gneiss

Minerals of Interest: 

Feldspar (Microcline), Biotite, Tourmaline, Garnet

Interesting Geologic Features: 

Folds, Potholes, Glacial Boulders, Glacial Polishing, Pegmatite Veins
 

Rocky Neck might be best known for its beaches, but its trails also deliver. A five mile network of paths, bridges, and boardwalks meander through the park’s diverse ecosystems giving visitors an intimate glimpse into the park’s rich flora and fauna, geologic features, and history. All trails are multi-use and welcome walkers, runners, roller-bladers, birdwatchers, and cyclists. And when the snow falls, snowshoers and cross-country skiers.

Rocky Neck Loop (Red to Blue to Yellow)

• 2.5-mile loop   
• Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate
• A well-marked loop traversing the length of the park through the shade of oak-heavy coastal thicket, salt marsh, and wildflower-studded, grassy meadows. Along with access to park highlights like Tony’s Nose Overlook, Baker’s Cave, and remnants of the old Shipyard Graveyard, get sweeping views of the Long Island Sound and Four Mile River. Both Long Island and Fishers Island can be seen on a clear day.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Trail Map
• Mountain Project

The Ellie Mitchell Pavilion at Rocky Neck State Park

Construction of the Pavilion began in 1934 and was not completed until 1937. It was designed by the state parks engineering department, and constructed by a federal jobs program, the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The cobblestones all came from stone walls that were located within the park. The tree trunk pillars on both floors were taken from each of the state parks in the system at the time - one to six pillars from each park. Each pillar is stamped with a roman numeral to identify which park it came from. 

The flat fieldstones on the terrace were taken from ledges in Devil’s Hopyard State Park, when the existing state highway through the Hopyard was being built. The capstones on the terrace walls, the upper deck walls, and the chimneys were quarried from the ledge east of the pavilion. The quarrying operation had left much quarried rock piled about on the ledges adjacent to the building site, when it was abandoned decades prior to the state’s acquisition of the property.

The old concrete fish mill, which sat on the flat lawn area at the edge of the water in front of the pavilion, was torn down and broken up during construction of the pavilion. It furnished fill material for the space between the front wall and the terrace, and enough 12” I-beams to support the first floor. The building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed at a total cost of $240,000. All the work was done by WPA labor supervised by WPA engineers.

Soak in the sea air and the sunshine while you dine waterside at one of the many picnic tables scattered across the park. Plan on bringing a crowd? Book one of our open-air shelters in advance.

Open-air picnic shelter rentals

• 32 x 80-foot picnic shelter: Space for 80 people, 10 picnic tables, one large grill, and access to nearby restrooms, parking, and beachfront. No electricity or running water.  
• Available: Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
• Rental Fee: $220 (plus $9 processing fee). Does not include parking.
• Learn more about our picnic shelter rental polices and reservation details.

Reserve an open air picnic shelter

• Online: Visit Reserve America
• By phone: 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)

Don’t let the name fool you. Rocky Neck’s beach is a 0.5 mile crescent of soft, white sand and decidedly stone-free. And because Long Island and Fishers Island act as a natural breakwater to protect the entire coastline of Connecticut, the waves are generally tame with crystal waters lapping the shore. Please note that swimming is permitted at West Beach only.

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