Hammonasset Beach, Public beach in Madison, Connecticut
Hammonasset Beach is a coastal park with broad sandy shores and salt marshes spanning hundreds of acres along Long Island Sound. It provides swimming areas, fishing spots, and walking trails, along with bicycle paths that weave through the grounds.
The park was founded in 1919 to protect the coastal landscape. During World War II, the site served military training purposes before reopening to the public afterward.
The Meigs Point Nature Center runs educational programs where visitors can observe salt marshes and the birds that inhabit them throughout the year. Those who watch carefully spot rare species in their natural habitat.
The best time to visit is from May through September, when trails are dry and most areas are fully accessible. The parking area can fill on warm weekends, so arriving early is worthwhile.
The area is known among birdwatchers because rare species like piping plovers and least terns nest and rest here during migration. These particular bird populations make the place especially valuable to conservationists.
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