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An Easy Walk In Old Lyme, Connecticut
Easy Hiking at the DEEP Trail in Old Lyme, Connecticut
Along side the DEEP building is a wooden path that becomes a boardwalk over the water. It goes into preserved marshland on Long Island Sound. It is an easy walk, with beautiful views of the sound, the boats and marshes. It offers and opportunity to observe some of the wildlife, most water fowl.
I have suggestions for what else to visit in Old Lyme and where to eat. Maybe you would like to take this walk after your meal or before. Either way, it's a really relaxing day.
The DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) has their boating station in Old Lyme, at 333 Ferry St. It's on the water right where the Connecticut River empties into the Long Island Sound. The water along the way is salt water and fishing with a license is allowed.
There is 15 minute parking in front of the building for doing business inside the building. However, to the right of the building there is a large parking lot with no time limit on parking. In the back of the lot and to the right side of it, you will see the wooden path. There is no admission or parking fee.
On The Path In Old Lyme, Connecticut
A Handicapped Accessible Path
The path is handicapped and wheelchair accessible and completely flat. This picture shows the beginning, looking toward the sound and a railroad bridge. It's about a 1/2 mile, so 1 mile round trip. There are a few benches along the way.
Ahead and to the right, in the background, there are a few picnic tables and one standing barbecue pit. (See the photo in the photo gallery). Even though there are only a few tables, I have never seen this area crowded.
Walk Alongside Marshlands - Over the Connecticut River
The marshlands and very shallow water will be on the left of the boardwalk and the deeper water is on your right as you head out.
Watching the swamp grasses blow in the breeze is very relaxing. You can smell the salt air.
Along the way there are pictures of birds and fish with descriptions, so you can identify the wildlife.
Walking Along the Boardwalk
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Along the Boardwalk Are Receptacles for Fishing Lines - A Big Danger to Wildlife as They Easily Become Entangled
Discarded filament fishing lines are a danger to water fowl and other wildlife. Receptacles are provided along the way to discard the filament.
Please, if you are walking along a beach or pond or any natural area, please pick up filament lines and take them home or somewhere where they can be disposed of safely. (If you are taking it home to dispose of, be careful your household pets don't get into it. Swallowing it can kill them.)
As You Are Leaving Look to Your Left and See the Boats Moored On the Connecticut River - Across the River is Old Saybrook
It's a beautiful view of the marina on the Old Lyme side of the river as well as ones on the Old Saybrook side of the river.
If you are a boating enthusiast you can check out the DEEP boats and others.
Florence Griswold Museum
The Florence Griswold Museum is nearby. According to Mapquest, the museum is 1.67 miles from the DEEP trail and 4 minutes away.
In the late 1800's, early 1900's Florence Griswold's home was a boarding house for a colony of American Impressions. This is more than a period house. The artists such as Henry Ward Ranger and Childe Hassam each painted a panel on either one of the doors or a panel over the fireplace in the dining room.
There is also a new museum building which houses the collection previously owned by The Hartford Steam Boiler. Additionally, there are beautiful gardens and a small al fresco cafe in season.
The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts College is located in Old Lyme and Old Lyme has a beautiful historic district
Gardens at the Florence Griswold Museum
These are the gardens that inspired many of the impressionist artist's paintings.
Links to Area Attractions - Old Lyme, Connecticut
- Florence Griswold Museum
Be sure and click on "History" on this website. It is sooooo interesting. - Connecticut Art Trail
The Connecticut Art Trail is a nationally recognized partnership between twenty-one world-class museums and historic sites, created to promote Connecticut’s rich cultural assets as part of a travel experience.
A Few More Places in Old Lyme
If you leave the Florence Griswold Museum you can stroll up and down Lyme Street for a look at the beautiful architecture of the 19th and early 20th century homes.
The Lyme Art Association is on the corner of Route 1 and Halls Road. It is open to the public and has a gallery of work by professional and amateur artists.
Google Map of the Old Lyme Area in this article
All places mentioned in this article are in close proximity. Take Exit 70 off of I-95 to reach them all.
Free admission to a gallery of art exhibits.
- Connecticut DEEP website
Information on recreation, licenses, etc.
I think this is a real pleasant way to spend a nice day. Not too long, not too short. Not too tiring, not too sedentary. What do you think?
Everyone is welcome to comment.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2011 Ellen Gregory
