The Silver Sands walk includes about 2 miles Directions and Parking: of walking trails with beautiful views of Sound and Charles Island. The surface Take I-95 North or South to exit 35, Schoolhouse Recreational Trails is mostly level consisting of gravel, asphalt Road then south to Route 1 (Bridgeport Avenue). South Central pavements, wooden walkways and natural Turn left onto Route 1 then right at the first traffic dirt trails. The walk includes a 900-foot long light (Silver Sands Park Way). Follow Silver pedestrian bridge crossing a restored tidal Sands Park Way across Meadowside Road and marsh and dunes. The boardwalk along the continue downhill to the main parking area. Silver Sands Silver Sands Beach is about ¾ mile long. In addition to recreational beach and fishing Permitted/Prohibited Activities: activities the coastal boardwalk is a favorite State Park location for wildlife viewing and walking. Swimming and fishing are permitted. A lifeguard is seasonally on duty. Portable toilets are Over 200 species of birds are seen at Silver seasonally available. Charles Island is closed Sands. They use this important area for nesting, May through September to all public use. Dogs wintering, and foraging areas during spring and bicycling are not allowed on the boardwalk and fall migration. Many of the birds seen or beach. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. here are also protected by Federal and CT Endangered Species Acts. Many butterflies, several rare plants, and other wildlife can also be seen during walks in this area. Charles Island is one of the three largest wading bird rookeries in CT. This Audubon Important Hiking Fishing Swimming Wildlife Bird Area (IBA) site is well situated in relation Viewing to important foraging areas at Wheeler Marsh and Stratford Great Meadows. Charles For more information about this location, Island is a designated Natural Area Preserve contact: and a Stewardship Site by DEEP due to its significant wildlife and coastal DEEP State Parks Division resources. (860) 424-3200 Visitors should respect all posted closures to help protect these unique resources. Questions regarding this brochure can be addressed to South Central Regional Council of Governments Phone: (203) 234-7555/Fax: (203) 234-9850 E-mail: [email protected]

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Milford, CT

Photo by Paul Fusco, CT DEEP Avery Ave

D e Silver Sands M d a Carlson Dr R i e o sid ow D ead r State Park M W Mayflower Pl Sco t Pumpkin Delight Rd t S Ma t ddo x A Woodside Ter ve G Tremont St r S e ilv er a Sa t nds Blair St C Overlook Dr Pkwy re ek Silver St A James St Gardner Ave r t S Albert St t

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0 i .0 n (0.18 mi) s Trail Description: 5 o

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a Miles of natural beach are preserved for free public p l e t (0.22 mi) (0.4 mi) use in Milford at . If the tides w S o e (0.2 mi) o ro d ) are right you can also walk out to Charles Island - the n i A o m v M “thrice cursed island” and home to many legends and e 5 1 . 0 artifacts of Connecticut history. Walking is a pleasure ( along 3 miles of wide and well crafted boardwalk. The beaches are rocky and rough but, low tide allows (0.13 mi) for wading between sandbars. Viscount Dr (0.73 mi) Total Trails distance is approx. 2.3 miles

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Town Property North State Property W E 0 0.25 Kilometers 0 0.07 Miles S Trail Data and Content was provided by the City of Milford. The Trail Map and Brochure was prepared by SCRCOG (2016).