Silver Sands Directions and Parking: Take I-95 North or South to exit 35, Schoolhouse Road then State Park south to Route 1 (Bridgeport Avenue). Turn left onto Route 1 The Silver Sands walk includes about 2 miles of walking then right at the first traffic light (Silver Sands Park Way). trails with beautiful views of Sound and Follow Silver Sands Park Way across Meadowside Road Charles Island. The surface is mostly level consisting of and continue downhill to the main parking area. gravel, asphalt pavements, wooden walkways and natural dirt trails. The walk includes a 900-foot long pedestrian Permitted/Prohibited Activities: bridge crossing a restored tidal marsh and dunes. The boardwalk along the Silver Sands Beach is about ¾ mile Swimming and fishing are permitted. A lifeguard is long. In addition to recreational beach and fishing activities seasonally on duty. Portable toilets are seasonally the coastal boardwalk is a favorite location for wildlife available. Charles Island is closed May through September viewing and walking. to all public use. Dogs and bicycling are not allowed on the boardwalk or beach. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Over 200 species of birds are seen at Silver Sands. They use this important area for nesting, wintering, and foraging areas during spring and fall migration. Many of the birds seen 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 Bird Area (IBA) site is well situated in relation to important foraging areas at Wheeler Marsh and Stratford Great Meadows. Charles Island is a designated Natural Area Preserve and a Stewardship Site by DEEP due to its significant wildlife and coastal resources. Visitors should respect all posted closures to help protect these unique resources. Photo by Steve Johnson, City of Milford

Total Trails Length: Approx. 2.3 miles

Photo by Steve Johnson, City of Milford Trail Description: Easy Walk or Hike Miles of natural beach are preserved for free public use in Milford at . If the tides are right you can also walk out to Charles Island - the “thrice cursed island” and home to many legends and artifacts of history. Walking is a pleasure along 3 miles of wide and well crafted boardwalk. The beaches are rocky and rough but, low tide allows for wading between For more information about this sandbars. location, contact: DEEP State Parks Division Total Trails distance is approx. 2.3 miles (860) 424-3200 A v ery D e Av lson Dr SilverM r Sands e d a Ca R i e o sid flower Pl ow D ad r May Me W Sc ott P State Park S t umpkin Del Ma ddo x A W ve oo G T dsi remont r S e de ight Rd il S ve a t r S T an Blair Stt e Overlook Dr ds Pkwy C r re ek Silver St A J Gardner r ames t Albert St S t St A ve

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