The Biggest Surprise I Came Across While Hiking This Incredible Trail in Connecticut

If you've ever visited the town of Madison, you know that it's a special place. I spent some time in this charming, quintessential coastal New England town this past summer and instantly fell in love. It's a wonderful getaway destination with a walkable downtown, restaurants, and shops, including one of the most incredible independent bookstores I've ever been to. Furthermore, it's home to Hammonasset Beach State Park, the best spot in town to take a coastal hike. While hiking the park's trail at Meigs Point, we came across a fascinating surprise we weren't expecting.

With a sandy beach that stretches for two miles along the Long Island Sound, Hammonasset Beach State Park is popular with locals and visitors alike. In addition to the beach, there's a visitor center, picnic tables, a campground, and trails for hiking and biking — it's a picture-perfect park to enjoy the great outdoors. One trail I enjoy here is at Meigs Point, where you'll also find the Meigs Point Nature Center, with gardens and exhibits to educate the public about natural history, marine life, and the flora and fauna of the area.

The short 1.4-mile, out-and-back trail at Meigs Point is delightful for a beachgoer like me. The trail runs between the Long Island Sound and a marsh, and we could see a variety of shorebirds as we walked. Meigs Point is also an excellent spot for beachcombing in Connecticut, an activity I thoroughly enjoy.

While the scenery at Meigs Point is nothing short of spectacular, we encountered something we weren't expecting — not just one but two labyrinths! Made of stones gathered from the beach and set in spiral patterns on the sand, the labyrinths at Meigs Point are relatively large. They are located by the marsh near the Hammonasset River, which is somewhat secluded from the rest of the beach.

Stepping into a labyrinth and following the spiral can be a relaxing, often meditative experience. The spirals at Meigs Point are on the beach so close to the water, so I found them to be even more serene than the labyrinths I've encountered elsewhere.

The labyrinth at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison was certainly a surprise, and a beautiful one at that. Have you encountered the labyrinths at Meigs Point yet? Take a look at the trail map for Meigs Point on AllTrails.

Visit the CT Parks website to learn more about Hammonasset Beach State Park, including parking and fees. For those who enjoy camping, you can read more about the massive family-friendly campground at this Connecticut state park.

If you're looking for a peaceful, pet-friendly place to stay, book a few nights at The Homestead. This lovely bed and breakfast in Madison offers luxurious accommodations in a large house built in 1958. Each room has a private bathroom and vintage-style record players with a selection of records to play, while select rooms have an electric fireplace. It's also a quick drive from Madison's downtown. I've stayed at The Homestead, and I can't wait to stay here again!