Rocky Glen State Park Scenic Reserve - Sandy Hook, CT
Rocky Glen State Park Scenic Reserve – Dog-Friendly Hiking in Sandy Hook, Connecticut
Nestled in the heart of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, Rocky Glen State Park Scenic Reserve offers a picturesque and pet-friendly hiking experience. This charming park is perfect for locals and visitors seeking scenic trails, with highlights such as a beautiful man-made waterfall, historical brick buildings, and breathtaking views of the forest and river from a peaceful summit. The park is a true gem for dog owners looking for a nature escape close to town.
Featuring a moderate one-mile trail, Rocky Glen State Park provides an invigorating yet manageable hike for both dogs and their owners. Pet-friendly trails weave through beautiful wooded landscapes, and visitors are treated to a serene memorial rock at the top. While the terrain is generally easy, some areas are steep and require attention, especially near the old bridge. Although amenities are limited and parking is minimal, the natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make this park a favorite for dog-friendly hiking in Sandy Hook, CT.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park has a main trail of about 1 mile with scenic views, including waterfalls and forested areas.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, the park can be muddy after rainstorms, so plan accordingly.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available near the entrance, but spaces are limited.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The park has plenty of natural shade provided by the forested areas along the trail.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? There is no information confirming restrooms are available, so plan accordingly.
Reviews
Great little hike to waterfall
Charming hike right in town. Easy terrain with great views. Pay attention to the tree markers or follow on AllTrails so you don’t get lost. Kind of peters out at the end but great in all seasons.
A gem of a park, with beautiful views of the waterfall over the dam and old brick buildings combined + views of the forest and river from a small summit. Although it’s just one trail of about 1 mile, it can be pretty steep so if you move quickly, you can really break a sweat. There’s a very peaceful memorial rock at the top.
Nice little hike with some great views. There is a large man made waterfall down one of the main paths in the park near where the buildings are. There is also an old bridge on the trail that is in pretty bad shape that can be a bit perilous to cross if you’re not paying full attention. Unfortunately it can be easy to get lost on some of the trails and there is very little parking as well. There are also areas with quite of bit of plastic trash too, mostly likely from the nearby buildings.
We went right after a rainstorm, and it was simply astounding. A bunch of things you would miss if you weren’t paying attention.