Beebe Pond

Location: Between Groton and Noank
Cost: Free
Hours: Sunrise - Sunset
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Allowed on Leash
Amenities: Picnic table at entrance
Foot Traffic:  We were not alone, encountering several other hikers, all with dogs.  While not uncomfortably crowded we did remain within fifty feet of other people on the trail at most times.
Description: Beebe Pond is a salt pond surrounded by woodland, portions of which are swampy, and a variety of large glacial boulders. 
Resident Critters:  Many Bird Species including Woodpecker varieties, Bald Eagle, Mallard Duck, Canada Goose, Mute Swan; Eastern Striped Skunk, Raccoon, Red Fox, Coyote
Trails: 3: Red, Blue, and Yellow. We took the ~2-mile blue trail which loops around the pond back to the parking area.  There is also an area where you can join with the trails of the Avalonia Nature Preserve.
Activities:  Hiking, Birdwatching, Wildlife Viewing, Fishing (CT Fishing License Required)

Beebe Pond on a beautiful Indian Summer day in October

 

 

Dublin takes care to step over some fallen branches

 

This tree marks an iconic portion of the Pond Loop trail

We began our Beebe Pond hike at the trailhead on Rt. 215, after grabbing tea at The Green Marble Coffee House (See more about The Marble on Yelp.com) just minutes away in Downtown Mystic, CT.  Luckily, we were able to find a parking spot in the tiny dirt lot provided.  

We started on the Pond Loop, or Blue Trail.  Some felled trees, presumably blown over during Hurricane Irene, made the trail a bit more difficult than usual, but they gave Dublin a chance to show off some graceful horse-like jumps :) Watch your step!

A highlight of this trail is a very unusual-looking tree, invitingly climb-able and covered in interesting carvings, with branches that arch backwards toward the pond creating a canopy of shade.  Climbing the tree, or venturing out onto the rocks nearby, offers great pond views.