Along Long Island Sound in Marshlands Conservancy
Directions to trailhead
From the New England Thruway, take Exit 19, Playland Parkway. Take the first right off the parkway, turn left, and then right at the next intersection. In 0.3 mile, merge with the Boston Post Road. The entrance to Marshlands Conservancy is to the left just past the Rye Country Club (0.5 mile).
Train Directions
Take the Metro-North New Haven Line to the Harrison station. Cross Halstead Avenue and walk down Purdy Street. Turn left onto Park Avenue and, at the end, turn right onto Boston Post Road. The entrance to Marshlands Conservancy is about 200 yards on the left.
Hike Description
Take the trail that begins at the right side of the visitors center (as you face it), cross a small bridge and turn left. The large 1838 Greek revival mansion is the boyhood home of John Jay, first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Jay House is being restored by the Jay Heritage Center fas an educational facility hosting programs in American History, social justice, landscape conservation and environmental stewardship.
Follow the left edge of the meadow and at the far end of the meadow to your left is a side trail to a view of the marshlands and an osprey nest platform. Retrace your steps back to the meadow and then head left downhill and cross through salt marshes out onto a spit, known as Marie's Neck. Take the right fork and circle the end of the spit which has views out over Long Island Sound.
Just before reaching the trail junction to return to the mainland is a fireplace chimney. Retrace your route back to the meadow and then take the first trail on the right into the forest. At a T junction with the green trail, if you turn left, you will return to the Nature Center for a one mile hike. But to take a 1.6 mile hike, turn right. Follow the green blazes and when you pass an unmarked trail to the right, take it to a view out over the salt marsh. Return to the trail and turn right at the next unmarked trail for two views also over the salt marsh. Once back on the green trail, follow it back to the Nature Center.