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After you have
crossed the refuge entrance, drive down the
road to Parking Lot 4. This is where our hike
starts. First, go to the observation tower adjacent
to the Lot to get a feel for Plum Island's lay
of the land. Then, retrace your steps on the
main road to explore Hellcat Swamp Trail, which
extends on both sides of the road. There is
a photography blind at the end of the trail
that will have children and adults alike excited!
When you are back on the road, follow it south
for about half a mile, then take the boardwalk
to the beach on your left, facing parking Lot
5. Once on the beach, hike south down to the
tip of the island, where Sandy Point State Reservation
is located. There is another observation tower
there, from where you will have a nice view
on Broad Sound, protected from the ocean by
Plum Island. To go back, either walk up back
on the beach, or more likely, if you start being
tired, take the main road back to your car.
Even though cars drive slowly on this dusty
gravel and sand road, traffic can be significant
in late afternoon, so walk carefully and always
face incoming cars. If you are back to your
car when the sun starts to set, walk again to
the observation and enjoy the silence—
most visitors will have probably left by then.
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