At first blush, this place looks like the perfect combination of hiking and beach. After one visit, though, we came to the conclusion that if we came back, it would be for the beach only, and probably not until after the stay at home order was lifted. The parking lot for Terrapin also serves as a lot for the Cross Island Trail, which begins here. Fortunately, we got a spot, although the lot was filling quickly. There is a porta-potty nearby, but don’t chance it, use your portable if you need it.
For today’s hike, we followed the orange trail as it wound down to the beach. The views of the Bay and the Bay Bridge were gorgeous as were the views along this section of trail!
The trails continues to follow the beach and the Bay before veering into the meadow. While the meadow was pretty, the trail actually goes by Route 50. My girls did not like the noise at all! Pebble insisted on being put in the carrier so we could move fast past this section. Then we turned onto the trail that would lead back to the car. On one side was a tidal marsh, and on the other, a sewage plant. As for the trail? Well it was a mud soaked mess! Stormy was not a fan, Rainbow was airlifted over the worst spots by hubby, and Pebble stayed in the carrier. It was with great relief that we returned to the car!
Stormy and Rainbow had been begging to stay on the beach since we’d left. Now we loaded up the double stroller with kids, a picnic lunch, and beach gear and headed for the sand. If you come to Terrapin, come for the sand and surf! It is the best part of the park! Once you pass the gazebo, there are lots of little trails that branch off the main one and leading down to the sand. Walk as far down and away from the parking lot as possible to find a more isolated area. Come early to get a parking spot and avoid the crowds. Beach traffic on this windy Saturday was increasing at a very fast pace when we left at 1pm! Happy trails!
