Mountain Laurel Sanctuary at Peek Bloom

With a dirt road winding through large flowering bushes, wooden benches set against a backdrop of pink and white blooms, low-lying ferns and tall birch and oak trees, the Mountain Laurel Sanctuary in Union is a relatively unadvertised attraction which is right here in our own backyard.

Begun as a beautification project of the Civilian Conservation Corps from Camp Conner in 1935, a large portion of the Laurel Sanctuary still remains today, as it was 76 years ago. The area is maintained by seasonal state park staff from the Shenipsit State Forest Headquarters.

Mountain Laurel, which is Connecticut's official state flower, hits a peak bloom every five years, according to the Gay Outdoors Web site. The next peak bloom isn't until 2013, but the sight of so many laurels along a single path is still breathtaking, nonetheless.

The flower is normally in full bloom by the third and fourth weeks of June. According to signs in the sanctuary, this part of the state sees blooms from Father's Day until the Fourth of  July.

While the sanctuary isn't overrun with guests, during peak season many photographers and families visit the mile-long stretch of dirt road that is adorned by these 10- to 15-foot tall bushes.

Located on Snow Hill Road off Route 190 in Union, the entrance to the park, which is part of Nipmuck Forest, is well marked. While there are weekend and holiday fees for entrance into parts of Nipmuck State Forest and Bigelow Hollow State Park, the Laurel Sanctuary is open to the public free of charge.