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Print Friendly MapThe Litchfield Community Greenway runs along the former Shepaug Railway railbed in the Town of Litchfield. Operational from 1878 to 1948, the railroad line ran between between Litchfield and Danbury.
The Friends of the Litchfield Community Greenway manage and maintain the trail. Through an agreement with Eversource Energy, who own the land through which the trail meanders, plans for the rail-trail include extending it along the railbed all the way to the town's border with Morris.
From the intersection of Whites Wood Road and South Lake Street, the rail-trail heads southwest past the West Cemetery. The route uses an existing trail it passes through the White Memorial Conservation Center until it reaches Bissell Road. There is a 400-foot boardwalk, which runs along the Bissell Road wetlands to the entrance into the nature preserve. Volunteers built this section in the fall of 2021 and it includes a crosswalk with solar-powered crossing lights. Continuing west, the rail-trail includes a new pedestrian bridge known an "The Bridge to Everywhere” which crosses over Butternut Brook. The Greenway continues to its current terminus at North Shore Road.
Developing in phases, the Greenway's Phase 4 is currently being funded and will extend it 1.9 miles west through the Town of Bantam and south to Stoddard Road. Phase 5 will extend the trail to the original train station in Litchfield.
Parking is available at Russell Street, at White Woods Road, at the Butternut Brook crossing on Route 202, and at North Shore Road.
Great trail through White Memorial Wildlife Preserve. Bantam section not complete yet, but still worth an out-and-back ride. Lunch in Litchfield, ice cream in Bantam.
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