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Print Friendly MapThe Naugatuck River Greenway will one day span 44 miles from Torrington to Derby in western Connecticut, but is currently open in a few short, disconnected segments totaling just over 7 miles.
The southernmost segment is the Derby Greenway, spanning just under 2 miles, paralleling the Naugatuck and Housatonic rivers.
North from there, the segment in Beacon Falls offers a scenic route along the river that is paved and well-lighted. Just north of the trail's end at the Depot Street Bridge, lies Volunteer Park, a pleasant place to stop and take in the views. The trail will one day continue farther through the town, including a section in the Naugatuck State Forest.
Continuing up the river, you'll find another segment in the community of Naugatuck, which traces the tree-lined eastern bank of the Naugatuck River between Maple and Bridge streets. The trail traverses Linden Park and offers access to the park's many amenities.
The 2-mile section in Waterbury runs from Plats Mill Road & South Main Street to Eagle Street & South Main Street. Enjoy views of the river along the route and an access trail leads to the river for fishing and kayaking/canoeing. There are several businesses along the pathway including restaurants and lodging. In some sections the trail provides access to the rear of businesses. The trail features an outdoor theater, picnic tables both covered and open, and bike racks. The restroom has been installed but will not open until the spring of 2023.
In Watertown, the trail follows the Steele Brook between French Street and Echo Lake Road. At the north end of the trail, cross the road and you can access parking and other amenities in Deland Field.
Connecticut's public transit systems, CTtransit, provides access to the trail. Visit the CTtransit website to plan your trip.
For those driving, parking is available. For the Beacon Falls segment: Parking is available near the north end of the trail at Volunteer Park (57 N Main Street) and at the Beacon Falls train station on the western side of the Depot Street Bridge. For the Naugatuck segment: Parking can be found in Linden Park. In Waterbury, parking is available at 2585-2785 S Main Street. For the Watertown segment: Parking is available at the north end of the trail at Deland Field. View the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.
The part that goes through Beacon Falls is about a half mile long and it goes along the river, yes, but on a sidewalk through a not particularly charming town. The part in Naugatuck is paved for about a mile through a park and then turns to dirt, not suitable for a road or hybrid bike at all. Neither section was really worth the time it took to take our bikes on an off the rack.
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