The 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 5 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.
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.
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.
For the Watertown segment: Parking is available at the north end of the trail at Deland Field.
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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