Derby Greenway
Walk, bike, skate, or scooter!
The Derby Greenway is a paved rail trail that includes wonderful views of the Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers as it winds over and under bridges and train tracks. It even crosses an island that is home to swans and planted with weeping willow trees.
How long is the walk?
The Derby portion of the trail is 1.7 miles each way. The whole trail is wide and paved. It does go up and down, with a few spots that are steep enough that my kids need to walk their scooters. Note that NO DOGS are allowed on this trail.
Some notes from my family's experience:
We have enjoyed this walk from spring through fall. The river views are beautiful and we have seen a river otter fishing and a great blue heron hunting! My boys like to ride their scooters. You'll see plenty of people walking, running, pushing strollers, and riding bikes, too.
About half way along, you'll come to O'Sullivan's Island. Lots of geese and swans live here and it is a great spot to stop and explore. In warm weather, you'll also see people fishing from the shore and from boats along the river.
More Information:
You can park at either end: Division St. and N. Division St. or Bridge St. and Main St., both in Derby. The Division Street end is directly across the street from the BJ's in Derby, which you could use as a landmark for your GPS. If you put "Derby Greenway" into Google Maps it will take you to the parking lot at the Main Street end.
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Email: rholcombe@commongroundct.org
Website: commongroundct.org
Location: 358 Springside Avenue, New Haven, CT, United States
Phone: 203-389-4333 1213
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