The most urban of all Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT) sections, the NRVT Norwalk is a 5.6 mile hard surface linear park. Enjoy the beauty and activity of Long Island Sound at Calf Pasture Beach. Continue on-road via bike lanes and shared roadway to the Maritime Center along the streets of Norwalk. From the Aquarium, an off-road 10-foot-wide trail continues to Oyster Shell Park, through Mathews Park and then on to Union Park. From Union Park, a new off-road trail returns to the riverside and runs almost 2 miles to Deering Pond at Broad Street. Enjoy an easy stroll or bike ride with water views, historic mansions, and many informative signs about flora and fauna as well as the local history.
At Oyster Shell Park, the Norwalk River Watershed Association (NRWA) has restored a large embankment with native plants in an ongoing effort to eradicate invasives. Every Wednesday and Saturdays from 9:30-11:30 AM, volunteers are encouraged to join the effort!
The trail passes through Pine Island Cemetery (on the National Record of Historic Places and the second oldest cemetery in Norwalk) and by Lockwood-Mathews Mansion at Mathews Park. North of Union Park, take note of the NRWA's and Connecticut Urban Forest Council's effort to plant native trees and shrubs all the way to the NRVT's newest section along Riverside Avenue. The section between New Canaan Avenue and Broad Street is where the Silvermine and Norwalk Rivers converge at Deering Pond, a place of fond memories for those who grew up in Norwalk. Ongoing efforts to eradicate non-native species continue here with the NRWA.
The Harbor Loop Trail offers residents and visitors of Norwalk’s Urban Core a natural escape for recreation or an alternate route for active transportation. This 5 mile multi-use loop follows the NRVT on the west side of the Norwalk River and offers an alternative route along the inner harbor and east bank of the Norwalk River, stretching from Veterans Park to Cross Street. To follow the trail, start from the Washington Street Bridge by the Aquarium and look for Harbor Loop Trail signs. The route reconnects to the NRVT at 40 Cross Street, where you can return on the west side along the NRVT back to the Aquarium. Additionally, a pedestrian connector runs along the north side of the I-95 bridge, linking Mathews Park on the west side to Hendricks Avenue and East Avenue on the east side. Please note that cyclists must dismount before entering the I-95 overpass as the section is too narrow to accommodate bike traffic. Ongoing construction may impact pedestrian access. For more information, see the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency's website.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The east side of the Harbor Loop Trail is only partially completed – gaps in boardwalk and paved trail are connected on-street. East Avenue provides an alternate route until the missing connections on the official route along the water are complete. Please be cautious of stairway connections between on-road and off-road segments.
The Norwalk River Valley Trail team always needs and welcomes volunteers to pitch in on a wide variety of activities, from the sweaty to the sedentary. Join us in making a difference!
The northernmost parking area is along the street on Broadway. From Route 7N, take Exit 2. Turn left onto New Avenue and then turn left onto Main Street. Turn left onto Broad Street. The parking and trailhead is just past the Route 7 underpass.
From Route 7S, take Exit 2. Turn right onto Ponus Avenue and then a quick right onto Riverside Avenue and another quick right onto Silvermine Avenue. Turn right onto Broad Street. The parking and trailhead is just before the Route 7 underpass.
From I-95, take Exit 15 and head north (towards Wilton) on Route 7. Take the first exit for Belden Avenue and turn left onto Belden Ave, then turn right onto Riverside Ave. Trail parking is on the right. The free parking is at 38 Riverside Avenue, just north of Casatelli Marble and Tile Imports. The lot has 14 paved spaces including 1 accessible spot.
From I-95N, take Exit 14 and go straight ahead onto Reed Street, then turn left onto West Avenue. Cross under I-95 and then turn right onto Mathews Park Drive. Pass the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, then turn right towards the tennis courts and continue through the parking lot. At the end of the lot, turn left and then right to find the 20+ parking spots near the trail.
From I-95S, take Exit 15 and stay right (do not get on Route 7). Take a right onto West Avenue, and take another quick right onto Mathews Park Drive. The parking lot has 20 spaces plus 4 accessible spaces.
For the southern section, parking is available at Calf Pasture Beach, Veterans Park, the Maritime Aquarium, and Oyster Shell Park.
From I-95S, take Exit 15 and stay right (do not get on Route 7). Turn left onto West Avenue, and then left onto North Water Street. Cross underneath the railroad lines and the parking lot and trail access is on the left.
From I-95N, take Exit 14 and go straight onto Reed Street which becomes North Water Street. Cross underneath the railroad lines and the parking lot and trail access is on the left.
From I-95S, take Exit 15 and stay right (do not get on Route 7). Turn left onto West Avenue, and then left again onto North Water Street. Continue south on North Water Street past the Maritime Aquarium. Cross underneath the railway where the parking lot and trail access is on the left.
From I-95N, take Exit 14 and stay straight ahead onto Reed Street which becomes North Water Street. Continue south on North Water Street past the Maritime Aquarium. Cross underneath the railway where the parking lot and trail access is on the left.
From I-95, take Exit 16 and turn south onto East Avenue. Continue to the end and turn right onto Seaview Avenue. Veterans Park parking and trail access is on the left.
Parking at Calf Pasture Beach is free for non-residents from October 15 to May 15 (winter). From May 15 to October 15 (summer), non-residents must pay to park.
From I-95, take Exit 16 and turn south onto East Avenue. After the railroad underpass, keep left onto Gregory Boulevard. At the roundabout, turn left onto Marvin Street, then turn right onto Calf Pasture Beach Road. Follow Calf Pasture Beach Road to the end where the parking lot and trail access on the left.
Main parking for the Harbor Loop is at the Maritime Aquarium on the east side of the river. Alternative options are the Town Hall parking lot (City Hall Drive, free) or the Yankee Doodle Garage (10 Burnell Boulevard, small fee).
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