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Saugatuck River Trails - West

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These trails, located along the west side of the Saugatuck River, overlook the beautiful waterfront and offer multiple boardwalks along the way.
Trail Activity
Accessible Experience Walking
Length
1.0 mile, One Way
Difficulty
Easy
Town
Westport
Surface
Gravel/Crushed Stone, Paved/Cement, Grass, Boardwalk
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

The Westside of the Saugatuck River has multiple trail options, listed from south to north. Please use sidewalks when visiting more than one section. 

Shoreline Access - 575 Riverside Avenue

This area, previously an active commercial lot and oil depot, was redeveloped in 2010 with retail stores and restaurants. A boardwalk along the river's edge provides views of the I-95 bridge and Bridge Street bridge along with a picnic area. Limited public parking is available.

Saugatuck Rowing Club - 521 Riverside Avenue

The Saugatuck Rowing Club provides a footpath along the Saugatuck River. The public can see active rowers disembark from the dock to start their trips along the river.

Riverside Park - 427 Riverside Avenue

Originally this town owned property was just under 4 acres of mostly wetland and salt marsh. Typical marsh vegetation found here include salt water cord grass, salt hay, seaside alder and reed. A gravel path provides access to fishing areas and a bench overlooking the marsh.

ALONG THE RIVER - 355 through 285 Riverside Avenue 

The walkway starting at 355 Riverside Avenue runs behind corporate buildings along the Saugatuck River. It connects with a walkway to a nearby restaurant, providing a beautiful continuous path with other sites. The boardwalk crosses over marsh habitat and extends into the river in two places where there is plenty of bench space with scenic views. Bring a bag lunch, come to fish, or just enjoy the area. Parking is available at Riverside Avenue. Behind 325 Riverside Avenue, two piers provide sitting areas overlooking the marsh and the water. Behind 301 Riverside Avenue, the elevated boardwalk overlooks the Saugatuck River. The walkway continues along the edge of the Saugatuck River behind the corporate building at 285 Riverside Avenue. This wall edge allows for fishing and sitting with a view of the river's activities.

Pasacreta Park - 185 Riverside Avenue

This 1.25 acre landscape park is dedicated to former police captain Eugene J. Pasacreta. Benches are available and the park is a popular spot where people enjoy their lunches during the week. The park is also a popular fishing spot where snapper blues run in the river at the southern edge of the park where Stonybrook enters the Saugatuck River. Throughout the year, ducks and geese feed along the river. You may want to continue walking along Riverside Avenue over Stonybrook to the other walkways along the river. 

Eloise A. Ray Park - 83 Riverside Avenue

Eloise A. Ray Park is a town owned riverside park named after a beloved local architect who is remembered for her lifelong dedication to beautify Westport. The park is located adjacent to the south area of the Catholic Church of Assumption. Despite its lack of parking, the area is popular with pedestrians for sunning or a bag lunch. The Saugatuck River overlook includes a plethora of both high and low tide wildlife.

Post Road West at Wilton Road (National Hall)

This path starts at the curbside of Route 1/Post Road and runs behind restaurants and offices. The National Hall building (2 Post Road West) is located in Westport's center and was formerly used as a steamboat wharf. Enjoy this public walkway where many benches invite you to stay and overlook the river. The boardwalk in the southern section is accessible via ramps and provides ample parking nearby. Please be aware that the change from boardwalk (southern half of this trail) to gravel (northern half) has five steps and no ramp.

Other Information

To connect the individual parks and access points, it is recommended to use the sidewalk on the west side of Riverside Avenue, especially between Pasacreta Park and Eloise A. Ray Park.

Trail Manager

Town of Westport, Parks and Recreation
260 Compo Road South
Westport, CT 06880
(203) 341-5090
https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/parks-and-recreation

Trail Tips

Leave What You Find
Unauthorized trail development impacts wildlife, and can impact access. Follow the blazes and don't build new trails without permission.

Trailhead Information

Shoreline Public Access

Some public parking is available under the I-95 bridge and across Riverside Avenue - please note time restrictions. Trail access through CT Kayak.

Saugatuck Rowing Club

There are 3 parking spaces for public use at the southern end of The Boathouse lot. Trail access near the bench.

Riverside Park

There are 8 parking spaces plus one accessible space in this paved area. The trail runs on both sides of the small inlet.

Riverside Avenue behind Riverside Court

Parking is available at Riverside Avenue Park, or at 285 Riverside Avenue - line parking is not allowed in this lot. There is trail access at multiple spots, such as Riverside Avenue at 355 Riverside Avenue, or 258 Riverside Avenue through the parking lot area along the northern property. 

Pasacreta Park

Limited parking (approximately 8 spaces) is available in the loop driveway off Riverside Avenue or the school parking lot nearby. 

Eloise A. Ray Park

On-street parking only.

WIlton Road

There are 13 parking spaces for visitors (1h) at the courtyard entrance near the bridge, with 3 marked accessible parking spaces in front of 8 Wilton Road. An additional 11 parking spaces are behind 48 Wilton Road. Trail access in multiple spots, such as from the Route 1 bridge side curb, or at 48 Wilton Road.

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