The Ives trail proceeds in an east-west orientation across a series of ridges and valleys. The terrain is varied. Some areas are relatively easy, such as the meadows in Tarrywile Park and the Wiedel Meadows. Other areas are relatively difficult, primarily the western half of the trail between Bennett’s Pond and Tarrywile Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities are good along the entire trail. Birdwatching opportunities are particularly good, especially around Bennett’s Pond, the Wiedel Meadows and the meadows in Tarrywile Park, and the mile-long wetland area along the trail about a mile south of Tarrywile Park.
Parts of the trail are open to mountain bikes and horses, these primarily being the Wooster Mountain section west of Rt. 7, Tarrywile Park, and the Terre Haute section in Bethel. Due to easement agreements other sections of the trail are not open to bikes and horses. The trail is not open to any motorized use.
The Ives Trail is named in honor of Charles E. Ives, the composer, who loved to hike and camp in the area. Born in Danbury in 1874, Ives is noted for his original classical compositions, winning the Pulitzer prize in 1947 for his Symphony Number 3. Charles Ives also has the distinction of being Connecticut's state composer.
The Ives Trail officially opened on June 3, 2006, National Trails Day, when 19 persons became the first to hike the entire trail. In 2010, the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection recognized the Ives Trail and Greenway as one of Connecticut’s officially designated greenways.
The City of Danbury Connecticut led the development of the Ives Trail and Greenway, a regional trail of some twenty miles that links open spaces in Redding, Bethel, Danbury, and Ridgefield, Connecticut.
The Ives Trail Committee has carefully planned a trail that protects sensitive environmental areas. In consultation with The National Park Service and The Conway School of Landscape Design, a management and maintenance plan for the trail has been prepared. Local conservation groups, the City of Danbury and Towns of Bethel, Redding and Ridgefield are strong supporters of this greenway.
The Ives Trail and Greenway Regional Association oversees the management of the Ives Trail. To learn more contact:
From Route 7 in Ridgefield turn west onto Bennet's Farm Road. After 0.7 miles the parking area will be on the right.
While heading north on Route 7 from Ridgefield the parking area will be on the right shortly after passing the entrance to Wooster Mountain State Park shooting range. It is just North of Sugar Hollow Pond.
From the West Redding train station proceed east on Side Cut Road. The trailhead will be on the left opposite #30. Limited parking is available at the trailhead. More space is available near the Railroad crossing.
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