Day Hikes: West River Trail

Sometimes nature is all around us — even if we do not realize it.

Case in point: West River Trail.

The system runs unassumingly through portions of West Haven and New Haven, following along the banks of the West River as it slowly winds its way through the two towns.

The small local river originates in Bethany before it ends its run at the Long Island Sound via the New Haven Harbor — and in between it provides opportunities for hiking, fishing and canoeing.

The southern portion of the trail begins in West Haven along Elizabeth Avenue, and then moves through with the river into New Haven and Ella T. Grasso Boulevard, before it eventually takes a turn and winds up along Orange Avenue.

The trail is home to various flora and fauna, including a wide variety of birds, such as the Great Egret, Black Crowned Night Heron, King Fishers, Great Blue Heron, wild turkeys, song birds, shore birds, and sometimes osprey.

The trail also connects with West River Memorial Park, Edgewood Park and West Rock State Park through a series of pedestrian easements.
 
City staff members and local residents recently teamed up to clean up the trail's Westville portion.

The trail is for hiking only. Dogs are permitted while on a leash. And no swimming is allowed.

There are, however, canoe and boat launches located near the West River Memorial Park in New Haven. There is also an access point along Kimberly Avenue in West Haven, where the trail begins.