the Heart of the Housatonic - Housatonic Valley Association

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Phoenix Café 99 Main St., Canaan. 860-824-8012
Roma Pizzeria 81 Main St., Canaan. 860-824-8125
State Line Pizza 499 Ashley Falls Rd., Canaan. 860-824-1554
Steppin’ Stone 15 Railroad St., Canaan. 860-824-4476
Subway 101 Church St., Canaan. 860-824-7404
The Snack Shack 350 Ashley Falls Rd., Canaan. 860-824-7566
Home to Mohawk Mountain State Park, Housatonic Meadows
State Park and parts of Mohawk and Housatonic State
Forests, Cornwall was first settled in 1738. The town is known
for its pine groves, stonewalls, scenic vistas – and its landmark covered bridge, one of only two remaining in the
northwest corner. Cornwall contains splendid views of the
valley and the surrounding blue mountains, an abundance
of hiking and ski trails, charming villages and the stretch
of Housatonic River that ranks as one of the top fly-fishing
destinations in the country.
Zia Maria 14 Railroad St., Canaan. 860-824-4060
Art, Crafts, Antiques and More
Lodging
Falls Village Inn & Restaurant
33 Railroad St., Falls Village.
860-824-4910. www.fallsvillageinn.com
Grassy Meadows Bed & Breakfast
107 Point of Rocks Rd., Falls Village.
860-824-5455
Locust Tree Bed & Breakfast
131 E. Canaan Rd., Canaan.
860-824-7163.
www.locust-tree-bed-and-breakfast.com
Lone Oak Campsites Rt. 44, 360 Norfolk Rd., East Canaan.
860-824-7051. For Reservations: 800-422-CAMP.
www.loneoakcampsites.com
Ballyhack Antiques Furnace Brook Rd., Rt. 4, Cornwall Bridge.
860-672-6751
Barbara Farnsworth, Bookseller 407 Rt. 128, West Cornwall.
860-672-6571
Cornwall Bridge Pottery 15 Sharon-Goshen Tpk., Rt. 128,
West Cornwall. 860-672-6545
Cornwall Free Library 30 Pine St., Cornwall. 860-672-6874
Insiders/Outsiders Art Gallery 131 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, Cornwall Bridge.
860-672-6631
Matthews 1812 House, Inc. 250 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, Cornwall Bridge.
860-672-0149 or 800-662-1812
Furnace Brook: Heather Reaves Wild Trout Management Area
(Class 2)
• Picnicking, fishing. Species: Wild Brown Trout. Daily creel limit: 2,
12” min. length. Heather Reaves Wild Trout Management Area
(Class 2)
• From bridge on Rt. 4 upstream approximately 1.5 miles, as posted.
Housatonic Anglers Guide Service 26 Bolton Hill Rd.
860-672-4457. www.housatonicanglers.com
• Fishing.
• Guiding and instruction only. Float and walk/wade trips offered on
a variety of rivers. All trips include equipment and lunch.
• From mid April to Nov., 7 days a week.
Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop & Lodge 13 Rt. 7, 860-672-6064.
www.housatonicmeadowslodge.com
• Fishing.
• Located on Rt. 7 directly across from Housatonic Meadows State Park
Picnic Area, this full-line Orvis dealer offers instruction and lodging.
Classic New England trout fishing with guides. Equipment available
through the fly shop.
Kent Memorial Library 32 Main St., Kent. 860-927-3761
Kent Northwest Corner Artisans 5 Bridge St., Kent. 860-927-3377
Lyme Regis Ltd. 8 N. Main St., Kent. 860-927-4916
Main Street Antiques 43 N. Main St., Kent. 860-927-3330
Morrison Gallery 8 Old Barn Rd., Kent. 860-927-4501
Northern Exposure Studio & Gallery 25 N. Main St., Kent.
860-927-3319
Ober Gallery 14 Old Barn Rd., Kent. 860-927-5030
Pauline’s Place 79 N. Main St., Kent. 860-927-4475
Richard J. Lindsey, Bookseller 15 Main St., Kent. 860-927-3025
R.T. Facts 22 S. Main St., Kent. 860-927-1700
Sculpturedale 3 Carter Rd. at Rt. 7, Kent. 860-927-3420
The Dog Show 3 Carter Rd. at Rt. 7, Kent. 860-927-3420
Yesteryear Creations and Antiques 13 Railroad St., Kent.
980-927-1001
Attractions
Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Museum
31 Kent-Cornwall Rd., Rt. 7 (next to Sloane-Stanley Museum), Kent.
860-927-0050. www.ctamachinery.com
Kent Historical Society Museum The Seven Hearths, 4 Studio Hill Rd.,
Rt. 7, Kent. 860-927-4587. www.kenthistoricalsociety.org
Sloane-Stanley Museum 31 Kent-Cornwall Rd., Rt. 7, Kent.
860-927-3849. www.chc.state.ct.us/sloanestanleymuseum.htm
The Bicycle Tour Company 9 Bridge St., Kent. 860-927-1742 or
888-711-KENT. www.bicycletours.com.
• Bicycle rentals and cycling for all ability levels. Groups welcome.
Group rates available.
Bull’s Bridge Scenic Area
• Hiking, kayaking, canoeing (portage around the dam). Fishing.
Species: Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass. Tenmile River-Bulls
Bridge Trout Management Area/Bass Management Area, from the
confluence with the Housatonic River. Open year-round. Catch and
release only.
• Part of the Appalachian Trail, the Bull’s Bridge Scenic Trail features
views of waterfalls and gorges and follows the Housatonic River to
its confluence with the Tenmile River at the Ned Anderson Bridge in
Gaylordsville. It continues to Tenmile River Gorge and the top of
Tenmile Hill. Original covered bridge was built in 1842, and is one
of the few in New England still open to auto traffic.
• Take Bull’s Bridge Rd. off Rt. 7.
• Foot travel only. No bikes, ATVs or horses. Backpacker camping only
at designated sites. Stoves only, no fires. Carry in/carry out.
Cobble Brook Vista
• Hiking.
• 158-acre Weantinoge preserve offers varying views and terrain – from
pastoral farmland to forested stone walls. 2.5 Red Trail loop is steep
and ends in a perch in mountain laurels with a view west to the
Housatonic River.
• From Kent Center, take Rt. 7 north 1.9 miles, right onto Studio Hill Rd.,
right to Studio Hill Circle. The trailhead and small parking area are on
the right side of the road.
Hatch Pond
• Fishing. Species: Yellow Perch,
Brown Bullhead, Chain Pickerel,
Largemouth Bass, Calico Bass.
Paddling, small motor boats
(8 mph speed limit), no water skiing,
birdwatching.
• 72-acre shallow pond has a state
public boat launching area. Bordered
on the east by S. Kent Rd. and Housatonic Railroad tracks, it is nonetheless
a peaceful and beautiful place.
• From Rt. 7 in Kent, turn onto Bulls
Bridge Rd. Right before the intersection with S. Kent Rd., follow signs
to launch area. Parking: 10 cars.
Pond Mountain Natural Area
• Hiking.
• Administered by the Pond
Mountain Trust along with The
Nature Conservancy, this 800acre preserve is nestled
between Skiff Mt. and Macedonia State Park. There is an easy 1.2mile trail that circles the pristine 44-acre pond. The Mountain Trail, a
short, steep hike that eventually leads to the top of Fuller Mountain,
has views of Macedonia State Park and beyond.
• From Rt. 7 take Rt. 341 west, turn right on Macedonia Brook Rd.,
then right onto Fuller Mt. Rd., entrance on right.
• Open dawn to dusk.
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Robbins Swamp
Housatonic State Forest
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Canaan Mountain Natural Area Preserve
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Hollenbeck River
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Robbins Swamp
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CANAAN / FALLS VILLAGE
Wononskopomuc Lake
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Wononpakook Lake
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Indian Lake
Housatonic State Forest
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Mudge Pond
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Cream Hill Lake
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Miles Pond
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Furnace Brook
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SHARON
Housatonic Meadows State Park
Mohawk State Forest
Mohawk Pond
CORNWALL
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Macedonia Brook State Park
Fuller Pond
Kent Falls State Park
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KENT
The Heart
of the Housatonic
Come explore the special places throughout the
Housatonic River towns of northwest Connecticut.
North Spectacle Pond
341
Leonard Pond
South Spectacle Pond
Lake Waramaug State Park
Hatch Pond
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Kent Art Association 21 S. Main St., Kent. 860-927-3989.
Backcountry Outfitters 5 Bridge St., Kent. 860-927-3377 or
888-549-3377. www.bcoutfitters.com.
• Outdoor specialty shop with a large selection of tents, packs, bags,
footwear, and apparel. Also maps and books, fishing tackle, hunting
and fishing licenses, cross-country ski, skate and snowshoe rentals.
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South Spectacle Pond
• Fishing. Species: Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Sunfish.
• 85-acre pond can only be accessed though a public right-of-way that
is not passable for cars.
• At the intersection of Rts. 7 and 341 in Kent Center, turn east onto
Rt. 341 for 3.6 miles. Take a right onto Richards Rd.
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Kanevesky Art Gallery 27 Main St., Kent. 860-927-3040
Recreation
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CORNWALL
Cream Hill Pond
• Paddling, fishing.
• A 72-acre pond.
• Use of all motors prohibited.
Heron American Craft Gallery 16 Main St., Kent. 860-927-4804
Starbuck Inn 88 N. Main St., Kent. 860-927-1788.
www.starbuckinn.com
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Mountainside Café Rt. 7 South, Falls Village. 860-824-7886
Halsted Gallery and Antiques 25 Main St., Kent. 860-927-4852
Macedonia Brook State Park Campground
159 Macedonia Brook Rd., Kent. 860-927-3238. www.ct.gov/dep
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Beckley Furnace
Industrial Monument
SALISBURY
Macedonia Brook State Park 159 Macedonia Brook Rd.
860-927-3238. www.ct.gov/dep
• Hiking. Camping in designated sites. Fishing. Wild Trout Management
Area (Class 3) within the park. Species: Wild Brook Trout, Wild Brown
Trout, 9” min. length. Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1) from
confluence of Macedonia Brook with Bog Hollow Brook to Rt. 341.
Species: Trout. Catch and release only.
• 2,300-acre forested park offers views of the Catskills and Taconic
Mountains from 1,400 ft. The Blue Trail crosses Cobble Mountain
and several other peaks. The 2.1-mile round trip, while mostly easy,
becomes steep at the top. Numerous springs and streams. 51 sites
in rustic setting beginning in mid-April through Sept. 30.
• Take Rt. 341 west from Rt. 7 in the center of Kent. Turn right onto
Macedonia Brook Rd. Stay left at the intersection of Macedonia Brook
and Fuller Mountain Roads.
Look for park signs.
• Open from 8 am to sunset.
• Campground fee of $11/night
plus processing fee of $9 for
each reservation or $3 for
walk-in registrations.
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McDonald’s 11 E. Main St., Canaan. 860-824-5281
Gregory James Gallery 25 Main St., Kent. 860-927-7133
Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
30 Lake Waramaug Rd., Warren. 860-868-0220. www.ct.gov/dep
Leonard Pond S. Kent Rd.
• Paddling. Fishing. Species: Yellow Perch, Calico Bass, Chain Pickerel,
Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass.
• A 20-acre pond with cartop boat launching area.
• Follow Rt. 341 from Kent Center, right onto South Kent Rd. to a small
three-car parking area. It is approximately a 100-ft. carry to water.
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Kati O’Casey’s Bistro 85 Main St., Canaan. 860-824-4848
Clarke Outdoors 163 Rt. 7.
860-672-6365. www.clarkeoutdoors.com
• Canoe, kayak and raft rentals and guide service available. Whitewater
rafting at Bulls Bridge Gorge in the spring. Kayak instruction available
by ACA Certified Instructors. Large retail store.
• Open Mar. 15-Dec. 2.
Foreign Cargo & The Gallery Upstairs 17 Main St., Kent.
860-927-3900
Inn at Kent Falls 107 Kent-Cornwall Rd., Kent. 860-927-3197.
www.theinnatkentfalls.com
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Great Wall Kitchen 97 Church St., Canaan. 860-824-7399
Whiting River
• Intermittent sections from the Massachusetts state line to confluences
with the Blackberry River and the Housatonic River.
• Fishing. Species: Trout, 9” min. length.
• Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3).
Company Store Antiques 30 Kent-Cornwall Rd., Rt. 7 (across from
Sloane-Stanley Museum), Kent. 860-927-3430
Gibbs House 87 N. Main St., Kent. 860-927-1754
NORTH CANAAN
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Fife ‘n Drum Restaurant & Inn 59 N. Main St., Rt. 7, Kent.
860-927-3509. www.fifendrum.com
www.hvatoday.org
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Falls Village Inn & Restaurant 33 Railroad St., Falls Village.
860-824-4910
Bachelier-Cardonsky Gallery 11 Main St., Kent. 860-927-3129
Washining Lake
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Colonial Theater 27A Railroad St., Canaan. 860-824-4488
Art, Crafts, Antiques and More
Cooper Creek Bed & Breakfast 230 Kent-Cornwall Rd., Kent.
860-927-4334
The Housatonic Valley Association
150 Kent Road, P.O. Box 28
Cornwall Bridge, CT 06754
CT/NY: 860-672-6678, MA: 413-394-9796
Mount Riga State Park
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Collins Diner Rts. 7 and Rt. 44, Canaan. 860-824-7040
Once a farming community and thriving iron-ore producer,
Kent is a premier tourist destination that offers unique shopping, art gallery and dining choices as well as top-rated
hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities. Home to the
historic covered bridge at Bull’s Bridge Gorge, from whence
George Washington’s horse took a fall, Kent also boasts the
longest riverfront stretch of Appalachian Trail on the eastern
seaboard. The Housatonic River flows through the heart of
the community.
Constitution Oak Bed & Breakfast 36 Beardsley Rd., Kent.
860-354-6495
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Black Forest Bakery & Café 18 E. Main St., Rt. 44, Canaan.
860-824-8275
Cathedral Pines / Mohawk Trail
• Hiking, birdwatching.
• In July 1989 tornados devastated the largest stand of old-growth
white pine and hemlock trees in New England. The trail traverses the
remaining intact portion of the stand. The 42-acre preserve is owned
by the Nature Conservancy.
• At the junction of Rts. 4 and 125
go left on Pine St. At the "T" intersection (.3 miles), turn left on
Valley Rd. After the immediate
sharp right bend in the road, take
next left onto Essex Hill Rd.,
continue for .2 miles. On the left
is a large boulder and a small
parking lot. Follow the Mohawk
Trail into the remaining pines and
view the natural reforestation of
the devastated area.
• Open dawn to dusk.
• Foot travel only. No camping or
fires. Carry in/carry out.
KENT
Club Getaway 59 S. Kent Rd., Kent. 800-6 GETAWAY.
www.clubgetaway.com
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Dining
Robbins Swamp
• Hiking, birdwatching.
• The largest wetland in the state, and a designated Natural Area
Preserve, this 1,500-acre South Canaan preserve of largely green
timber swamp is owned by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and the Nature Conservancy.
• From Falls Village, go north on Rt. 7, left turn on Page Rd., right turn
on Sand Rd., drive .6 miles and walk along railroad tracks. Also
accessed from Rt. 126, Rt. 7 and Barnes Rd.
• Open dawn to dusk.
Breadloaf Mountain / Mohawk Trail
• Hiking.
• A short steep hike on the Mohawk Trail offers great views of the
valley. This trail connects to the Appalachian Trail. Follow blue-blazed
trail .7 miles to the summit and view of the Housatonic River Valley.
Continue .2 miles to reach the Appalachian Trail.
• Parking area west side of Rt. 7 just north of intersection with Rt. 4.
• Foot travel only. No camping or fires. Carry in/carry out.
Lodging
Protecting Your Backyard
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South Canaan Meeting House Corner of Rt. 63 and Dean St.,
Falls Village
Birdseye Brook (within the Mohawk Ski Area)
• Fishing. Species: Trout.
Wasabi Japanese Cuisine 24 S. Main St., Kent. 860-927-0048
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North Canaan Doughboy Monument East Main St. and Granite Ave.,
North Canaan
Recreation
Stroble Baking Company 14 N. Main St., Kent. 860-927-4073
Lake Waramaug State Park 30 Lake Waramaug Rd., Warren.
860-868-0220. www.ct.gov/dep
• Picnicking, car-top boating, swimming, camping. Fishing. Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch,
Brown Bullhead, Sunfish.
• The first designated Heritage Lake in the state, this 658-acre lake has
a cartop boat launching area. The 95-acre park’s campground has 77
sites in wooded and open settings available from the weekend before
Memorial Day Weekend through Sept. 30. Canoe and kayak rentals.
Food concession.
• From Rt. 202 in New Preston, turn onto Rt. 45. Take a left onto North
Shore Rd. and follow the signs around the lake to the park.
• Open from 8 am to sunset.
• Seasonal parking fee of $7 for CT residents and $10 for non-state
residents on weekends and holidays. No fee on weekdays. Campground fee of $13/night plus processing fee of $9 for each reservation
or $3 for walk-in registrations.
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Music Mountain Off Rt. 7,
Falls Village. Box Office: 860-824-7126.
www.musicmountain.org
Mount Prospect / Rand’s View
• Hiking.
• The view from the top of Prospect Mountain stretches across the
Housatonic Valley to Canaan Mountain.
• This moderately strenuous hike follows the Appalachian Trail 3.2 miles
north to the summit of Prospect Mountain. Follow the Appalachian
Trail south .7 miles to a three-way junction. Stay on the white-blazed
Appalachian Trail for .1 mile to Rand’s View, a spectacular vista to
the Taconic Range from Salisbury into Massachusetts.
• Rand’s View is on private property. Foot travel only. No camping or
fires. Carry in/carry out.
Mohawk Mountain State Forest Campground 46 Great Hollow Rd.,
Cornwall. 860-672-6464. www.ct.gov/dep
Shanghai Chinese Restaurant Kent Green, 8 Landmark Ln.,
Kent. 860-927-4809
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Land of Nod Winery 99 Lower Rd.,
East Canaan. 860-824-5225
Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop & Lodge 13 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, Cornwall
Bridge. 860-672-6064. www.housatonicmeadowslodge.com
Mohawk Mountain State Forest 20 Mohawk Mountain Rd.
860-672-6464. www.ct.gov/dep
• Hiking trails, lookout tower and overlook, pond and stream fishing,
picnicking, youth group camping. In winter cross-country trails for
snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
• This 260-acre wildlife sanctuary with varied terrain features rugged
hills, black spruce bog and panoramic vistas. Hiking trails, lookout
tower and overlook. Campground offers 95 sites in a rustic setting
beginning in mid-April through Dec. 31.
• From intersection of Rts. 7 and 4, take Rt. 4 east 5 miles. (State Forest
is a few minutes past ski area on right.)
• Forest recreation areas are open 8 am to sunset. Other forest areas
open one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Restaurant Moosilauke 23 Maple St., Kent. 860-927-4145
• We look out for the whole 2,000 square miles of the Housatonic Valley –
in 83 towns from Massachusetts to Long Island Sound.
• Our in-house experts work with property owners, community leaders and
local, state and national organizations to leverage resources.
• Our volunteer teams patrol streams, cleanup shorelines and solve water
pollution problems.
• We have saved more than 5,000 acres of farmland, wetlands, river fronts
and forest.
• Our Litchfield Hills Greenprint Project identifies priority conservation lands
in partnership with the Trust for Public Land and area land trusts and
residents.
• We work across town borders to guide growth away from our most
special natural places.
• HVA’s mission – since 1941 – is to conserve the natural character and
environmental health of our communities by protecting and restoring
the land and waters of the Housatonic Watershed.
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Freund’s Farm Market 324 Rt. 44,
East Canaan. 860-824-0650
Hitching Post Country Motel 45 Kent Rd. South, Rt. 7, Cornwall Bridge.
860-672-6219, 860-672-4880
Panini Cafe Gelateria 7 Old Barn Rd., Kent. 860-927-5083
Working for healthy rivers and streams, clean drinking water and natural places for our families to enjoy.
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Falls Village-Canaan Historical
Society Office The Depot, 44 Railroad
St., Falls Village. 860-824-7235
Hollenbeck Preserve
• Hiking, birdwatching.
• 182-acre scenic bird sanctuary, owned by The Nature Conservancy,
has tall grass, brush and fields. A flat – but often wet – trail through
the fields leads directly to the Hollenbeck River.
• From intersection of Rts. 112 and 7 in Falls Village, go 2.5 miles north
on Rt. 7, turn onto Page Rd. Preserve is .1 mile on right.
• Open dawn to dusk.
Evie’s Turning Point Farm 260 Cornwall Rd., Rt. 45, Cornwall Bridge.
860-868-7775
Paisans Kent Green, Kent. 860-927-3774
The Housatonic Valley Association
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Attractions
Cornwall Inn & Lodge 270 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, Cornwall Bridge.
860-672-6884 or 800-786-6884. www.cornwallinn.com
Kent Wine & Spirit 24 N. Main St., Kent. 860-927-3033
Kent Falls State Park Rt. 7. 860-927-3238. www.ct.gov/dep
• Hiking, picnicking. Fishing below base of falls. Species: Wild Brook
Trout, Wild Brown Trout. Daily creel limit: 2.
• Scenic waterfall, hiking trail, open field.
• Rt. 7 approximately 3 miles south of the intersection with Rt. 45, and
approximately 4.5 miles north of the village of Kent.
• Open from 8 am to sunset.
• Seasonal parking fee of $7 for CT residents and $10 for non-state
residents on weekends and holidays. No fee on weekdays.
Cedar Hill Dam
State Route
US Route
55
Appalacian Trail
NEW MILFORD
Streams and Rivers
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Yesterday’s Past Antiques Rts. 7 and 63, Falls Village. 860-824-0043
Cathedral Pines Farm 10 Valley Rd., Cornwall. 860-672-6747.
www.cathedralpinesfarm.com
Kent Pizza Garden & Restaurant Railroad Sq., Kent. 860-927-3733
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Toby’s Antiques 260 Rt. 44, East Canaan. 860-824-5914
Lodging
Mohawk Mountain Ski Area
46 Great Hollow Rd., 800-895-5222.
www.mohawkmtn.com
• Skiing, snowboarding.
• Privately operated ski resort
located in Mohawk Mountain
State Forest with 24 trails for
skiing and snowboarding.
• From intersection of Rts. 7 and
4, take Rt. 4 east 5 miles.
• Open Mon.-Sat., 8:30 am to
10 pm; Sun. 8:30 am to 4 pm.
Kent Coffee & Chocolate Company 8 N. Main St., Kent.
860-927-1445
the Heart of the Housatonic
St. John’s Ledges
• Hiking, rock climbing.
• Access via the Appalachian Trail.
• For experienced hikers and beginning climbers, the trip up the crags
and stone staircases rewards with views of the Housatonic.
• At the intersection of Rts. 7 and 341 in Kent Center, turn west onto
Rt. 341. Turn right onto Skiff Mt. Rd. for 1.1 miles. Bear right onto
unpaved road and follow for about 1.75 miles to small parking
turnout on left. Follow the trail up the hill for about 200 feet, then
turn left on a climber’s trail onto the lower face, or stay on the
Appalachian main trail to reach the upper slab.
• Foot travel only. No camping or fires. Carry in/carry out.
Tenmile River from the New York line to the confluence with the
Housatonic River
• Fishing. Species: Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass. Catch and
release only. Part of the Tenmile River-Bulls Bridge Trout Management
Area/Bass Management Area.
• Open year-round.
Lakes and Ponds
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Mary Belter 176 Rt. 7 North, Falls Village. 860-824-0043
Wandering Moose Cafe And Catering 421 Sharon-Goshen Tpk.,
West Cornwall. 860-672-0178
The Gourmet Palette 27 N. Main St., Kent. 860-927-4371
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Hubbard Gallery at Lost Island Farm 159 Belden St., Falls Village.
860-824-0794
RSVP 7 Railroad St., Cornwall. 860-672-7787
Fife ‘n Drum Restaurant & Inn 53 N. Main St., Rt. 7, Kent.
860-927-3509
Iron Mountain Preserve
• Hiking, birdwatching.
• This 300-acre Nature Conservancy preserve features a 1.5-mile hike
on a loop trail through varied and steep terrain over Ore Hill and
through an old apple orchard. Remnant charcoal pits, reminders of the
past iron industry, are still visible today. The charcoal-making process
was eventually abandoned, and the forest returned.
• From the junction of Rts. 7 and 341 go 3 miles east on 341 to South
Rd., left on Treasure Hill Rd. for .5 miles. Entrance on right side
of road.
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David M. Hunt Library 63 Main St., Falls Village. 860-824-7424
Falls Village Nature Trail
• Hiking.
• A short loop through forest and fields, which are part of the Falls
Village Hydropower Station. Begin on the Appalachian Trail, constructed to accommodate disabled visitors, for a mile loop. Post markers
and a trail guide point out how the landscape changed to support a
booming iron industry in the 18th-century. Stone ruins of a never-used
dike and canal system from that era as well as signs of reforestation.
• From Rt. 7 at the blinking light at the junction of Rt. 126 North proceed straight on Rt. 126 for .5 miles and turn left at the stop sign.
Bear right immediately onto Water St. Parking lot is on the left 50
yards along Water St.
• Foot travel only. No camping or fires. Carry in/carry out.
Cornwall Inn & Lodge
270 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, Cornwall Bridge. 860-672-6884
Mohawk Pond
• Fishing. Species: Trout, Largemouth Bass.
• A 16-acre pond with a public boat launching area. Use of all motors
prohibited.
• From Rt. 4, south on Great Hollow Rd., east on Great Hill Rd. to launch.
Parking: 8 cars.
• Fishing season opens 6 am third Sat.
April to last day in Feb.
Caralee’s 28 N. Main St.,
Kent. 860-927-1555
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Canaan Collectibles 14 Church St., Canaan. 860-824-7227
The Berkshire Country Store 103 Cemetery Hill Rd., Jct. Rts. 4 and
128, Cornwall. 860-672-FOOD
Mill Brook from the Housatonic River upstream along Rt. 128 for
approximately 1 mile.
• Fishing. Species: Trout.
Bulls Bridge Inn
333 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, Kent.
860-927-1000
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Art, Crafts, Antiques and More
Dean’s Ravine Falls
• Hiking.
• Picturesque waterfall with
cascades and slides down a steep
50-ft. drop. Follow the Mohawk Trail
down into the ravine.
• From Rt. 7, across from Housatonic
Valley Regional High School bear left at every intersection to the Music
Mountain Rd. parking area.
• Foot travel only. No camping or fires. Carry in/carry out.
Bairds General Store
25 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, Cornwall Bridge. 860-672-6578
Belgique Patisserie &
Chocolatier 1 Bridge St.
(on the corner of
Rts. 7 and 341), Kent.
860-927-3681
Town Boundary
State Forests & Parks
202
State Parks
37
Massachusetts
67
Candlewood Lake
Connecticut
202
New York
7
Lovers Leap State Park
Still River
Named for the Biblical land of Canaan, and incorporated in
1739, mountains on the south and east give way to cultivated
valleys along the Housatonic and Blackberry rivers. This is
home to the Great Falls on the Housatonic River that, in 1914,
gave rise to a hydroelectric power plant that supplies electricity to much of the Northwest Corner. The natural beauty
of the countryside and a variety of destination places offer
something for everyone.
Dining
Keohler Memorial River Rd.
• Birdwatching, walking.
• This 11.7-acre preserve borders the Housatonic River. There is no
formal trail, rather a “trail of use.” A Weantinoge Preserve.
• From Rt. 7, turn onto Rt. 128 and take a left onto River Rd. for 4 miles.
The road becomes unpaved and crosses the Housatonic Railroad
tracks three times.
Appalachian Trail Housatonic Riverwalk
• Hiking, birdwatching.
• Dirt road along the Housatonic River leads to the longest riverfront
section of the Appalachian Trail. From the parking lot it is approximately a 5-mile flat walk to Sharon.
• At the intersection of Rts. 7 and 341 in Kent Center, turn west onto
Rt. 341. Turn right onto Skiff Mt. Rd. for 1.1 miles. Bear right onto
unpaved road, which dead ends at the Appalachian Trail and a small
parking lot.
• Foot travel only, no bikes, ATVs or horses. Backpacker camping only
at designated sites. Stoves only, no fires. Carry in/carry out.
k
CANAAN / FALLS VILLAGE / NORTH CANAAN
Canaan Mountain
• Hiking.
• Designated in 1972 as the state’s first Natural Area Preserve, the area
is one of the largest, most rugged and inaccessible tracts of undeveloped forest in the state. The mountain’s sharp peak thrusts out
northwest into the valley, towering above it about a thousand feet.
Remarkable view up and down the
Housatonic Valley, and across to
Bear Mt. and the Taconics.
• From Rt. 7 take Church Hill, or take
Blackberry River Rd. and cut
through the fields just west of a
grove of pines. Trails to the mountain
also begin at Beckley Furnace.
Cornwall Historical Society
7 Pine St., Cornwall.
860-672-0505.
www.cornwallhistoricalsociety.org
Dining
Broo
You find all of this and much, much more as you travel
through the river towns of Falls Village, Canaan, Salisbury,
Sharon, Cornwall, Kent and New Milford. Welcome to the
heart of the Housatonic River Valley.
Blackberry River, Canaan to Norfolk from 1/2 mile west of Rt. 272
along Rt. 44 and Lower River Rd. to confluence with Housatonic River.
• Fishing. Species: Wild Brown Trout.
Attractions
Housatonic River Outfitters, Inc. Intersection of Rts. 4 and 7,
24 Kent Rd. 860-672-1010. www.dryflies.com
• Fishing.
• Full-service fly shop, lodging, guide service, outfitters and fly-fishing
schools. Fly-fishing equipment, tying materials, furnishings, outerwear, books, camping supplies, antiques, trips and 50,000+ flies.
Classes in fly-fishing, fly-tying and casting.
donia
Here is where you find forested mountain peaks with breathtaking vistas that stretch for miles, where you see big-city
sophistication rubbing elbows with toned-down country style.
This is a place of whitewater rapids and gentle currents, of
pastoral beauty and bustling village centers, of creative and
intellectual pursuit – and some of the finest fly fishing and
hiking in America.
Beckley Furnace Rt. 44. 860-482-1817. www.ct.gov/dep
• State park features historical interpretation, picnicking, pond fishing.
• Historic 19th-century furnace with scenic waterfall, deserted forge,
mountain trails, bogs and a lake.
• From Rt. 7 take Rt. 44 east to Lower River Rd., left onto steep driveway to furnace and parking area.
• Monument grounds are open year-round from 8 am to sunset.
The Wish House
413 Sharon-Goshen Tpk.,
Rt. 128, West Cornwall.
860-672-2969
Mace
Connecticut’s Northwest Corner is a special place, its history
and culture enriched by the Housatonic River as it wends its
way from Massachusetts to Long Island Sound.
Recreation
k
The Heart of the Housatonic
roo
11:23 PM
riss
ey B
5/11/07
Mor
161995.qxd
Lake Lillinonah
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is 2,174 miles long and follows
the ridge of the Appalachian Mountains from Springer
Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine, passing
through 14 states. It was begun in 1921 and completed
in 1937 and has been called the “longest National Park
in the world.” Fifty-three miles of the famous trail pass
through Sherman, Kent, Sharon, Falls Village and
Salisbury, Connecticut. The trail is unique in the National
Park system because it is managed and maintained
entirely by local volunteers.
The trail passes through what was once “iron country.”
Northwest Connecticut was known as the “Arsenal of the
Revolution” and by the middle of the 19th-century most
of the forests were cut to feed the blast furnaces in all
the towns through which the trail now passes. Along
the trail many former charcoal pits can be seen. They
are easily identified as level, circular places in the
forest about 20-feet in diameter where charcoal was
once produced by controlled burning of trees and are
often connected by remnants of old roads which the
trail follows in some locations.
The trail is managed to give the hiker a wilderness-like
experience where foot travel is invited. Camp only in
designated sites, cook only on backpacking stoves and
please carry out everything you carry in.
The Appalachian Trail Guide to Massachusetts – Connecticut
is available at local bookstores or from the Appalachian Trail
Conservancy at www.appalachiantrail.org. A hiking map is
available from the Connecticut Chapter of the Appalachian
Mountain Club at www.ct-amc.org.
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11:24 PM
Page 2
Gaylordsville Diner & Restaurant 11 George Washington Plz., Rt. 7,
Gaylordsville. 860-210-1622
NEW MILFORD
The largest town in Connecticut, New Milford’s 64-square
miles are a blend of the old and new. The Town Green in
the village center is surrounded by charming shops and
historic buildings, contains an old-fashioned bandstand,
and hosts summer concerts, a farmers market and the
annual Village Fair Days in July. Nearby Rt. 7 provides the
shopping conveniences of any-town USA. Quaint parts of
town with names like Merryall and Gaylordsville retain
old-town character, and the Housatonic River, crossed by
four bridges, runs the length of the town to Lake Lillinonah
at the foot of Lover’s Leap Gorge.
Grand Patisserie 27 Main St., New Milford. 860-354-4525
Great Wall Chinese & American Restaurant 40 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7,
New Milford. 860-354-8855
Holiday Restaurant 17 Veterans Plz., 1 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford.
860-354-9393
Home Buffet 24 Railroad St., New Milford. 860-350-1688
Italia Mia Restaurant & Pizza 223 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford.
860-354-3823
Joey’s Seafood Restaurant 188 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford.
860-355-2255
Art, Crafts, Antiques and More
7 Antiques 453 Danbury Rd., New Milford. 860-355-8021
Johana’s Restaurant 47 Main St., New Milford. 860-354-5115
Bank St. Coffee House 56 Bank St., New Milford.
Jo-Jo’s Deli 39 Park Lane Rd., Rt. 202, New Milford. 860-354-9008
860-350-8920
Lucia 51 Bank St., New Milford. 860-355-5100
Bittersweet Shop Rt. 7 at the Jct. of Rt. 55, Gaylordsville.
860-354-1727
Main Moon on the Green 27 Main St., New Milford. 860-355-2518
Blast From the Past 25 Church St.,
New Milford. 860-354-3517
Main Moon 48 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-355-9629
Connecticut Memories
Country Store 77 Railroad St.,
New Milford. 860-354-3399
860-354-1234
Marathon Pizza Restaurant 475 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford.
McDonald’s 48 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-354-2356
Deer Park Books 609 Kent Rd.,
Rt. 7, Gaylordsville. 860-350-4140
Doug’s Used Furniture & Antiques
264 Kent Rd., New Milford.
860-355-2952
Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market
490 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford.
860-355-1448
Focal Point 36 Bank St., New Milford. 860-355-0081
Milano’s Restaurant & Pizza 10 Railroad St., New Milford.
860-210-0666
with no fee. It offers a 3/4-mile loop lakeside trail along the eastern
shoreline of Candlewood Lake. Lake access is from several locations.
• For a fee, New Milford’s Lynn Deming Park offers parking, boat launch
area, swimming and picnicking. From Rt. 7 turn onto Candlewood Rd.
North. Park will be on right. Open from 8 am to sunset from Memorial
Day to Labor Day. Non New Milford residents should call 860-3556050 for more information.
• Dike Point Recreation Area can be reached from Rt. 7 to Sullivan
Rd. Take immediate right after .1 mile onto Old Town Park Rd. and
proceed straight for .7 miles. Open from 8 am to sunset from
Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Gerard’s Waters Edge Marina at 120 Old Town Park Rd. is a fullservice marina offering seasonal boating slips and service as well as
motor and paddle boat rentals. From Rt. 7, turn onto Sullivan Rd. for
.1 miles. Turn right onto Old Town Park Rd. for .4 miles and turn left to
stay on Old Town Park Rd. for an additional .1 miles. 860-350-2628.
• State public boat launching area at Lattin’s Cove, Danbury. From New
Milford Center take Rt. 7 south for 3.7 miles. Take right onto Candlewood Lake Rd. South for 6.8 miles. Take right onto Nabby Rd. After
.75 miles, take left onto Forty Acres Rd., launch is on right. Motor boat
access, 45 mph daytime speed limit. 25 mph from half-hour after
sunset to half-hour before sunrise. Slow-no-wake from the south end
north 2,500 ft.
• At Lynn Deming Park: Swimming, picnicking, boat launch. At Dike
Point: Easy hiking, picnicking, canoe and small boat access. At
Gerard’s Marina: Motor and paddle boat access. At Lattin’s Cove:
Motor boat access, fishing. Candlewood is a Trophy Trout Lake.
Species: Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch,
White Catfish, White Perch, Walleye, Calico Bass, Chain Pickerel,
Brown Bullhead, Sunfish.
• Fishing season: 6 am from the third Sat. in April to Mar. 31.
Trout: From Mar. 1 to Mar. 31. Daily creel limit: 2. 16” min. length.
North Country Inn & Restaurant 329 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford.
860-355-5141
Oriental House 72 Bridge St., New Milford. 860-355-5882
Palma Restaurant 122 Litchfield Rd., Rt. 202, New Milford.
860-354-7727
Panda Empire 254 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-350-8888
Northlight Framing 60 Park Lane, Rt. 202, New Milford.
860-355-4391
Quiznos 116 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-355-0014
Red’s Bar & Grille 46 Railroad St., New Milford. 860-350-5090
River Café 300 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-355-4466
New Milford Public Library 24 Main St., New Milford.
860-355-1191
S J Barrington’s 48 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-355-9222
Scrollin’ Thru the Woods 209 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford.
Salsa Restaurant 54 Railroad St., New Milford. 860-350-0701
The Silo Gallery at Hunt Hill Farm 44 Upland Rd., New Milford.
860-355-0300
Starbucks 38 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-355-0645
Steve’s Deli 449 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-350-1223
Attractions
Brown’s Forge Brown’s Forge Rd., Gaylordsville.
www.gaylordsville.org
Subway 139 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-355-0053
164 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-354-4033
80 Park Lane Rd., Rt. 202, New Milford. 860-915-1032
Gaylordsville Schoolhouse Gaylord Rd., off of Rt. 7, Gaylordsville.
www.gaylordsville.org
Taco Bell 177 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-354-8000
Merwinsville Hotel and Museum 1 Brown’s Forge Rd., Gaylordsville.
Theo’s Downtown Diner 14B Railroad St., New Milford. 860-355-0701
New Milford Historical Society 6 Aspetuck Ave., top of the Green,
New Milford. 860-354-3069
Three Brothers 79 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-355-9269
Track Side Cafe 60 Railroad St., New Milford. 860-355-4999
TheatreWorks 5 Brookside Ave., New Milford. 860-350-6863.
www.theatreworks.us
Trinity Deli 46 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-355-2119
The Skitch Henderson Museum at Hunt Hill Farm 44 Upland Rd.,
New Milford. 860-355-0300. www.hunthillfarmtrust.org
Upper Crust Pizza Kitchen 373 Litchfield Rd., Rt. 202, New Milford.
860-350-0006
Adrienne Restaurant 218 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford.
860-354-6001
Alfredo’s Restaurant & Pizza 651 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, Gaylordsville.
860-355-2448
Arby’s 132 Danbury Rd., New Milford. 860-354-5227
Cottages at Kent Rd. 255 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-350-2400
Boston Market 129 Danbury Rd.,
Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-210-2090
Housatonic Range Trail
• Hiking.
• 6-mile strenuous trail with large boulders, scenic views from Candlewood Mountain, side trail to Tory’s Cave. Part of Connecticut Forest
and Park Association’s Blue Trail system.
• From Rt. 7 in northern New Milford left onto Cedar Hill Rd., left onto
Gaylord Rd. Park on right by cemetery. Additional section begins at
pulloff on Rt. 37 just before Candlewood Mt. Rd. Trail ends near the
summit of Candlewood Mountain.
• The trail is on private property. Foot travel only. No camping or fires.
Carry in/carry out.
The Trading Post 314 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-354-3276.
www.tp-kayaks.com.
• Canoe and kayak outfitters located on the Housatonic River. Paddle
sport products for paddlers of all ages and abilities. Lessons, large
rental fleet.
• Open daily year round, Wed. by appt.
Housatonic River Greenway
• Walking, birdwatching, fishing.
• 5-mile scenic walk along an upaved road bordering Housatonic River.
• Rt. 7, to Boardman Rd. Left to River Rd. Follow to unpaved portion.
Park along road in several pullouts.
The true Northwest corner of Connecticut, Salisbury includes
the villages of Salisbury and Lakeville, and the hamlets of
Amesville, Lime Rock and Taconic. The area was famous
for its production of cannons and cannonballs during the
Revolution and War of 1812. With many lakes and ponds
including Wononscopomuc, Washinee, Washining, Wononpakook, Riga Lake and South Pond, plus the Housatonic
River as its western border, the town is a water lover’s
paradise. It’s no wonder that the local population more than
doubles in the summer months with weekenders and parttime residents.
Kahn-Nostrand Trails
• Hiking.
• This combination of two preserves, one owned by the Town of New
Milford and the other by Weantinoge Heritage, totals 267 acres. A
3.25-mile trail loop connects the two. Part of it runs along the West
Aspetuck River, offering a wetlands experience, while the Bear Hill
portion passes by mature forest.
• From Rt. 202, turn onto Little Bear Hill Rd., right onto Squire Hill Rd.
Parking entrance is on right, or continue north, take a right onto
Cherniske Rd. to another small parking area on the right, .25 miles
west of Frenchmans Rd.
Buck Rock Inn 17 Buck Rock Rd., New Milford. 860-354-9831
Brickhouse Pizza & Restaurant
33 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford.
860-354-9192
Homestead Inn 5 Elm St., New Milford. 860-354-4080.
www.homesteadct.com
Rocky River Inn & Suites 236 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford.
860-355-3208. www.therockyrivermotel.com
Red Carpet Inn & Suites 244 Kent Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford.
860-350-2766
Carvel Ice Cream Store
14 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford.
860-354-3554
The Quid 245 Second Hill Rd., New Milford. 860-354-6143.
www.thequid.com
Colosseo Restaurant & Pizza
38 Park Lane Rd., Rt. 202,
New Milford. 860-350-9596
Recreation
Cookhouse 31 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-355-4111
Dunkin Donuts 12 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-354-7096
El Mariachi 129 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-355-4243
Elm St. Gourmet 12 Elm St., New Milford. 860-350-3974
Fifty Nine Bank Street 59 Bank St., New Milford. 860-350-5995
Food for Thought 84 Railroad St., New Milford. 860-350-2829
Forsythia 31 Bank St., New Milford. 860-355-3266
Friendly’s 108 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-355-0826
Alice McAlister Memorial Sanctuary
• Hiking, fishing.
• Short, easy one-mile hike through this 64-acre Weantinoge sanctuary.
• From Rt. 7 take Bulls Bridge Rd. to a four-way intersection with
S. Kent Rd. Continue to Camp Flats Rd. Pass Geer Mountain Rd. on
left. A right-of-way dirt road on right leads to small parking area.
Bass Rd. Complex
• Hiking.
• The top of this 3/4-mile trail has a great view of the Housatonic River
Valley. Trail starts just above Housatonic Railroad tracks and follows
a cascading stream. A Weantinoge Heritage property.
• Take Rt. 7 north to Boardman Rd., left onto River Rd. for 2.6 miles to
trailhead.
Candlewood Lake www.candlewoodlakeauthority.org
This 5,064-acre lake is the largest man-made lake in Connecticut.
Primary public access is at Dike Point Recreation Area and a state boat
launch in nearby Danbury. Dike Point Recreation Area is open to public,
Dining
Tory’s Cave
• Hiking. Caving.
• A short hike up from Rt. 7 are a series of caves used during the
Revolutionary War by Torys for hiding. Year-round temperature is 50
degrees. Always explore with at least two companions and a flashlight. Heavily used on weekends in July and Aug. Be prepared for
moisture dripping from ceilings. A trail from this Weantinoge property
joins the Housatonic Range Trail.
• Rt. 7, 2.6 miles north of Rt. 37. Parking area on side of the road.
•
Bank St. Coffee House 56 Bank St., New Milford. 860-350-8920
Scoville Memorial Library 38 Main St., Salisbury. 860-435-2838
Guarding Mountain Sanctuary
• Hiking.
• Short half-mile climb from field to top with view from the peak on
the west side of the Housatonic, opposite New Milford’s village center.
Native Americans used the outlook to monitor other tribes and build
signal fires to guard against attack by the Mohawk Indians. A
Weantinoge Heritage property.
• From Rt. 7, turn onto Fort Hill Rd. Continue for .5 miles to parking
on left.
Yokohama Japanese Restaurant 131 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7,
New Milford. 860-355-0556
Lodging
Salisbury Association Academy Building 24 Main St., Salisbury.
860-435-0566
East Aspetuck River
• Fishing. Species: Wild Brown Trout: 9” min. length.
• Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3) from Lake Waramaug to
confluence with the Housatonic River.
• Intermittent sections are accessible from Rt. 202 to Wells Rd.
Windmill Diner 245 Danbury Rd., Rt. 7, New Milford. 860-354-1218
All Aboard Pizzeria & Ice Cream Parlor 14A Railroad St.,
New Milford. 860-354-9552
Lauray of Salisbury 432 Undermountain Rd., Rt. 41, Salisbury.
860-435-2263
Holly’s Place 10 Academy St., Salisbury. 860-435-0000
White Peach Restaurant 1 S. Kent Rd., Gaylordsville. 860-210-8104
Dining
Holley House Museum and Salisbury Cannon Museum
15 Millerton Rd., Rt. 44, Lakeville. 860-435-0566
Sunny Valley Preserve
Sunny Valley Ln., 860-355-3716. New Milford.
• Hiking.
• Preserve consists of 1,850 acres of farmland, forests, wetlands,
and meadows and has a variety of trails with several observation
sites where you can learn about nature, land management, and
environmentally compatible farming. A Nature Conservancy property.
• From Rt. 7 onto Sunny Valley Rd. Turn onto Sunny Valley Lane.
Parking on left at gate or on Sunny Valley Lane.
• Open dawn to dusk. Office hours 9 am to 5 pm, Mon.-Fri.
860-210-1140
Sports Page Cafe 35 Lanesville Rd., New Milford. 860-350-0550
The Corn Maze at White Hollow Farm Rts. 7 and 112, Limerock.
860-824-0497 or 860-435-0382
Boathouse 349 Main St., Rts. 41 and 44, Lakeville. 860-435-2111
Gregory James Gallery 13 Main St., New Milford. 860-354-3436
Hank’s Used Furniture & Antiques 266 Kent Rd., New Milford.
860-355-9073
Pratt Center / Mt. Tom Preserve 163 Papermill Rd. 860-355-3137.
www.prattcenter.org
• Hiking, educational center.
• The Pratt Center and the abutting Weantinoge Mt. Tom Preserve
offer trails through diverse terrains of mountains and meadows,
woods and wetlands, gardens and a farm. The meandering East
Aspetuck River runs through the property and is a great place for
kids to splash during the hot summer months. Numerous trails
weave throughout the property and there are caves where Native
Americans dwelt years ago. The
top of Mt. Tom offers a breathtaking view of Litchfield County.
• From Rt. 202, turn onto Papermill
Rd. Parking area on left.
Attractions
Sega Meadows
• Hiking.
• 43 acres of undeveloped townowned parkland along the
Housatonic River.
• Parking lot is located on the east
side of Rt. 7 just north of Boardman Rd. Walk over bridge to iron
gates on Boardman Rd.
New Milford Chinese Restaurant Veterans Plz., 1 Kent Rd., Rt. 7,
New Milford. 860-350-5435
road crosses a brook at a bend in the road where there is a pull-out
for parking.
•
•
•
Lake Lillinonah
• Boating. Fishing. Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, White Perch,
Calico Bass, White Catfish,
Northern Pike, Sunfish, Carp,
Yellow Perch.
• Part of the Housatonic River,
this 1,547-acre lake is
Connecticut’s second largest
and is surrounded by rolling
hills. At the northern most
point, just south of the confluence with the Still River, is Lover’s Leap Gorge, named for the legend
of an Indian maiden who leapt to her death from the high cliffs when
told her lover had died. The lake lies between the Bleachery Dam, at
the north, and the Shepaug Dam at the south. Lake access is from
several locations.
New Milford’s Addis Park offers limited parking and a cartop boat
launching area. From Rt. 7 take Still River Dr., continuing straight at
stop sign onto Grove St. Continue over the Housatonic River following the road as it bends. Parking and launch are on left.
West Cove Marina at 143 West St. is a full-service marina offering
seasonal boating slips and service. This is the only location for gas
purchase on the lake. From Rt. 202/Bridge St. in the center of New
Milford, take West St. to the end.
State public boat launching area on Rt. 133 in Bridgewater.
45 mph daytime speed limit. 25 mph from half-hour after sunset to
half-hour before sunrise. No-wake zone in Lover’s Leap Gorge.
Lover’s Leap State Reserve
• Hiking.
• The 140-acre reserve is home to Lover’s Leap Bridge, an historic
1895 iron lenticular truss bridge that spans the Housatonic River
over Lover’s Leap Gorge. The remains of the Bridgeport Wood
Finishing Company complex lie at the confluence of the Still and
Housatonic rivers. There are several trails and a spectacular overlook of Lake Lillinonah.
• From Rt. 7 take Still River Dr., continuing straight at stop sign onto
Grove St. Parking lot on the right. May also be accessed by foot
from Clatter Valley Town Park.
Morrissey Brook Intermittent sections from Rt. 39 to Cedar Hill Rd.
• Fishing. Species: Wild Brook Trout, Wild Brown Trout.
Morrissey Preserve
• Hiking.
• The short, 1.25-mile roundtrip trail on this Weantinoge Heritage
property begins steeply, but then has easy passage. It crosses a
brook and varied timber populations and ends at a stone wall town
boundary, where it meets the Naromi Land Trust’s Strauss Preserve.
• From Rt. 7 in Gaylordsville take Gaylord Rd. for 1.7 miles south. The
SALISBURY / LAKEVILLE
Art, Crafts, Antiques and More
Argazzi Art 22 Millerton Rd., Lakeville. 860-435-8222
Arts in Motion Salisbury Square, 15 Academy/Library St., Salisbury.
860-435-0723
At Home in the Country 16 Main St.,
Salisbury. 860-435-8087
Buckley & Buckley Antiques
84 Main St., Salisbury. 860-435-9919
Creative Hands Gallery at Eliza Peet
17 Main St., Salisbury. 860-435-8255
Eliza Peet 17 Main St., Salisbury.
860-435-8255
Joie de Livres 7 Academy St.,
Salisbury. 860-435-2332
Chaiwalla Tea Room 1 Main St., Salisbury. 860-435-9758
Cheffrey’s Off Main 227 Main St., Lakeville. 860-435-0202
China Inn 343 Main St., Lakeville. 860-435-6888
Deano’s Pizza 24 Millerton Rd., Lakeville. 860-435-2299
Mizza’s Restaurant and Pizza 6 Ethan Allen St., Lakeville.
860-435-6266
Morgan’s Restaurant, at The Interlaken Inn 74 Interlaken Rd.,
Rt. 112, Lakeville. 860-435-9878
O’Hara’s Landing 254 Twin Lakes Rd., Salisbury. 860-435-7583
On the Run Coffee Shop 4 Ethan Allen St., Lakeville. 860-435-2007
Pastorale Bistro & Bar 223 Main St., Rt. 44, Lakeville. 860-435-1011
Scoops 19 Main St., Salisbury. 860-435-0400
The Roast Coffeehouse 20 Main St., Salisbury. 860-435-0600
White Hart Inn & Restaurant Village Green, Jct. Rts. 41 and 44,
Salisbury. 860-435-0030 or 800-832-0041
The Woodland 192 Sharon Rd., Rt. 41, Lakeville. 860-435-0578
Lodging
Barbara Ardizones B & B 62 Main St., Salisbury. 860-435-3057.
www.BarbaraArdizone.com
Earl Grey B & B 9 The Lock Up, Salisbury. 860-435-1007
Inn at Iron Masters Rts. 44 and 41, 229 Main St., Lakeville.
860-435-9844. www.innatironmasters.com
Inn at White Hollow Farm 558 Lime Rock Rd., Lakeville.
860-435-8185. www.innatwhitehollowfarm.com
Lou’s Relics 351 Millerton Rd., Lakeville. 860-435-3569
Bear Mountain / Undermountain Trail
• Hiking.
• Hardy hikers can enjoy the view from the 2,316-foot summit of Bear
Mountain in Salisbury, the highest peak within the state. The 6.7-mile
strenuous trek on well-marked trails to the top rewards with a lofty
look at hills, lakes and mountains.
• At the junction of Rts. 44 and 41 in the center of Salisbury, follow
Rt. 41 north for 3.2 miles to the hiker parking area on the left.
• Ascend on blue-blazed Undermountain Trail 1.9 miles to Appalachian
Trail (AT). Turn right and follow white-blazed AT north .9 miles to
summit of Bear Mountain. To complete the loop steeply descend bare
rocks (dangerous in wet weather or winter) .7 miles on the AT to blueblazed Paradise Lane Trail and turn right. Paradise Lane Trail returns
to Undermountain Trail in 2.1 miles. Turn left and descend 1.1 miles to
parking area.
• Carry plenty of water.
• Foot travel only. No camping or fires. Carry in/carry out.
Wachocastinook (Riga) Brook
• Fishing. Species: Wild Brook Trout, Wild Brown Trout. Methods: Only
barbless single-hook, artificial lures and flies. Catch and release only.
• Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1)
• Downstream of South Pond within Mt. Riga Corp. property as posted.
• Open year-round.
• Private property. Area closes at sunset. No camping or fires. Carry in/
carry out.
West Twin Lake
(Washinee Lake)
• Fishing. Species: Chain
Pickerel, Largemouth Bass,
Sunfish, Calico Bass, Yellow
Perch
• 290 acres.
• Possession and use of any
live alewives, blueback (glut
or river) herring, gizzard,
hickory or threadfin shad as
bait is prohibited.
Wononscopomuc Lake (Lakeville Lake)
• Fishing. Species: Trout, Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Yellow
Perch, Sunfish, Brown Bullhead. Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth
Bass: 12” to 16” protected slot limit. Daily creel limit: 6 bass. Only
two may be 16” or greater.
• This 348-acre Bass Management Lake has a town-operated public
boat launching area, fee charged, on Ethan Allen St. in Lakeville.
• Motors restricted to 12 cu. in., approximately 10 hp. No waterskiing.
The possession and use of any live alewives, blueback (glut or river)
herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin shad as bait is prohibited.
• Fishing season opens 6 am third Sat. in April through Oct. 31. Fishing
hours: 6 am-9 pm prevailing time. Opening and closing hours of town
boat livery: Opening Day, 6 am-9 pm; weekdays 8 am-9 pm; Sat.,
Sun. and holdays 7 am-9 pm except from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31,
8 am-6 pm.
• Boat launch owned and operated by the Town of Salisbury. Closed
Nov. 1 to third Sat. in April. $10 fee for non-residents.
Interlaken Inn 74 Interlaken Rd., Rt. 112, Lakeville. 860-435-9878 or
800-222-2909. www.interlakeninn.com
SHARON
Wake Robin Inn Rt. 41, Lakeville. 860-435-2000.
www.wakerobininn.com
Tucked away along the New York border, Sharon is a graceful
town known for its elegant tree-lined Town Green, its open
fields, and its striking vistas that stretch to the foothills of the
Berkshires. The Housatonic River forms the town’s eastern
border and camping, fly fishing, boating and hiking opportunities abound. The Audubon Center and Appalachian Trail
provide places to learn and to commune with nature.
White Hart Inn The Village Green, Jct. Rts. 41 and 44, Salisbury.
860-435-0030 or 800-832-0041. www.whitehartinn.com
Recreation
East Twin Lake (Washining Lake)
• Boating: paddle and motor. Fishing. Species: Trout, Largemouth Bass,
Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, Sunfish, Brown Bullhead, Calico Bass.
Trout daily creel limit: l-5. Not more than one can be a brown trout.
20” min. length for brown trout.
• This 569-acre trophy trout lake has a commercial launching ramp
and boat livery, fee charged. There is an additional no-fee cartop
boat launching area.
• From Rt. 44, north on Twin Lakes Rd., take the gravel road on the left,
2.7 miles north of Rt. 44 and .4 miles north of the marina.
• Parking: 4 cars.
• Open third Sat. in April through last day in Feb.
• Three water-skiers limit per boat, 35 mph daytime speed limit except
6 mph limit within 200 feet of vessel or dock except taking off or
landing waterskier. 6 mph from half-hour after sunset to half-hour
before sunrise. Waterskiing activity to go counterclockwise on east
and west halves of lake. The possession and use of any live alewives,
blueback (glut or river) herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin shad as
bait is prohibited. The use of radios by fishermen is prohibited from
11 pm-6 am.
Johnnycake Books 12 Academy St., Salisbury. 860-435-6677
John Spencer Antiques 92 Canaan Rd., Salisbury. 860-435-1099
O’Hara’s Landing Marina 254 Twin Lakes Rd., Salisbury.
860-824-7583
• Boat rentals, sales and service. Launching ramp, dock space by the
day or season.
• Food, tackle and accessory sales.
Lime Rock Park Rt. 112, Lime Rock. 860-435-5000.
www.limerock.com
• “The Road Racing Center of the East” hosts some of the largest racing
events in the Northeast.
• Free camping with a full weekend event ticket.
Art, Crafts, Antiques and More
Garuda Frameworks 162 Gay St., Sharon. 860-364-5883
Housatonic Meadows State Park Rt. 7. 860-927-3238.
www.ct.gov/dep
• Camping, hiking, canoeing, picnicking, fly fishing.
• Tall pine forest along the banks of the Housatonic River offers 95
campsites in a rustic setting.
• Rt. 7, Sharon, approximately 3 miles south of the West Cornwall
Covered Bridge and approximately 2 miles north of the intersection
with Rt. 4.
• Open from 8 am to sunset.
Indian Lake (Indian Pond)
• Fishing. Species: Largemouth
Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow
Perch.
• This 196-acre lake straddles the
New York/Connecticut border.
• Bass season: Open 6 am on the
third Sat. in April through Nov.
30. All other species: Season
opens 6 am on the third Sat. in
April through Mar. 31. Not more
than 5 tip-ups and 2 hand-held
jigs allowed for ice fishing.
• Connecticut or New York fishing
license legal on entire pond. New York regulations apply for Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass.
Mudge Pond (Silver Lake)
• Fishing. Species: Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch,
Sunfish, Brown Bullhead. Largemouth Bass: 12” to 18” protected slot
limit. Daily creel limit: six bass. Only one may be 18” or greater.
• This 207-acre pond has a public boat launching area and is weedchoked in summer.
• From Rt. 4 go north on Rt. 361, right onto Silver Lake Shore Rd.
Launch is on left. Parking: 14 cars.
• Motors limited to 7-1/2 hp. Speed limit 6 mph. Use of motors prohibited from half-hour after sunset to half-hour after sunrise and within
200 feet of town beach.
Pine Knob Loop / Appalachian Trail
• Hiking.
• This strenuous 2.5-mile loop trail has several scenic vistas overlooking the Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground and the
Housatonic River.
• From Cornwall Bridge, head north on Rt. 7 for approximately 1 mile.
Park at blue sign on left. Alternatively, park at Housatonic Meadows
State Park (on Rt. 7) and walk across highway and through a short
field to find trail markings or ask the park ranger for directions.
• From the Rt. 7 parking lot the blue-blazed Pine Knob Loop Trail steeply
ascends .7 miles to the Appalachian Trail (AT) blazed white. Ascend
steeply on the AT to vista. Follow the AT .3 miles and turn right and
follow the blue blazes to vista. Continue down steep ledges to Rt. 7
near Housatonic Meadows campground and follow Rt. 7 back to
the parking lot.
• Foot travel only. No camping or fires. Carry in/carry out.
Sharon Audubon Center 325 Cornwall Bridge Rd., Rt. 4,
860-364-0520. www.sharon.audubon.org
• Hiking, birdwatching, nature center.
• This 1,147-acre nature center and wildlife sanctuary has more than
11 miles of scenic hiking trails and includes mixed forest, meadows,
wetlands, ponds and streams. Shop, gardens, live animals, aviary.
• From the intersection of Rts.
4 and 7 in Cornwall Bridge
continue west on Rt. 4 for
7.3 miles. Look for Sharon
Audubon signs on the left.
• Raptor Center and Trails open
dawn to dusk.
• Visitor Center and Nature
Store open Tues.-Sat. 9 am to
5 pm, Sun.1 pm to 5 pm.
Closed Mondays and major
holidays.
• Entrance fee.
Wildwoods Sanctuary
• Hiking.
• A 2.5-mile easy walking trail in this 163-acre Weantinoge preserve
offers magnificent views.
• Take Rt. 41 south from center of Sharon for 6 miles to Knibloe Hill
Rd. Turn left. Knibloe Hill Rd. becomes Caray Hill Rd. Parking on right.
Henrik Aarestrup Scandinavian 147 Main St., Sharon. 860-364-7071
Town Hall Gallery 63 Main St., Sharon. 860-364-5828
Attractions
Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm 461 Cornwall Bridge Rd., Rt. 4,
Sharon. 860-264-0025
Sharon Historical Society 18 Main St., Rt. 41, Sharon. 860-364-5688
Disclaimer
HVA cannot guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information
and services provided. Users should verify all information before acting on it. For example,
prior to making any vacation plans, users should verify all information directly with the
tourism facilities or destinations listed. HVA expressly disclaims liability for errors and
omissions in the contents of this brochure. HVA is not liable (to the extent permitted by
law) for any claim by you or any other person as a result of any service provided by them
to you using these listings (including any consequential loss to you or any other person).
HVA links to Web sites are presented by government agencies and area enterprises. HVA
is not affiliated with these sites and is not responsible for content. A reference or listing
shall not be interpreted as an endorsement or guarantee of availability or quality.
Noble Horizons Gallery 17 Cobble Rd., Salisbury. 860-435-9851
Passports 14 Main St., Salisbury. 860-435-8855
Ragamont House Antiques 8 Main St., Salisbury. 860-435-8895
Salisbury Artisans 80 Factory St., Salisbury. 860-435-0344
Sweethaven Farm 70 Weatogue Rd., Salisbury. 860-435-6064
The White Gallery 342 Main St., Lakeville. 860-435-1029
Tremaine Gallery at The Hotchkiss School Intersection of Rts. 41
and 112, Lakeville. 860-435-2591
Visitors and residents alike are drawn to Connecticut’s
northwest corner in large part because of this region’s natural beauty and environmental health. The Housatonic River
is cool and inviting, and its feeder streams course through
the countryside clear and cold, home to populations of native
brook trout that depend on excellent water quality. In this
part of the state, the largest water pollution sources have
been reduced or even eliminated. However, polluted runoff,
erosion and invasive species are still huge threats to the
ecology of our pristine waterways.
As rain or melted snow moves over and through the ground it can pick
up oil and grease, salt and sand, fertilizers and pesticides and other
contaminants, and carry them into our streams and rivers.
These contaminants come from many diverse sources. For example,
parking lots, roads and other paved surfaces collect road salt, sand, oil,
grease and gas, allowing them to be washed directly into waterways.
Storm drains actually lead directly to the Housatonic River – not to
wastewater treatment plants. Failed septic systems and pet wastes also
create problems, carrying bacteria and parasites that can cause disease
and kill aquatic life.
Dumping household chemicals down the drain can send them to septic
systems and sewers that are not designed to neutralize toxicity. These
untreated chemicals will also destroy aquatic life.
Pesticides and herbicides, too, are a problem especially when overused.
Overloading lawns and gardens will not increase the effectiveness of
your product, which will only be washed away in the next rain. High
concentrations of these chemicals can kill aquatic plants and animals.
Litter is another pollutant that can wash into rivers, destroying aquatic
habitat and posing a threat to wildlife when ingested by blocking digestive systems.
Shoreline overdevelopment and lawns running to the water’s edge
cause serious problems by eliminating the natural soil and vegetation
that filters polluted runoff before it reaches the river, helps stop erosion
and cools the water for aquatic life. And erosion itself can make stretches of a river too muddy to support aquatic life.
Polluted runoff comes from many sources making it difficult to control
by regulation. The good news is that most polluted runoff can be
reduced or even eliminated by a few simple actions.
Here’s what you can do:
• Make sure your septic system is working properly and pumped
every two to three years.
• Don’t pour household chemicals down your drain. Call your town
hall for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day dates.
• Keep a small lawn and maintain native shrubs, trees and plants
between your lawn and the river.
• Mulch leaves and yard waste into a compost area.
• Use less fertilizer on your lawn.
• If you must use pesticides, use them only in trouble spots and
apply as sparingly as possible.
• Wash your car on the lawn and use vegetable soap.
• Recycle used motor oil and antifreeze.
• Properly dispose of pet waste.
• Don’t be a litterbug.
• Always install and maintain silt and sediment controls when
disturbing land along the river. Pave less.
• Never ever dump garbage, animal waste, oil, toxic chemicals
or anything else into your neighborhood storm drain.
• Take action and get involved with local organizations to participate
in cleanups or other volunteer efforts.
• Check out www.hvatoday.org
Photo Credits
(From left to right, top to bottom) Front: Beckley Furnace, HVA file photograph; North
Canaan Doughboy Monument, Allison Clayton, John Harney Associates; Robbins Swamp,
Paul Fusco, CT DEP Wildlife Division; Housatonic Fall Foliage, Rich Pomerantz; Grazing
Cows, Liba Furhman; Shining Leaves, Liba Furhman; Paddlers by Covered Bridge, HVA file
photograph; Barn in Winter, Liba Furhman; Appalachian Trail Hikers, Liba Furhman; Fishing
on Lake Waramaug, Norm Cummings, The Greater New Milford Spectrum; Morning Mist
Rising, Liba Furhman; Back: River Rocks, Liba Furhman; The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm, Karen
Chase; Lillinonah Overlook, Liba Furhman; On Boardman Bridge, Liba Furhman; River
Lillies, Liba Furhman; Spring Swan, Liba Furhman; Children in Field, Sharon Audubon;
Housatonic Biker, HVA file photograph; Autumn, Walter Kidd; By the Dam, Sharon Audubon;
Lover’s Leap Gorge, Liba Furhman; Kayaking in Bull’s Bridge Gorge, Laurie Gaboardi,
Litchfield County Times.
Thanks To
The Northwest CT Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.litchfield hills.com
“Weantinoge Walks,” Weantinoge Heritage, Inc.
“2006 Connecticut Angler’s Guide,” State of CT Department of Environmental Protection,
Bureau of Natural Resources, Inland Fisheries Division, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Funding Provided By
TriArts at Sharon Playhouse Rts. 343, 41 and 4, Sharon.
860-364-SHOW. www.triarts.net
Dining
Country Corner Restaurant Gay St., Sharon. 860-364-0070
Little Brick House Pizza 29 West Main St., Sharon. 860-364-1321
Morgan Lehman Gallery 24 Sharon Rd., Lakeville. 860-435-0898
Mt. Frissell
• Hiking.
• This strenuous 4.6-mile mountain trail, which goes through
Massachusetts and New York, features thickets of mountain laurel,
remote forests and is home to bobcat and bear. The views are
spectacular.
• From center of Salisbury turn
onto Factory St. 1.6 miles.
Pass through Mt. Riga
Preserve gate, turn right onto
Mt. Washington Rd. and follow
to Connecticut/Massachusetts
boundary monument. 3-car
parking turnout on left. Cars
parked on Mt. Washington Rd.
may be towed. Please respect
“No Parking” signs on neigh
boring property.
• Trail is on private property.
Area closes at sunset. Foot
travel only. No camping or fires. Carry in/carry out.
Environmental Tips
Lodging
1890 Colonial B & B Rt. 41, Sharon. 860-364-0436
Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground Rt. 7, Sharon.
860-672-6139. Headquarters: 860-927-3238. www.ct.gov/dep
Sharon Motor Lodge Rt. 41, Sharon. 860-364-0036.
www.sharonmotorlodge.com
Recreation
Carse Brook Smith Hill Rd. to Housatonic River. Fishing. Species: Trout.
Emily Winthrop Miles Sanctuary 99 West Cornwall Rd.,
860-364-0520. www.sharon.audubon.org
• Birdwatching, hiking, picnicking.
• Part of Sharon Audubon. 1,500-acre preserve of woodlands, wetlands
and abandoned agricultural fields in a sheltered stream valley.
• From the intersection of Rts. 4 and 41 in Sharon, continue north on Rt.
41 for approx. .5 miles. Take right onto Calkinstown Rd. Continue for
1.8 miles. Bear right onto West Cornwall Rd. for another 1.8 miles.
• Open from 8 am to 5 pm.
• Entrance fee.
The Housatonic River:
A Paddler’s Paradise
As the Housatonic River enters Connecticut it changes
its leisurely pace. Here, the river cuts through mountains. The waters move faster, with easy Class II and III
whitewater rapids. Below West Cornwall’s covered
bridge, the site of an annual slalom/downriver race, is
a Class IV big-water pitch. Put in at Fall’s Village and
take out at Housatonic Meadows State Park – or at
roadside pull-outs along the way. In the summer
months, the water level can be very low from Falls
Village to Kent.
From the park move through Cornwall, pass Swift
Bridge and parallel the Appalachian Trail into Kent. The
water smoothes out for several miles so you can float
and enjoy the scenery. Pine forests, rolling hills and
the occasional blue heron perched on a rock make this
a special place. There are informal put-ins along Route
7, but be sure to get off the river before the Bull’s
Bridge power dam – marked with orange buoys.
Bull’s Bridge Gorge challenges with Class IV and V
rapids with names like The Flume, Pencil Sharpener,
Stairway to Hell and Dead Horse Falls. The rapids,
powerful currents, waves and steep drops combine
with magnificent rock cuts for an outstanding run for
the advanced paddler – and great spectator sport.
You’ll pass through the 200-yard-long confluence with
the Tenmile River, with a series of rocks and small
holes and enter flatwater – and a great place to watch
bald eagles in the spring. But be careful, because
below this is George’s Hole, another popular spot for
advanced boaters that can be portaged. Put in at the
Bull’s Bridge Gorge and take out at the power plant to
the south or in Gaylordsville. This stretch of river is only
for experienced paddlers, with full safety gear.
From the Gaylordsville bridge south, the river softens.
After a short trip through some smaller rapids, continue
on a scenic ride into New Milford. The whitewater here
is fairly easy to navigate. The river becomes fairly
wide, and at times shallow, with several islands along
the way. In the summer you may find yourself hiking
this portion of the river, your boat in tow. Pass the
Rocky River Power Plant, a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, where water is drawn up
to Candlewood Lake to make power. Take out (or put
in) at Young’s Field Road, just north of Veteran’s Bridge
in downtown New Milford.
Continuing downstream in minutes you reach the
Bleachery Dam, where you must stop and portage on a
narrow section of a peninsula marked by green signs.
The Housatonic River below the dam flattens, becoming the tranquil waters of Lake Lillinonah. From that
point south to Lover’s Leap Gorge the river is flat and
easy. Just south of the town’s launch at Addis Park, the
Still River joins the Housatonic at the site of the former
Bridgeport Wood Finishing Company, now a state
archeological site and park. A side trip down the Still
River brings you to a dead-end by a falls. Head back
to the Housatonic and through Lover’s Leap Gorge.
Here you enter miles and miles of protected water
and beautiful scenery – but be prepared to compete
with motor boat enthusiasts, fishermen, waterskiers
and rowers in their sculls. You can take out on Clatter
Valley Road – and hike to the top of Lover’s Leap – or
continue on to the state boat ramp in Bridgewater on
Route 133.
No matter what your skill level, or what area of the
river you paddle, the Housatonic River is a natural
wonder to be enjoyed by all.