RIVER VIEWS
Some Unusual Sights High Above The Naugatuck And Housatonic
DERBY – It isn’t very often that the start of a trail is marked by a granite fountain with water streaming from the heads of bronze lions. Or at the opposite end of the trail, giant rusting tub wheels that once harnessed the power of the Naugatuck River for copper mills welcome visitors.
Welcome to the Derby Greenway Trail, a 1.7-mile paved multiuse path that runs along the top of dikes high above the Naugatuck River and Housatonic River at the southern tip of the city limits — Connecticut’s Smallest City.
The town’s website’s describes the area succinctly: “The Greenway extends from Division Street to Main Street and links three cities, two rivers and six bridges.” Those three cities are Ansonia, Derby and Shelton. And those bridges are an amazing mix of pedestrian spans, huge rusting railroad truss bridges and under Route 8 as it crosses the Housatonic.
I began my journey at the Division Street bridge end at the fountain. The fountain — one of more than 100 sent to cities across the country — was given to Derby in 1906 by the National Humane Alliance. The fountain — with its four lion heads spraying water into a deep granite pool — was used to quench the thirst of horses, pets and people. A nearby sign warns people not to drink the water.
The trail begins its journey to the south and curves along with the river. The ribbon of asphalt hemmed in by a rail fence gives the impression of a life-sized infinity mirror. Distant steeples peek over treetops on the horizon.
The path winds under Main Street and along the railroad tracks and emerges along a picturesque portion of the Naugatuck near its confluence with the Housatonic. After going under the railroad tracks, visitors can loop around O’Sullivan’s Island and Hogs Island — both which are actually peninsulas. The trail to the left brings visitors to the first of four truss railroad bridges.
O’Sullivan Island was once a brownfield, heavily contaminated by chemicals. The site was cleaned up and became
O’Sullivan’s Island Recreational Park. Visitors can have a front row seat to see the Naugatuck — translated as “lone tree by the fishing place” and the longest river entirely in Connecticut — meets the Housatonic, meaning “river of the mountain place.”
An informational board pointed out the storied history of the Naugatuck River Valley, which included the largest brass mill in the United States and inventions including vulcanized rubber, Naugahyde upholstery and the bicycle. The
“sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t” Mounds and Almond Joy candy bars were made by the Peter Paul Manufacturing Company.
After going under the hulking Route 8 highway bridge, the trail rises high above Derby and Shelton along a pedestrian bridge — that slightly bounces as you climb and descend it — and rewards visitors with panoramic views of Derby and Shelton along with factories, old Main Street buildings, another railroad bridge and the mighty Housatonic.
The path ends at Bridge Street, where visitors can check out the shops and restaurants in Derby and Shelton’s downtown areas. There are many historic mills and scenic old buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Visitors can extend their visit along the Naugatuck by crossing Division Street at the fountain into Ansonia and its Riverwalk Park. Although about half the distance of Derby’s path, the trail has the same commanding views along the river and another pedestrian bridge high over the railroad tracks.
Much of the Naugatuck River Greenway, a 44-mile multiuse trail from Torrington to Derby, is in the planning stages. But from what I’ve seen in Derby and Ansonia — and the number of people using it even on a hot, stifling day — the path is a wonderful addition to the state’s recreational choices. And reconnecting to a sometimes forgotten river is always a good thing.
Parking for the trail is located at the corner of Main Street and Bridge Street in downtown Derby or off Division Street on the Ansonia/Derby border next to BJ’s Wholesale Club.