The River Trail
Officially recognized by the Connecticut Greenways Council as New Milford River Trail Greenway in May, 2017
Phase I: Sega Meadows Park to Gaylordsville (the northern end)
How To Find Us:
If you’re traveling from the south, head north on Rt 7, go past the Veterans Bridge (which leads to downtown New Milford), then after about 2 miles turn right on Boardman Road and look for the trail head on the left just across the Bridge.
The New Milford River trail currently extends for 5 miles from the Boardman Road entrance to Gaylordsville. It runs for 1½ miles on a crushed, gravel surface through Sega Meadows Park, where it joins the unpaved and lightly-trafficked River Road, and continues for another 3½ miles to the center of Gaylordsville.
This is just Phase 1 of a proposed 13-mile trail that we hope will follow the Housatonic River south through downtown New Milford all the way to the town border with Brookfield.
Parking:
Limited parking is available at the southern trailhead (next to Boardman Bridge). Another lot is located across the river, on Route 7 between the modern Boardman Bridge and the parking lot for The River Bistro.
There is a much larger parking lot at the northern entrance to Sega Meadows Park on River Rd.
Directions to Sega Meadows’ North Entrance: From Boardman Bridge turn onto River Rd, continue onto dirt section of road. Parking lot is just ahead on left.
Other Useful Information:
- The trail itself is relatively flat, with only a couple of small hills. It is well-suited to walking, running, or bicycling (with anything other than a road-racing bike). The 10-mile round trip to Gaylordsville is an easy ride for most families.
Phase II: The Downtown New Milford section at Young’s Field’s new riverside park
This quarter mile section of trail is paved with an environmentally-friendly porous asphalt. Although it is only one-quarter mile it has amazing views of the riverfront and is the hub of the full 13-mile trail vision. It is a wonderful section of trail for young kids, those in a wheelchair and mothers with strollers. It is also perfect for those who would prefer to sit and enjoy the views. For those looking to extend their walk, consider doing the “Downtown-Riverfront Loop”. Starting at Town Hall on the Village Green, walk towards Bridge Street, then along the sidewalks on Bridge Street to Young’s Field Road. Use the crosswalk to enter the new riverside park. At the far end cross over to Patriot’s Way. When you reach the Railroad Station building use crosswalks to Bank Street. Walk up Bank Street where there are shops and restaurants. Cross the historic Village Green back to Town Hall. The loop is approx. one mile.
