The Derby Greenway is a 1.7-mile walking, jogging and biking trail that is open year round. The trail, which runs along the Naugatuck and Housatonic Rivers, officially opened on Derby Day -- June 25, 2006. At the entrance of the Derby Greenway stands the restored National Humane Alliance Fountain. The historic fountain sits in a brick plaza that is also home to the Derby Hall of Fame.
Larken State Park Trail stretches across Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford and Southbury. Spanning 110 acres, it's one of the largest parks in Connecticut. Joggers, walkers, bikers, horseback riders and hikers can enjoy the 10 miles of trails. There are no fees for visiting the trail, which runs along an old railroad trail and is surrounded by deciduous woodlands, horse farms, ponds and wetlands. The trail itself is made up of sand and packed dirt and some areas are wet from stream flow.
The Housatonic River Watershed is home to more than 100,000 acres of recreation land that provide swimming, canoeing, whitewater rafting, hiking and camping. The Appalachian Trail runs along the river for five miles between Sharon, Kent and Cornwall Bridge. The area is full of myriad types of flora, such as sugar maples, beech trees, red oaks and white ash trees. Some of the more unusual plant life includes bog rosemary and Canada violets. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of wildlife like peregrine falcons, wood ducks, bald eagles and red foxes.
The 40-mile Farmington Canal Heritage Trail allows visitors the opportunity to bike, roller-blade and walk. The trails, which run along the corridor of the now-defunct Farmington Canal, consist of four distinct sections that offer visitors different scenery and terrain. Historical sites visitors will see along their travels include an old brick depot, freight house and renovated brownstones. The trail goes through a downtown area where there are eateries and parks.
