The Naugatuck River Greenway (NRG) is an officially designated Connecticut State Greenway, consisting of the open and green spaces along the Naugatuck River. Greenways are corridors of open space that may protect natural resources or provide recreational opportunities, and typically follow a natural feature like a river or manmade features like a canal or disused rail bed.
The Naugatuck River Greenway Trail
The NRG Trail, a non-motorized multi-use trail, is being developed that will follow the river for 44 miles through all 11 Naugatuck River communities: Litchfield, Harwinton, Thomaston, Watertown, Waterbury, Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Seymour, Ansonia and Derby. Multi-use trails can be seen as bike and pedestrian highways, and are typically 10-12’ wide and have a paved or hard surface. The NRG Trail will connect green spaces and places throughout the corridor. It will provide a non-motorized transportation option, support tourism and economic development, and improve the health and quality of life of residents.
Several open sections of the NRG Trail are already providing a high quality and attractive corridor accessible to users of all abilities, once again harnessing the vitality of the river for the benefit of the region’s residents. Work to connect existing sections is underway with parks, waterfront promenades, overlooks, and river access all figuring into plans.
The NRG Trail is being developed by the towns and cities along the route, funded by state and federal grants along with local funds. The process is being aided by the NVCOG and the Northwest Hills COG that are helping to develop trail routing, conduct planning studies, and provide grant assistance. The NRG Steering Committee (NRGSC) provides guidance and a venue for public input in to the planning process. The NRGSC updated regional priorities and endorsed a regional priorities document in November, 2023.
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Staff Contact:
Aaron Budris
Environmental Planning Director
abudris@nvcogct.gov