If you are looking for a fun and healthy way to explore the city of Norwalk, Connecticut, you might want to check out the Norwalk Park Walk. This is a series of walking maps that cover different neighborhoods and attractions in Norwalk, ranging from 0.5 mile to 3.5 miles in length. The maps are designed to help you discover the history, culture, and nature of Norwalk while getting some exercise and fresh air.

The Norwalk Park Walk maps are available online or in hard copy at the Norwalk Health Department. You can also find them at various locations around the city, such as libraries, schools, and community centers. The maps show you the route, distance, landmarks, and points of interest along the way.

Some of the highlights of the Norwalk Park Walk include:

• City Hall Neighborhood: This map has three loops that take you around the historic and civic center of Norwalk. You can see the City Hall, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, the Norwalk Historical Society Museum, and the Mill Hill Historic Park. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the Norwalk River and the Veterans Memorial Park.
• Cranbury Park: This map has two loops that take you through one of the largest and most diverse parks in Norwalk. You can see the Gallaher Mansion, a Tudor-style mansion built in 1930, and the Cranbury Chapel, a Gothic Revival church built in 1840. You can also explore the trails, gardens, playgrounds, and disc golf course in the park.
• Downtown Norwalk: This map has three loops that take you through the vibrant and bustling heart of Norwalk. You can see the Wall Street Theater, the oldest theater in Connecticut, and the Maritime Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in New England. You can also enjoy the shops, restaurants, and nightlife along Main Street and Washington Street.
• East Norwalk & Beach: This map has three loops that take you along the coastline of Norwalk. You can see the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery, where some of the first settlers of Norwalk are buried, and the East Norwalk Library, which was founded in 1915. You can also enjoy the beach, boardwalk, and pier at Calf Pasture Beach.
• Oyster Shell Park: This map has two loops that take you through a park that was once a landfill site. You can see how the park has been transformed into a green space with native plants, wetlands, and wildlife. You can also enjoy the views of Long Island Sound and Norwalk Harbor from the observation tower.

These are just some of the examples of the Norwalk Park Walk maps. There are many more to choose from, covering different areas and themes in Norwalk.

Norwalk River Walk

Are you a nature lover who wants to discover the hidden gems of Connecticut? If so, you might want to visit the Norwalk River Walk, a 30-mile trail that will connect different towns and cities along the Norwalk River. The trail will be a great place for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, running, walking, and having fun with your loved ones.

The trail is still under construction, but there are some sections that are already open and ready for you to enjoy. One of them is the Wilton Loop, which is a 10.2-mile round-trip trail that starts from one trail head near intersection Route 7 and Route 33 in Wilton. The trail is mostly gravel-paved and easy to follow, with some parts on the road or sidewalk. The trail takes you through different environments, such as woods, meadows, marshes, and neighborhoods.

Some of the attractions of the Wilton Loop are:

• Merwin Meadows Park: This is a beautiful park with a playground, picnic tables, and a swimming pond with a lifeguard. It is a perfect spot to relax or have a bite, especially if you have kids with you. The park is located about 1.5 miles from the trail head.
• Wilton High School: This is where the trail crosses School Road and enters the town center of Wilton. You can check out the campus and the sports fields, or continue on the sidewalk along Route 7. There are also some shops and restaurants nearby if you need to get something or cool down.
• Wilton Town Center: This is where the trail follows the Norwalk River and passes by some historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Wilton Congregational Church, the Wilton Library, and the Old Town Hall. You can learn more about the history and culture of Wilton by reading the informational signs along the way.
• Schenck’s Island Park: This is a natural oasis in the middle of Wilton, where you can enjoy the views of the river and the wildlife. There are trails, benches, and fishing spots for you to explore. The park is located about 4 miles from the trail head.
• Allen’s Meadow Park: This is where the trail ends (for now) at Horseshoe Road. The park has soccer fields, baseball diamonds, a community garden, and a dog park. You can either turn back and retrace your steps, or continue on Horseshoe Road to Skunk Lane to Pimpewaug Road to make a loop back to the trail head.

The Norwalk River Walk is an amazing project that aims to create a lasting recreational asset for the community.