The town and consolidated borough of Naugatuck is located in New Haven County, Connecticut. It spans both sides of the Naugatuck River, just south of Waterbury. The town is home to several communities, including Union City on the east side of the river, Straitsville on the southeast, and Millville on the west. If you’re planning a trip to Naugatuck, there are plenty of things to do and see in the area.

State Park

The State Forest at Naugatuck State Park is home to a variety of wildlife and is also a popular destination for horseback riding and hiking. It is also a popular location for hunting, which helps control the deer population that can damage the area’s natural resources. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the forest with various hiking trails, including the scenic Spruce Brook Ravine.

The park is the eastern terminus of the Larkin State Park Trail and is an undeveloped public recreation area covering 242 acres in Naugatuck, Connecticut. The park was first designated as a state park in the 1945-46 edition of the Connecticut Register and Manual, and is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The park features a Rail Trail and several single track trails. The Rail Trail is a little over ten miles long and offers easy riding for families with small bikes. There are also many singletrack trails available, including short sections of dirt road that are ideal for beginners. The trails are wide with low grades and good views.

The West Block of the park features an imposing glacial erratic boulder named Beacon Cap, which sits 235 meters high. The West Block also features four reservoirs and two waterfalls and offers vantage points over the river valley. The park also boasts a scenic mini golf course situated alongside the Little River.

If you plan to hike, you can park your car at the main parking lot at 700 Hunters Mountain Road in Naugatuck. The nearest house is about a half mile to the east. GPS programs often do not recognize this location, so be prepared to walk a long distance on the way back.

Naugatuck River Greenway

If you’re looking for a fun day out in the great outdoors, there are plenty of places to go in Naugatuck. This Connecticut borough is home to the Naugatuck River Greenway, a greenway that stretches along the river. The concept behind greenways is to preserve the natural resources while providing recreational opportunities. They usually follow rivers or other natural features such as disused rail beds.

The greenway runs for 1.1 miles and connects several parks by the river. There are tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, and children’s playgrounds along the way. The town also has a famous performing arts venue designed by Thomas W. Lamb.

If you want to enjoy the river in a less crowded way, consider hiking or cycling along the paved Naugatuck River Greenway trail. You can walk or bike on this 4,948-foot trail, and you can take it both directions.

The Naugatuck State Forest is over 5,000 acres and spread across eight different towns. It was the dream of local industrialist Harris Whittemore, whose family continued the project after his death in 1928. There are miles of trails to hike and mountain bike on this forest, where you can also enjoy a spectacular view of the river valley. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a more challenging experience, the forests offer beautiful landscapes that will appeal to any outdoor enthusiast.

Hiking along the waterway’s reservoirs is another popular activity. The Naugatuck River Greenway is located near the city’s municipal park and has a number of accessible parking lots. Parking is available at Linden Park and on the Depot Street bridge.

Naugatuck Historical Society

The Naugatuck Historical Society is a non-profit that fosters appreciation of the past by preserving historical artifacts and stories. This organization also conducts research about local New Haven County families, businesses, and individuals. The society’s collections are available for public viewing. Members can also purchase a membership for one year or lifetime.

The Society is located at Water Street in Naugatuck, Connecticut. You can visit their website to learn more about local history. They also have a genealogy club, the Naugatuck Valley Genealogy Club, which meets at the Prospect, Connecticut Public Library. Members of the group can use their expertise to help their family’s research.

Rollermagic Roller Rinks

Rollermagic Roller Rinks in Naugetuck, Connecticut is one of the most popular roller skating destinations in the region. The Wooden rink features a DJ and a snack bar and an arcade. It is open year-round and offers a variety of skating packages and events for the whole family.

The rink has three levels: the public rink, an indoor skating rink, and a family skating rink. The public skating sessions run through January 2021. Customers can enter the rink 15 minutes before the sessions begin. Guests must wear a mask to participate.

The rink is one of the few remaining in the state. After three months of closure due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Roller Magic has reopened its doors to the public. The rink offers a limited number of skating sessions for each day, with admission costs ranging from $6 for family skate sessions to $12 for late night skating on Friday and Saturday nights. Guests may also rent a pair of roller skates for $5.

Naugatuck State Forest

The Naugatuck State Forest, a 5,000 acre forest that straddles eight towns, is a great place to get out and enjoy the outdoors. It was originally envisioned by local industrialist Harris Whittemore and continued by his family after his death. Hikers and mountain bikers alike will love exploring the woods, which feature both hardwood and hemlock forests.

For hiking enthusiasts, there’s the Naugatuck Trail, a 6.8-mile trail that runs through the town. The trail follows the Naugatuck River and passes the Naugatuck State Forest. Hikers can also take part in the Blue-Blazed hiking trail system, which winds through the forest. Located near the scenic Beacon Hill, the trail crosses several seasonal streams and passes through both state forest and private properties.

One of the state forest’s main attractions is the Spruce Brook Falls. This large cascade is located near the end of the blue and red trails. A short walk from this trail will give you a spectacular view of the Naugatuck River valley.

Naugatuck State Forest has numerous outdoor activities for families, including a 530-acre recreation area where guests can hike and mountain bike. The park also offers tennis courts, soccer fields, and a children’s playground. The recreation center is also home to a museum dedicated to the history of the Central Naugatuck Valley. It features artwork from well-known Connecticut artists.

The Toby’s Rock Loop is a popular trail through the Naugatuck State Forest. It features waterfalls and a scenic outlook. A commuter parking lot is located near the trailhead on Cross Street. After parking, take the trail to the south of the forest, where you’ll find the trailhead.