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Ives Trail: A Natural and Historical Greenway

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Hike through history and nature on the Ives Trail, a 20-mile greenway in southwestern Connecticut, named for composer Charles Ives.

The Ives Trail is a 20-mile hiking trail traversing southwestern Connecticut, linking Ridgefield, Danbury, Bethel, and Redding. Named for composer Charles Ives, the trail offers varied terrain and historical significance.

A brief summary to Ives Trail

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ives Trail.

  • Check the Ives Trail and Greenway Regional Association website for trail updates and maps before you go.
  • Wear appropriate footwear, as the trail includes varied terrain that can be rugged in places.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially for longer hikes, as there are limited facilities along the trail.
  • Be aware of ticks and poison ivy. Take necessary precautions, such as wearing long pants and using insect repellent.
  • Consider starting at Bennett's Pond State Park for ample parking.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving to access the Ives Trail, several parking locations are available. One option is Tarrywile Park (70 Southern Blvd, Danbury, CT), which provides access to the trail and has a large parking area. Another option is Bennett's Pond State Park (550 Bennetts Farm Rd, Ridgefield, CT). Parking fees are not required at either of these locations. Be aware that Bennett's Pond parking can fill up quickly on weekends.

  • Public Transport

    For those using public transportation, Metro-North Railroad provides train service to Danbury Station (1 Patriot Drive). From Grand Central Terminal in NYC, the train ride is approximately 2 hours. A one-way ticket from Grand Central to Danbury costs $16-$25. From the Danbury Train Station, HARTransit bus routes can be used to connect to trail access points. Check HARTransit schedules and routes for specific connections and fares.

Discover more about Ives Trail

The Ives Trail is a 20-mile greenway that winds through the Housatonic Valley Region of Connecticut, connecting the towns of Ridgefield, Danbury, Bethel, and Redding. The trail is named in honor of Charles Ives (1874-1954), a Danbury-born American modernist composer whose music was inspired by the area's natural beauty. Conceived in the early 2000s, the Ives Trail was the vision of Danbury City Planner Dennis Elpern, who sought to connect the open spaces in the region. With the support of Mayor Mark Boughton, the Ives Trail Task Force was formed in 2003 to engineer the greenway. The trail officially opened on June 3, 2006, National Trails Day. The trail offers a diverse landscape, including rolling hills, open fields, rugged steep sections, cliffs, and overlooks. Hikers can experience varied terrain from winding rocky forest paths to lakeside ambles and mountain peaks. The trail passes through public and private lands, with some sections open to bicycles and horses. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. Points of interest along the trail include Tarrywile Park, Wooster Mountain State Park, and the Charles Ives Homestead. The trail also features impressive glacial erratics in the Pine Mountain section of Ridgefield.

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