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Print Friendly MapJust over 3 miles long, the Sue Grossman Still River Greenway is anchored by Winsted to the north and Torrington to the south. It occupies the right-of-way of the Naugatuck Division of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. Locomotives once hauled freight and carried passengers between Bridgeport and Winsted (an unincorporated community within Winchester). Following a slow decline in demand, rail service was discontinued in 1958 and the stretch between Torrington and Winsted was left fallow. The current incarnation of the Naugatuck Division offers seasonal themed excursions that run from Waterbury to Winsted.
The Winsted endpoint is accessed from the DMV Driveway (151 Torrington Rd, Winsted), but no trail parking is available here. Heading south and paralleling Torrington Road for a half mile, the next trailhead (18 Lanson Dr, Winsted) is in about a half mile and it has a paved parking lot.
As it continues south, the smooth, flat asphalt ribbon of the trail cuts through riparian wetland, with the Still River gliding quietly behind a screen of bushes and colorful wildflowers. Crossing the border between Winchester (the town which includes the city of Winsted), Torrington Road becomes Winsted Road and the wall of wetland flora continues sheltering the rail-trail from the road and from civilization.
Just before the intersection with Pinewoods Road, you will see a trailside kiosk and memorial plaque. Benches here and at intervals along the way provide respite. Heading south from here, the route serves double duty as the Fitness Trail with outdoor equipment stations.
After Pinewoods Road, the rail-trail begins to follow the road more closely and the vegetation thins slightly when the route intersects with community hubs. This provides easier access to and from the nearby businesses and residences. South of the Greenwoods Road trailhead, you will find yourself in the tiny village of Burrville. There are a couple more minor road crossings before the trail terminates at the Harris Drive parking area in Torrington. Crossings are well marked, but they are at grade so use caution.
Young and old alike will enjoy this scenic, family-friendly trail. Even if you go solo, don’t be surprised if you have company; bunnies are a common sight and source of delight along the path. In your peripheral vision, you might catch a deer loping into the cover of trees in the surrounding protected lands. Perhaps the only downside to the Sue Grossman Still River Greenway is that it’s relatively short, but even that is bound to change with planned extensions into downtown Winsted and Torrington.
Parking is available at the southern end of the trail (Harris Dr & Winsted Rd, Torrington), at the Greenwood Road parking lot, and at the Lanson Drive parking lot (18 Lanson Dr, Winsted). Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.
Twice this week I saw a bear x the trail near the USA transfer station.
Also saw two women digging up poppies! That's a no no!
The extended trail that ends by the motor vehicle bldg has beautiful poppies and other ornamentals! Well done you guys!
I just rode this trail, again. I pleasantly surprise that the trail has been extended about 3/4 mile and now goes up to motor vehicle office in Winsted.
Easy access and very flat and straight. Nice trail to cycle for couples and families.
This is a nice even, smooth trail, mostly flat and very easy to skate. Just a few small hills, I can usually build enough momentum to coast most of the way up. It's not very long so it's a nice stop if I don't have a lot of time. Can be crowded in the evenings, after work and school, lots of people walking their dogs.
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