Bent in the
River in Southbury, CT is
a chapter of National Audubon
Society and a relatively new place
opened to the public for hiking.
This tract of land was donated by
Althea Ward Clarke whose husband,
Howard Clarke, purchased it in
1934. The wildlife sanctuary is
650 acres. The land borders the
Pomperaug River as it bends and
turns, thus the name Bent of the
River? The trail system is quite
extensive given that the complex
is about one square mile. There's
quite a diversity of ecosystems
here and you can easily explore
them all - lazy river walks, open
fields, dense woodland, cascading
streams, and plenty of vistas with
nice views. Near the main parking
lot, right off of East Flat Hill
Road, there is a large horse farm
and a portion of the trial system
makes it way up to the farm which
affords a nice glimpse of the
horses.
Hike up from the visitor's
parking lot to the main area to
find an old barn that has been
converted into the visitor's
center and small museum/learning
center. It's here where you'll
find trail maps and orient
yourself to the surroundings and
paths to choose from. Sign the
guestbook before venturing out. If
time allows for it, take a quick
walk around the barn which has
some interesting historical facts
about the property and artifacts
from the land. Next to the barn is
the Clarke homestead, which is not
open to the public but certainly
is an interesting piece of history
and worth a closer look. Visitors
are asked to voluntarily donate $3
for adults and $1 for children
(the fees gathered go directly
into maintaining the sanctuary).
Whether you need a quiet walk in
the woods, along a riverbank,
fresh-air workout, or to
photograph some natural
surroundings, Bent of the River is
a perfect place for these and
other activities. Bent of the
River has a wide range of events
and activities on going so you may
want to call in advance to learn
more about this wonderful jewel
nestled along the Pomperaug River.
203-264-5098
Directions: To
get to Bent of the River take
Interstate 84 to Southbury, CT.
If you're driving WEST
(towards Danbury) then at the end
of Exit 14 ramp, turn RIGHT and
proceed a very short distance to
the traffic light at Main Street.
If you're driving EAST
(towards Waterbury), turn LEFT at
the end of Exit 14 ramp and go
under the highway and drive a
short distance to Main Street.
At the Main Street intersection
traffic light you proceed straight
and go across Main Street (a
Catholic Church should pass on
your right side which tells you
that you're heading in the proper
direction). This puts you on Rt.
172 heading towards South Britain.
About 1.5 miles later you'll see
East Flat Hill Rd. on your
left-hand side (there's a small
market and church here). Take the
left and three-tenths (0.3) of a
mile up this road is Bent of the
River on the left-hand side. The
address is 185 East Flat Hill
Road. Park in the main dirt lot
near the horse farm. You must walk
up to the Barn (visitor center and
museum) from there. Only park at
the Barn if you have handicap
parking. The phone number for Bent
of the River is (203) 264-5098 if
you have any questions about the
center or activities that are
on-going. official
website
If you're looking for a nice
scenic ride to picturesque small
town try heading over to Woodbury,
CT after/before hike.
Printable
version of the Bent of the
River page
If you have any trail updates to
share or have feedback/questions
please click
here to send email or call
203.788.7665
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