Norwalk, CT: Norwalk Islands Paddle
Bring binoculars on this 7.3-mile paddling tour of Long Island Sound, and take time to check out the shorebirds and a historic island lighthouse.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 11.7
Waypoints
NIP001
Location: 41.0825119018555, -73.3954162597656
Paddle S from launch on Calf Pasture Beach’s mud and gravel shore
NIP002
Location: 41.0714111328125, -73.3924865722656
Bear R at Betts Island, heading SW. Steer around W coast of Chimon Island, a national wildlife refuge and home to many shorebirds. ID tip: Listen carefully for nasal croaks and soft grunts of the long-legged glossy ibis
NIP003
Location: 41.0622100830078, -73.4049224853516
Pass Shea Island’s rocky shore; 16 campsites (permit required)
NIP004
Location: 41.0545082092285, -73.4174118041992
Paddle SW along Sheffield Island’s rocky shoreline (nesting grounds for the endangered roseate tern)
ID tip: Terns have pointed, forked tails, and dive for fish headfirst
NIP005
Location: 41.049129486084, -73.4194412231445
Dock @ 10-room, stone Sheffield Lighthouse, built 1868. Optional: Hike the .5-mi. nature trail to bird viewing area. ID tip: Use binoculars with 8x magnification or higher
NIP006
Location: 41.0467300415039, -73.4229583740234
From S tip of Sheffield Island, swing bow NE
NIP007
Location: 41.0521507263184, -73.4039916992188
Continue NE, past The Plains Island
NIP008
Location: 41.0610313415527, -73.3899536132812
Short portage across narrow section of land (roughly 2 ft. @ high tide; more @ low tide). Alternative: Paddle E, then N around Copps Island, adding .5 mi. to trip
NIP009
Location: 41.0679206848144, -73.3855209350586
Head N; skirt W edge of Grassy Island; rest on its sheltered, sandy coast
NIP010
Location: 41.0721282958984, -73.3859634399414
Round E edge of Betts Island, then paddle 1 mi. NNW back to boat launch