Housatonic River - Scenic Resources
The scenic Housatonic River is an integral part of Shelton's history
and identity. Here are some of the scenic elements
or notable features that make it so:
Housatonic River Shoreline
Shelton has more than eleven miles of Housatonic River shoreline, much
of which appears forested as viewed from the water, even in densely
populated areas. This category includes both the immediate shoreline and
the slopes and ridges as viewed from the water.
Attributes: VIEW - The shoreline is
scenic both as viewed from the water, and as a viewpoint
itself, offering vistas of the river. These perspectives may
conflict with each other: Clearing to enhance the view from
the shoreline often detracts from the view of the shoreline
as seen by river users. HISTORY - The river was used for
transportation, was the site of early settlements by Native
Americans and Colonists, and powered the industrial
revolution in Shelton. PARK - Riverview Park, Indian Well
State Park, Veteran's Park, Sunnyside Boat Launch, Birchbank
Open Space and Southbank Park can all be seen from the
river. RECREATION - Boating, fishing, swimming. AGRICULTURE
- fishing. SPECIMEN - Bald Eagles and other wildlife.
FEATURES - Rocky outcrops, streams, locks, canal, dam. AT
RISK - The ridgeline and slope as viewed from the river are
at risk of new development as well as existing development
seeking to enhance river views by clearing trees.
Canal, Gate House & Locks
The Ousatonic Dam was built to fill the Shelton Canal with water to
power factories in the late 1800s. The dam complex, including the
gatehouse, remaining locks, and a portion of the canal, is one of the
most recognized scenic features in the City. The dam is used for energy
generation under
a federal license and is open to the public under a
lease by the CT Department of Environmental Protection.
Attributes: VIEW - The dam complex is scenic as viewed from the river,
from the overlook on Riverview Park, and from the downtown riverfront
area and future River Walk extension. The area also affords scenic view
of the river as from from the vicinity of the canal. HISTORY - Dam
complex allowed for the Industrial rise of Shelton. PARK - Area is open
to the public under a CT DEP lease. PUBLIC RECREATION - fishing,
picnicking, walking. AGRICULTURE - Fishing. SPECIMEN - Good example of
1800's locks. FEATURES - Dam, Gatehouse, Canal, and locks. RISK -
Proposal to fill in canal and demolish gatehouse by property owners
pending.
River Walk (0.3 mi.)
The Shelton River Walk is located in downtown Shelton along the
Housatonic River and Veteran's Park. The existing path will be extended
to the northwest as part of the downtown redevelopment project.
Attributes: VIEW - River. HISTORY - located at site of industrial
Shelton and Pootatuck Village. PARK - adjacent to Veteran's Park. PUBLIC
RECREATION - walking, SPECIMEN - Willow Trees. FEATURES - The Walk
is a
feature, also Veteran's Memorial, view of bridges, which are features.
Indian Well State Park (157 acres)
This state park is a regional attraction with a beach, boat launch,
pavilions, picnic grounds, restrooms, hiking trails, and a waterfall.
The fieldstone bridge and retaining walls located on Indian Well Road
were Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects built during the
depression,
while the Paugussett "Blue Dot" Trail was created by the
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The waterfall is known as the "Indian
Well", the setting of an Indian story similar to Romeo and Juliet. See
DEP webpage.
Attributes: VIEW - Of river from the beach and an overlook, also viewed
from the river. HISTORY - Indian Well Falls, CCC and WPA projects. PARK
Amenities include pavilions, restrooms, boatlaunch and beach. PUBLIC
RECREATION - swimming, boating, picnicing, hiking. FEATURES - Indian
Well Falls.
Southbank Park (2 acres)
Southbank Park, located on Rt 110 River
Road opposite Moulthrop Lane, offer scenic views of the Housatonic River.
Attributes: VIEW - Riverviews. PARK - Amenities include a pavilion and
benches. PUBLIC RECREATION - fishing, canoe/kayaking, picnicking.
AGRICULTURE - Fishing. FEATURE - River shoreline
Sunnyside Boat Launch Area
The 14-acre Sunnyside Open Space, located behind Sunnyside School on
River Road, include ballfields, a boat launch, and over 1000 feet of
shoreline for fishing or picnicking.
Attributes: VIEW - River views. PARK - Ammenities include boatlaunch and
benches along the river. PUBLIC RECREATION - boating, fishing,
picnicking. AGRICULTURE - Fishing. FEATURE - Shoreline.
Housatonic River Islands
There are only two true islands located partly within Shelton city
limits, both found immediately downstream from the Derby-Shelton dam
(photo). The northern island is known as Duck Island.
Two Mile Island is technically a peninsula and is currently quarried for
sand and gravel, although the banks are mostly vegetated and remain
scenic from the river. Wooster Island and Great Flat Island are located
off the Shelton shore but are located in Orange and Milford,
respectively.
Attributes: VIEW - Valued as scenic and as scenic viewpoints from which
to view the river. RECREATION: Popular with boaters. FEATURES: Islands
are considered features.
Lagoon Behind CRRA Landfill
![](images/CRRA%20lagoon_small.jpg)
Currently accessible only by boat, the CRRA Lagoon will be accessible to
the public after closure is completed via trails and a canoe launch. See
the CRRA Closure Plan.
Attributes: VIEW, FEATURE, SPECIMEN - Boaters have reported frequent
sightings of Bald Eagles and other forms of wildlife in the lagoon.
Indian Head Rock
This rock is located on the shoreline at the Monroe border, and is used
by boaters as a warning of rapids further upriver. It is now located on
a very small piece of open space.
Attributes: HISTORY - The Rock has been painted by residents of "Wholand"
for decades and is considered by many to be an example of Americana.
RECREATION: Boaters can pull out at this spot, which offers views of the
river and falls from a small stream. FEATURE: The rock itself and
adjacent falls are features.