Norwalk Islands
Discover some of the wonders of Long Island Sound
along the newly established Norwalk Islands Canoe and Kayak Trail. The trail
leads you to Sheffield, Shea, and Grassy Islands. Boats may be launched from
Calf Pasture Beach Boat Launch.
The Islands are a remnant of a glacial terminal moraine, rocks which were deposited
at the southernmost edge of the ice sheet that covered Connecticut 17,000 years
ago. The Coastline of Grassy Island is mostly gravel and fine sand and provides
sheltered landing areas. Shea Islands shoreline, by contrast, is strewn with
rocks and boulders. Both islands are owned by the City of Norwalk and are open
to the public. Overnight camping is allowed with a permit.
Sheffield Island, the largest in the group, is part of the Stewart B. McKinney
National Wildlife Refuge. It is closed most of the year to protect the many
birds that nest along its rocky shore, and has become a regular wintering ground
for harbor seals. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse is maintained and operatedseasonally
as a museum by the Norwalk Seaport Association. Tours and use of the picnic
area and grounds are available during the summer for a nominal charge; information
is available at www.seaport.org
Access to Chimon Island, is restricted from April 1 to August 15 because of
the bird nesting season. A trail guide describes a number of safety precautions
that paddlers must follow when touring the islands. The guide includes instructions
for obtaining island camping permits. To obtain a copy, contact the South Western
Regional Planning Agency at (203) 316-5190.
To get to Calf Pasture Beach, take Exit 16 off I-95 and follow East Avenue south
to Calf Pasture Beach Road. There is a $15 entrance fee for non-residents during
the beach season. Below is a map of the Norwalk Harbor and Norwalk Islands.
Regulations for the use of Grassy and Shea (RAM) Islands. Part of the Norwalk Parks System, plus Chimmons Island Policy Statement.
Chimmons: Day use only in designated beach area. No overnight camping or use of the Islands interior is allowed.
Grassy Island/
Shea (RAM) Island: During the season Grassy/Shea Islands from May 1st through Columbus Day, October 12th will be open to the general public for daytime and overnight camping.
General Use and Rules and Regulations: The Norwalk City Codes and The Department of Recreation and parks Ordinances and Regulations apply to the use of Grassy and Shea Island. Supervision and enforcement of all rules and regulations will be conducted by the Norwalk Harbormaster and Constables of the Department of Recreation and Parks and enforcement carried out by the Norwalk Marine Police Division.
General Rules and Regulations (Not limited to the following):
- No alcohol is allowed in the parks.
- No glass containers.
- No dogs allowed.
- No hunting above the high water mark.
- Cutting or injuring live trees or shrubs, plants or wildlife is prohibited.
- Absolutely no fireworks are allowed.
- No manufacturing, wholesale or retail business or commercial enterprise of any kind shall be permitted or allowed to be conducted on park property except with approval from the Common Council.
Fees: Out of town residents will be charged a $25.00 camping registration fee and an additional $5.00 per night camping fee. Norwalk Residents providing proof of residency will be exempt from the registration fee, but will be required to pay a $10.00 per night camping fee. No refunds will be provided.
Permits: Daily camping registration will 14 day prior to the camping date requested. All permits are issued on a first come first serve basis.
- A permit issued by the City of Norwalk Department of Recreation and Parks will be required for all overnight Island camping. Said permits will be issued at the Veterans Park Boating Center, or through the Norwalk Harbormasters office. Permits will not be issued on site and are required prior to setting up camp.
- Campers on the Island without a valid permit will be required to remove all camping equipment.
- Camping permits will expire at 11:00 AM of the last authorized date. Vacant sites may be occupied after 11:00 AM on the day of the permit.
- Permits will not be issued for more than 7 consecutive nights.
- Maximum number of campers per permit shall be 8.
- Camping will be allowed in designated numbered campsites only.
- A maximum of 16 designated campsites, for each 24 hour period, will be available to the public on a first come first serve basis on Shea/Ram Island, 4 sites will be available on Grassy Island.
- Outhouse/Restroom facilities will be available on Shea and Grassy Island as available during the season.
- No fresh water is available.
Open Fires: No open fires beyond the beach line. Fires will not be allowed in the Island interior areas or in the areas supporting vegetation or foliage. Fires must be maintained in a pit environment to be properly filled in after use. No trash or garbage is to be buried or left in said fire pit.
Garbage: Chimmon, Grassy and Shea Island are designated carry in carry out recreation areas, no trash facilities are provided. All garbage and trash is to be taken off the Island by the user.
The City of Norwalk assumes no responsibility for injury or loss or damage of property.
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