Webb Mountain Park &
Webb Mtn Discovery Zone
Monroe, Connecticut

Hiking, camping, and an interpretive "outdoor classroom"

Webb Mountain Park (136 acres) and the adjacent Webb Mountain Discovery Zone (171 acres) offer some great hiking along the Monroe/Shelton border.  A network of good  hiking trails criss-cross the parks, including the Paugussett Trail, one of Connecticut's "Blue Blaze" hiking trails.
 

There are good views of the Housatonic River from some of the higher points along the Webb Mtn Park trails, especially the red trail (see photo below). Along the Paugussett Trail there are views of Lake Zoar a short hike outside of the park boundary.

Camping: There are nine marked campsites at the park. I'm looking for further information about their use. Until then, contact the Monroe Parks & Rec Department.

Webb Mountain Discovery Zone
This 171-acre addition to the Webb Mountain park system opened in October 2007 with an extensive interpretive trail system and "outdoor classroom". The parking area is located on Webb Circle before you get to the older section of Webb Mtn Park. See pictures of the park.

Scavenger hunt cards are available which tie into the interpretive sign system. Kids can look for items such as quartz boulders or a tree with three trunks.  Check the right margin of this page to print out the brochure, map and scavenger cars. You might also be able to obtain them at the park.

The Paugussett Trail is one of the "Blue-Blazed" trails in Connecticut, of which there are several hundred miles. These trails are designed for more advanced hikers and may be steep or somewhat difficult to follow in places. Mountain bikes are generally not allowed. The Connecticut Forest and Parks Association (CFPA) is a volunteer organization which maintains the Blue Dot trails. These trails are often located on private property by consent of the property owner, so please be kind!  The trail begins off of East Village Road in Monroe and ends in Indian Well State Park in Shelton. Total trail length is 8.7 miles.

Recommended short hike: Head north (left) on the Paugussett for a mile or so to the view of Lake Zoar. You'll need to scramble up a rock outcrop towards the beginning of the hike, but the rest of the terrain is moderate. Hiking time is 1 to 3 hours depending on your pace.

See also: Tom Watson's photos of Webb Mtn (you will be leaving Shelton Trails)

DIRECTIONS

Google Map for the older section of the park:

 
View Larger Map

Google Map for the Discovery Zone:

 
View Larger Map

Written directions for both Webb Mtn parks:

From Monroe Turnpike (Rt. 111) - Drive north (towards Lake Zoar) and take a right onto East Village Road. Pass the first Webb Circle and then take a left onto the second Webb Circle, just before the Shelton Town line. There will be a small sign pointing to the park. After about 1/2 mile you will see the Discovery Zone on the left.  If you continue, stay to the right, and follow the narrow road you will arrive at the older section of Webb Mtn Park.

From Shelton - White Hills Shopping Center: Drive north on East Village Road all the way to the Monroe town line. Take a right onto Webb Circle at the stop sign (there will be a small sign pointing to the park). After about 1/2 mile you will see the Discovery Zone on the left.  If you continue, stay to the right, and follow the narrow road you will arrive at the older section of Webb Mtn Park.

From Route 34/Stevenson Dam: Stay on 34 towards Newtown. Take second or third left after the dam, onto Route 111/Zoar Rd and cross the railroad tracks. Take an immediate left onto Cottage St. Stay to the left. Cottage becomes Webb Circle. To go to the older section of the park, take a sharp left onto very narrow "Old Fish House Road." There will be a park sign. Follow this road to the park. To visit the Discovery Zone, stay on Webb Circle until you pass the large parking area on the right.