MIANUS RIVER & NATURAL PARK

                                                                        MIANUS RIVER & NATURAL PARK

                                                                                   Connecticut, USA

The residents of SW Connecticut and especially the Greenwich - Stamford area have a real natural gem in their midst called the Mianus River & Natural Park. It was founded in 1928 with an initial purchase of 200 acres by Robert Goodbody, a wealthy New Yorker, the remainder of the acreage was purchased piece meal through the rest of the century, some of it under the Federal Open Space Act. The Mianus River runs through the area and provides some drinking water to area residents. It is a limited use area, jogging, hiking, horseback riding, walking and nature study are allowed. Fishing is allowed with the purchase of a State Fishing License. .

The flora and fauna found in this small protected area is truly amazing, close to 130 species of birds have been spotted here in the last 40 years. Along with 100's of different kinds of wildflowers, 100 different kinds of trees. Larger birds can be found such as cranes, herons, ruffed grouse, mallards and pheasants. If this isn't enough to tempt a visit a large array of mammals have been noted, deer, coyote, squirrels, fox, raccoon, and the occasional weasel, mink, and otter.

Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 years ago as the glaciers retreated northwards the ice gouged out the small valleys and beautiful rocky outcroppings seen in the park. Also to be seen are glacial erratics, these are boulders of a different kind of rock than the surrounding rock that can be found here and there throughout the park.. These large rocks, generally round in shape were deposited by the retreating glacier and have become landmarks, being in the same spot for millennium after millennium.

Networks of trails are stitched together throughout the park and pass over and through fields, small valleys, and swamps. There is a 2.5 mile trail through the park. Along the trail are about a dozen stops that offer educational information about the beauty and natural history of the area. Trailhead parking lots are located on Merriebrook Lane in Stamford, CT and Cognewaugh Road in Greenwich, CT. 

In addition there are empty stream beds, stone ridges, and meadows, to be found. There is a small dam across the Mianus River which can create as pretty a New England scene as there is. ( Drive to the Stamford side park entrance, dam parking is located on Riverbank Road. ) Also to be noted is the large red barn located at the Stamford trailhead. Perhaps the most beautiful feature of the park lies in the natural stone outcroppings. Topped with picaresque trees, the ground protected by different varieties of ferns it truly offers a scene not to be missed nor forgotten once seen.

The Mianus River & Natural Park offers a delightful experience to all comers in all seasons., Most times there are few visitors so the observant, quiet, slow moving guest can count on a beautiful birdsong filled time in a wonderful section of woodland. If one only comes for a stroll under the cover of it's Eastern deciduous tress or pines a small sampling being Hemlocks, Birch, Mtn. Laurel, Red Ash, Tulip, Maple, and huge old Pines and Oaks you will return relaxed and refreshed.. One drawback to the park is there is no picnicking or camping allowed. Open dawn to dusk.

MIANUS RIVER & NATURAL PARK

Town of Greenwich

Department of Parks & Recreation - Facilities 

Town Hall – 101 Field Point Road - Greenwich, CT  06836-2540

Phone: (203) 622-7814 - Fax: (203) 622-6494             

Location:  North Cos Cob, East of Cognewaugh Road, on Greenwich/  

Stamford line, ¾ mile south of Merritt Parkway 

Directions from Central Greenwich: 

Take U.S. 1, toward Stamford, after leaving Cos cob and going over Mianus Bridge turn Left onto Cary Rd. Mianus Park is on Cary Rd.

-       Bob Clark