Going up river, this varied 1.4 mile mostly easy walking trail follows the West River as it passes through urban streets and along a city baseball field, then follows the base of West Rock ridge, and goes through a calm, quiet forest that used to be the home of historic manufacturing of paper and many other products.
There are three interpretive signs along the trail. A new replacement pedestrian bridge was installed over the river in 2022.
At East Ramsdell Street, turn right and cross the street to the trails of Gather New Haven's Pond Lily Preserve.
The trail passes near Westville Village with coffee shops, restaurants and art galleries. Valley Street near Blake Street is the site of the New Haven Garden of Healing.
Parking at the south end of this trail is available at Edgewood Park (Fitch Street and Whalley Ave. entrance) - take caution when crossing the street. The trail begins on a walkway beside the channelized river alongside the gas station, across from Edgewood Park.
Parking is also available behind the Elm City Montessori school (Valley Street and Blake Street) - access the trail from the northeast corner of the parking lot.
At the north end of the trail, there is limited on-street parking at East Ramsdell Street. Parking is also available across the street at Pond Lily Nature Preserve - take caution when crossing the road. The trail begins at the interpretive sign beside the basketball court.
Limited parking is available midway, at the Valley Street Bridge on West Hills Road.
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