Trail Guildelines
The following guidelines help keep our community trail safe, accessible, and enjoyable for the use of everyone.
The Norwalk River Valley Trail is open year-round from sunrise to sunset except where posted. Trail users are responsible for their own safety. Always wear appropriate outdoor safety gear and clothing, such as shoes with ankle support, over-the-ankle socks, long pants, and long sleeves.
Motorized Vehicles and Horses are Prohibited
Motorized vehicles and horses are strictly prohibited from the trails. The NRVT is open to all non-motorized vehicles, with permitted use of wheelchairs and Class I pedal assist e-bikes & Class II eBikes.
Friendly Reminder: Reckless use of motorbikes and/or mountain bikes which endangers others is strictly prohibited. If you see inappropriate behavior on the trail, please use your best discretion and report it.
For Reference, Police Department Non-Emergency Numbers:
Norwalk (203) 854-3000
Wilton (203) 834-6260
Ridgefield (203) 438-6531
Redding (203) 938-3400
Danbury (203) 797-4614
If it is an emergency please dial 911.
Keep The Trail Clean
Please keep the NRVT as clean as possible. Take your own trash home, leave the space cleaner than you found it. If you see trash, please pick it up and dispose of it. Please help our volunteers keep our trails as naturally clean as possible. Thank you.
Bicycle Friendly Trail
Cyclists should always wear approved helmets and other protective equipment. Keep your bicycle in good operating condition. CT State law allows cyclists to ride on sidewalks and in crosswalks but when doing so have the same responsibilities and rights as pedestrians. For example, they need to wait for the proper crosswalk signal.
For more State Bicycle Laws Reference
You may run, walk, and bike on the right of the trail and pass slowly on the left, call out or ring a bell to announce that you are approaching. Please do not stop in the trail or ride, or walk, in such a way as to use the whole trail width.
CT e-Bike Legal Updates
October 1, 2025
e-Bikes Class I, 2, 3 & Motor Driven Cycles
Connecticut updated its e-bike laws effective October 1 2025 with a focus on safety and clarity. The state categorizes e-bikes based on wattage, with 750 watts serving as the threshold for classifying them as e-bikes or motor-driven cycles. e-Bikes, including those with throttles, are limited to 28-mph. Helmets are required for all e-bike riders.
-
e-Bikes with NO pedals and batteries over 750 watts, but under 3,700 watts will now be defined as motor-driven cycles and require a valid driver’s license.
-
A license is not required for Class 1,2, or 3 e-bikes.
-
e-Bikes over 3,700 watts are expected to require registration and insurance, like motorcycles.
e-Bike Classification
Understanding the Differences
CLASS 1: Pedal-assist only [motor only activates only when pedaling and disengages at top speed]. Max Speed: 20-mph. Allowed on bicycle or multi-use trails or paths.
CLASS 2: Throttle-assist [motor can propel bike without pedaling until it hots top speed or brakes are applied]. Max Speed: 20 mph. Prohibited from all bicycle or multi-use trails & paths.
CLASS 3: Pedal-assist with higher speed limit [motor-assist up to 28-mph or when rider stops pedaling]. Max Speed: 28-mph. Allowed on roads. Prohibited from all bicycle or multi-use trails & paths.
MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLE: e-Bike/unicycle exceeding 750-watts but under 3,700 watts & powered by gas, electric or hybrid motors [less than 50cc]. Seat must be at least 26’ high. Allowed on roads.
Prohibited from all bicycle or multi-use trails, paths & sidewalks.
Pet-Friendly Trail *Leashed Dogs ONLY*
Please clean up after your pets. Nobody likes animal litter on or near the trails. Please keep dogs closely leashed to avoid the endangerment of pedestrians and cyclists.
How to Stay Safe Around Railroad Tracks/Crossings
The Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT) runs alongside Metro-North Railroad’s Danbury branch, so you may encounter railroad tracks while accessing or using the trail. Follow these safety tips:
-
Obey Crossing Signals: At-grade railroad crossings are legally closed when red lights flash and gates (if present) are lowered. Stay at least 25 feet from the tracks until gates fully raise and lights stop flashing.
-
Use Designated Crossings: Cross only at legal, marked locations. Follow the pedestrian pathway, and never bypass flashing lights, gates, or take shortcuts across tracks.
-
Cyclists: Dismount and walk your bike over the tracks.
-
Stay Off Tracks: Walking or cycling on the tracks is both unsafe and illegal.
-
Emergencies: If someone or a vehicle is stuck on the tracks, use the blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at crossings to contact authorities and stop a train.
Stay alert and follow these guidelines to ensure your safety.
Safety Tips for Wildlife Encounters
Part of the Norwalk River Valley Trails beauty and fun is its integration with nature and sometimes we might see some animals along the way. Be safe and enjoy the outdoors!
Here are some tips in the unlikely event of a wildlife encounter:
-
Talk slowly and quietly
-
Don’t approach any wildlife
-
Keep children and pets within reach
How to Avoid Ticks in the Woods
Ticks are a part of life on the NRVT, the best way to protect yourself is to avoid wooded or bushy areas and areas with tall grass, where ticks are most common. Tuck your pants into your socks to keep ticks off your skin. Ticks often start on the lower legs and crawl up the body to find a feeding spot.
Other ways to keep yourself protected from ticks include:
-
Regularly check yourself, your family and pets after time outside, particularly in wooded areas or areas with lots of vegetation or tall grass.
-
Treat clothes with tick-repellant products before going outside during tick season, commonly between fall and spring.
-
Avoid walking in forests or wooded areas whenever possible when not properly dressed and prepared to do so.
TRAIL GUIDELINES CHECKLIST
→ Enjoy our Trail!
→ Wear appropriate safety gear
→ Be courteous to others
→ Trail is wheelchair accessible
→ Run, walk, and bike on the right
→ Pass slowly on the left
→ Cyclists yield to pedestrians
→ Do not stop in the Trail in such a way to use the whole width
→ Stop at all road intersections
→ Dogs must be kept leashed
→ Pick up dog waste and remove it
→ Keep the Trail clean by taking trash home
→ NOT an equestrian trail
→ NO motorized vehicles (except wheelchairs)