Norwalk Islands in Connecticut

Trip Overview

The Norwalk Islands are a small chain of islands about a mile off Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, a public beach. A few of the islands are private, two have sand beaches and campsites, and a few others are part of wildlife preserve for rare shore birds-landing is restricted- obey all signs.

Multiple routes are possible.
This trip went from the launch area straight out past the first island ("Betts Island" private) 0.8 mile out. Once past, Grassy Island is located to the east, owned by the City of Norwalk and open for camping (permit). From Grassy, we went due west along the south side of Chimmon island- a wildlife refuge- landing restricted. The route between Crow Island and Chimmon is not passable at low or mid tide.

Next along the route is Shea Island, sand beach (NW shore) and camping (permit). The passage between Shea and Chimmon is the main boat channel, with heavy waves and wind at times. Shea was at 2.2 miles.

From Shea, we took went along the south side of Shea and Sheffield Island and waves were heavy. - There is no passable channel between Sheffield or Shea. Sheffield has restricted landing rules. Along the west tip of Sheffield is the old stone lighthouse at 4.5 miles.

Heading back, we traveled along the more sheltered north side of the islands, landing at the Chimmon beach at 6.5 miles. The beach on the west side is the only unrestricted landing on Chimmon.

From Chimmon back to the landing is another 1.5 miles for a total of 8 miles and 4.5 hrs.

Accommodations:

Calf Pasture Beach has sand launch, muddy at low tide.

flush toilets/showers in bath house.

Fees:

$20 entrance fee in summer

Resources:

Consult city of Norwalk website for camping and map:

www.norwalkct.org/