Paugussett Trail

The Paugussett Trail is a hiking route that connects Webb Mountain Park and Indian Well State Park across the terrain between Shelton and Monroe. It passes through forests, follows waterways, and crosses rock formations while offering several entry points for visitors.

The trail was built in the 1930s during the Great Depression when the Civilian Conservation Corps developed pathways through the lower Housatonic River valley. This work program created a lasting resource for outdoor recreation in the region.

The name Paugussett comes from an Algonquian-speaking Native American people who lived in this southwestern region during the 1600s. Visitors walking the trail encounter reminders of this heritage in the landscape itself.

The route offers multiple entry points with parking areas, making it easy to access the trail from different locations. Check conditions before visiting since terrain and water levels change with the seasons.

Sections of the route border Lake Zoar, a reservoir formed when the Stevenson Dam was completed. The lake supplies hydroelectric power to the area and creates a scenic backdrop for hikers.