Visit Bent of the River Audubon Center

The 700-acre sustainably-managed habitat at Bent of the River is home to hundreds of wildlife species, including early successional birds of conservation concern such as Blue-winged Warblers, American Woodcock, Black-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Kingbird, Gray Catbird, Prairie Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, and Orchard Oriole. There are so many things awaiting for you to discover!

Hiking

Bent of the River Audubon Center has approximately 15 miles of hiking trails that pass through meadows and woods and are open from sunrise to sunset. Some of these trails traverse over countryside that feels very remote and wild even though we are located less than 2 miles north of Interstate 84 in Southbury, Connecticut.

Suggested Trail Use Donation: $5

Trail Closures

No closures at this time. 

Trail Rules

The center is for the protection, study, and enjoyment of nature:

• Please leave pets and bikes at home
• No hunting, fishing, or collecting of any plants or materials
• No river access except with an educational tour
• Please stay on the trails (do not wander into the meadows or forest)
• Take only pictures and leave only footprints
• Please respect our neighbors’ privacy and stay on center grounds
• The house on the property is a private residence (please respect the property boundaries)

Visit Our Pollinator Gardens! 

When Mrs. Althea Clark bequeathed Bent of the River farm to the National Audubon Society, she left explicit instructions about its use for education and the maintenance of the land—such as preserving it for native flora and fauna and having no trail blazes or interpretive signs. She wanted the Bent to be kept in a state of "mild wildness."

Today, the pollinator and wildlife plantings on the property support her directives, providing a beautiful natural habitat for pollinating insects, birds, and other wildlife to live and for people to enjoy. The covered observation deck off of the historic barn is one of the most visited places on the property. Bird feeders dot the landscape as well as native plants that provide wildlife food and shelter. Stop by and enjoy this area throughout the year. Borrow a pair of binoculars and come see what you will find.