by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: May 09, 2009   Last Updated: November 20, 2011

The Norwalk Islands are located about a mile off the coast of southwestern Connecticut in Long Island Sound.  The islands  were created at the end of the Ice Age by receding glaciers. Today, they offer a variety of activities that outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy.

Sheffield Island is one of the larger islands in the chain. The island got its name from the Sheffield family who lived on it for five generations. It is also home to the Sheffield Lighthouse. The current lighthouse is from the mid-nineteenth century and is the second one that has been built on the Island.  You can visit the lighthouse on tours that are provided by the Norwalk Seaport Association. The only part of the island that is available for use by public is the three and a half acres that surrounds the lighthouse. You will need to take the ferry from the city of Norwalk to Sheffield Island.

Much of Sheffield Island is closed most of the year to protect the birds whi nest there. Among the birds that birdwatchers come to see are snowy egrets and blue heron. The waters around the island are available to fishermen and boaters thought the submerged rocks and sandbars make canoes and kayaks the vehicles of preference for many boaters who want to get closer to the shore

Before planning your paddling adventures,  it is important that you check the written guides that are available. They give hints for routes as well as details about which islands are available to be visited at which time of the year and which ones are private.

Chimon Island belongs to the city of Norwalk and is the largest of the islands. The town has a beach on the island that is open during the warm months but can be visited year-round. The island is home to many migratory birds and other wildlife. You can only visit Chimon Island by boat. It is part of the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge which stretches along the coast of Connecticut from Norwalk as far as Westbrook. There are no facilities on the Island and like all the islands, no fresh water.

Camping is allowed on three of the islands, Grassy, Shea and Cockenoe. There is no fresh water so don't expect much in the way of amenities. You have to get a permit way in advance and a very limited number of campers are allowed at any given time. Grassy and Shea Islands are owned by the city of Norwalk and Cockenoe is owned by the city of Westport.

Sports fishing is a favorite sport in the area around the islands. There are expert tours of the area which give you the best shot at finding the special spots where the striped bass or dogfish hang out and will help to keep you from getting into trouble with the authorities and with the hidden obstacles under the water.

These interesting island habitats have a lot of variety. The islands are quite different from each other. Some are grassy with meadows and others are literally just piles of stones. Some are private and even have a mansion on them.

The Norwalk Islands are a place of authentic interest to residents of both Connecticut and New York. They provide an opportunity to examine the unique ecosystems of Long Island Sound as well as enjoy a great day in the outdoors.

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