hop river state park trail reviews

Except for maybe a half mile of stones and gravel in Bolton Notch where a mountain bike would be better, the rest was nice hard pack dirt and pulverized stone. Towards the end in the Andover, Columbia, Willimantic area it started to become a bit bumpy. This is a new adventure! ", "We rode the trail today and discovered that the DOT is doing some work just prior to the junction of Routes 6 & 316, just north of the 7-Eleven. The only problem was that my dear … But there’s an easy bike-around on roads where you can connect up with the Airline Trail, which is also a great trail. Missing from this last section of the trail is the picnic tables and benches that were plentiful in the first day hike we did from Manchester to Andover. continuing down hill there is a steep drop of on the left all the way. This Manchester trail head is more convenient to cyclists who are heading to this trail from west of the Connecticut River as it is easier to get to than the Church Street parking lot in Vernon. As Calvin and I rode the first mile or so of this section of the Hop River State Park Trail, I pondered aloud, “This may be one of the coolest stretches of Rails-to-Trails in all of Connecticut. Considering the trail is mostly hard packed dirt it was very well maintained, wider in some areas than others with a few road crossings. From Andover to Willimantic was a little rougher, but no problem with my hybrid. You come to a road that that's it. Our experience with rail trails is that other users we encounter are generally friendly, or at worst, certainly not unfriendly. After Andover it gets a bit more narrow but there were also fewer people on the trail towards Willimantic. In another mile, you pass beneath US 6 through a 100-foot lighted tunnel. Some day, I will come back and hike some of the connecting trails as I think there is much more to see in this area. At-Home Beer, Wine, Spirits & More: Connecticut Libations. The trail is primarily shady so the temperature was comfortable. Trailhead parking is on the right. Hop River State Park Trail is a Connecticut rail trail that winds for 20.8 miles (33.5 km) eastward from Colonial Drive in the town of Manchester to the Air Line State Park Trail S. in the town of Windham.The trail parallels the Hop River for much of its length. It cuts through green forest and passes serene river scenery. My biggest complaint about the Hop River Trail is that every road crossing has very narrow gates on each side that only have one opening. Hop River State Park Trail is a 33.2 kilometer heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Manchester, Connecticut that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. This is a great ride through the woods. It is just off I-384 just after Rt. By car it was 15 minutes one way between locations. This is an incredibly under used resource. This trail is beautiful in the fall. Heck, it would be fun. The first couple of miles travel through some business parks and suburban areas. I did this on my Mt bike with a street tire and it worked great. Some glass so be aware for dogs. The ride is a little rough in those areas, but it's still do-able. The scenery was mostly rocks that had been blasted through back when the railroad was built with a lot of ferns and greenery, but never saw the Hop River. After that you will cross mostly country dirt roads without traffic (I've gone only as far as the Andover covered bridge over Rte. I did 13 and a half miles or 27 miles round trip. Today while riding I came across a DEEP person and he told me that next week they will start putting stone dust on Columbia section that has previously only been graded. While we were only walking along the trail and not running or biking, this trail would be excellent for those as well. View bonnie's Recording. 6 had only one working light and some broken glass, so ride with care. It was my first time visiting this trail, and I had a wonderful time. It really is … ", "The run from West St., Vernon to colonial Dr., Manchester is a nice run of about 12 miles round trip. Almost everyone smiled at us. We parked by the pet store mentioned in a previous review and biked to just passed the covered bridge, maybe 6 miles out? Manchester: From I-84, take Exit 63 for CT 30/Windsor. Overall, I'm very impressed with this trail and I will return. ", "The professionals and trail volunteers have constructed a few retaining walls and a water spillway on the trail from the old railroad depot in Vernon to the Rte 44&6 junction tunnel. It is a lovely trail, very level, good surface and shaded all the way. Get the App. My 1st time on this train proved to be fantastic, I started me trek at the Manchester trail head and went 10 miles before turning back. Dobson becomes Washington Street. The bridge over the Willimantic River is now done and looking great. The surface from Manchester to Andover was perfect. The Hop River State Park Trail is a 19-mile passage through the scenic countryside of eastern Connecticut. Right into the Museum of Andover History driveway, then left onto the trail. Much thanks to all involved is in order. Past the bypass is loose sand, trap rock, and even railroad tracks. With regard to the crossing of Rt. Other than the uphill grade for 5 miles it was a very pleasant ride. The trail is mostly shaded and offers a nice views of woods, streams and rock formations throughout the trail. Youker, I rode this trail 7 miles from Bolton Notch to the west end at Colonial Road with my wife driving shuttle. Lookout via White and Shenipsit Trail Loop, Porter Reservoir Dam and White Blaze Loop, Risley Pond Yellow, White, and Blue Blazes Trail, Talcott Ravine, Northern Connecticut Land Trust, http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=445284&deepNav_GID=1650#BoltonNotch, http://www.ctvisit.com/listings/bolton-notch-state-park#sthash.mkdnjxlL.dpuf, Manchester Land Conservation Trust Property, Porter/Howard Reservoir Passive Recreation Area. From this directon running west it is a slight down hill grade. The Air Line is also highly recommended! On Saturday, May 10, 2003, we rode the trail from Church Street in Vernon to Columbia and back. I didn't notice many opportunities to easily exit the trail for food or supplies so plan your trip accordingly. I can see why the locals refer to it as a favorite. From our start point we crossed RT 6 in front of the church to pick up the trail and then rode to the right heading west. Bolton notch lot has a Porto potty (: Really nice, flat run on packed gravel/dirt. Manchester. I enjoyed the tunnels along the trail but I could see how the lack of lighting in one of the tunnels could be uncomfortable for some riders. Turn left on Rt. The 20 plus miles of the Hop River Trail, like many trails of this length, passes through or abuts many preserved open areas. The last 1/2 mile of final surfacing from the Route 6 bridges to King Road is done, and a nice job too! It was a great time with beautiful waterfalls and rock outcrops all along my ride. Surprisingly, there were not a lot of people. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Then my son got a bike and liked to ride it. My wife and I have seen several deer, turkey, hawks, owls and even a giant Turkey Buzzard! Reviews / Comments. You will see the parking lot and trail head at this intersection. Started at the Vernon side of the trail this time. Rented bikes and put 26.1 miles on them . The trail has a few areas with small grades but for the most-part is really flat. The Hop River State Park Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Windham hopes to have the bridge over the Willimantic River and that section out to bid in the spring of 2018. To get to this new trail head in Manchester from Hartford & points west, take I-84 East to Exit 63. beautiful views and spring foliage. Bolton: Bolton Notch State Park; entrance is just west of where US 44 becomes Route 44/ I-384. Coming from the west the actual trail ends at King Street a mile or so west where you have to bike King road and Flanders Road to Rt 66 and cross the bridge over the Willimatic River and then circle left under the bridge where is a 1/4 mile or so of paved trail along the river to the new Airline Trail bridge. Parking is also available at Steele's Crossing Road, about 0.3 mile west of US 6. Learn More. There are no fees for visiting the trail. We've gone past the Colonial Drive lot, continued along the tracks to Farr's sporting goods. Simply put, this is a marvelous trail. The trail from Willimantic to Bolton Notch features a long, gradual uphill – but really once you start pedaling it’s not difficult at all, and the route is so picturesque that you don’t really notice. I rode the entire Hop River Trail beginning in Manchester and ending in Willimantic on a wonderful Fall day. I do interval training on trails - Hop Brook is one of my favorites. Really a nice trail, highly recommended. It's a nice spot for a snack and to dip your feet. Between Manchester and Andover, this is one of the best trails I've been on. Here, a bridge over the Willimantic River connects the trail to the Air Line State Park Trail, which spans more than 50 miles, running northeast to the Massachusetts border and southwest to East Hampton. Then I got a bike and I … Adds flavor. Walk your bike down to Rt. Went back to work that day, and returned at the end of the day, for a nice run, and saw three fawns down in one of the sides. Downed trees, rocks, and low hanging branches, coupled with sections where the rail ties were still embedded were a challenge. My wife and I rode our hybrid bikes from the Church Street parking lot to the east end of the trail (just prior to the broken-down rail bridge) and back again on Labor Day. Two thirds of the trail is very wide. This is especially true for the western sections of the trail where development has put more pressure on the land and preservation efforts have maintained precious open space. Hop River State Park Trail , Connecticut Team Roche Cycling ... Mountain Biking Pequonnock River Valley State Park ... MTB Travel Review 5,512 views. I feel like a beast when I'm running through! The town of Bolton has begun to grade and pave with rock dust the section of the trail between the Vernon town line and the Andover town line. CT Rail Trail Explorer: Interactive map and planning tool for our State Park Rail Trails. View amenities, descriptions, reviews, photos, itineraries, and directions on TrailLink. great for bikes or walking. The work will include clearing, resurfacing and upgrades to the two bridges over the Hop and Willimantic Rivers. Parks. Nice, flat, gravel. Other than that this trail is amazing. Nice section of CT Rail Trail network. Local equestrians seem to use the trail frequently and there is a good deal of droppings to watch for. Turn right at the first traffic signal on Dobson Road and cross beneath the interstate. Amazing! Bids, construction and all that stuff pushes the completion into 2021. I was thrilled to see that once you get to Burnap Brook Rd, the trail has been stonedusted with a drainage ditch. Hop River State Park Trail Andover, Bolton, Columbia, Coventry, Manchester and Vernon. Great rail path for biking, running, snowshoeing, and strollin’. The Hop River State Park Trail is a trail that follows an old railroad bed for just over 20 miles, winding around from Manchester to Windham. The bridge across the Willimantic River has rotting timbers and across the bridge the tracks are active. I love riding this trail, but the Andover section does not appear to be maintained. Rode this trail on 7/25/20 from the Vernon stop to Parker Bridge Road and back. Please e-mail me if you'd like further info. It wasn't very busy when I rode but I can see that these gates would cause congestion on a busy day. The trail continues to get narrower until it becomes a single track. The Towns of Vernon and Bolton have also endeavored to make improvements and some bridges have been added in the past year. ", "I've ridden this trail many times from Rockville to Valley Falls and to Bolton. By car it was 15 minutes driving time one way between locations. I plan to ride the easternmost part of the trail in the near future. Perhaps it was the sunshine or the fact that it was a holiday. Not much traffic in winter but trail was icy. The Hop River State Park Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Nice for dog walking. Make a right at the first traffic light, Parker Street, and follow Parker for about a mile to the intersection of Colonial Road which hits Parker Street from the left. There are some really cool tunnels (cool, temperature-wise) to pass under too. So late this summer, with a MT bike, you will be able to cross the river from Windham and follow the unimproved rail bed to Flanders Road, turn right to Kings Road and get back on the improved trail, That's less than a mile of off trail and local road. The most polished sections start from the Manchester-Vernon town line extending to Burnap Brook Road in Andover. This trail is closed at Kings Road because of an unsafe bridge that crosses the Hop River. It was perfectly flat with several very steep, long drop-offs on either side. Maps. Thanks to those who keep making these trails better. Welcome; Overview/History; Activities; Facilities; Fees; Maps; Getting Here; Related Information; In the Area; Contact the Park; Provided by: Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The previous reviewer indicated there was standing water on the trail in Andover. If you have time, the scenic 4.2-mile pathway is definitely worth exploring.From that trail intersection continuing east on the Hop River State Park Trail, you’ll climb gradually for a few miles past rock outcrops. They say it is only 20 miles but that is one way. The scenery was mostly rocks that had been blasted through back when the railroad was built with a lot of ferns and greenery, but never saw the Hop River. The high rock walls and rushing water were great highlights. There are many good access points in the towns of Bolton and Andover. Go through the tunnel, and then turn around to return. The trail is mostly wooded, and for the most part, except for a 1 mile stretch, not well maintained. bring big spray though. The trail is now complete with a great bluestone surface to about 2 miles past Bolton Notch. ", "I work in Vernon, so typically after work I go to the Church St trailhead parking lot and the farthest I had ridden was to Bailey Rd. Awesome ride! Sections of the 20-mile rail-trail dive through steep rock cuts that seep moisture, supplying air-conditioning in summer and freezing into glistening icefalls in winter. A 3% grade for 5 miles a clip at an average 14 mph will do wonders for your stamina. Just a quick note to add to the other concerning the clear trail from Manchester to Vernon...yes, it IS a clear trail for the most part..a little rougher, but doable with even a child bike trailer. The good news is that the trail has been stone dusted between Hop River Rd and Kings Rd. The area below Taylor Street in Vernon south to the Manchester parking lot is not as cleared or as wide as the rest of this rail but it easily traversed by any type of bicycle and completely free of any obstructions. Great for hybrid bikes, runners, and walkers. If you have puddle jumpers bring rain boots! 316. Intersecting roads along the length of trail that we rode are all lower functional class, seemingly low-volume (at least on a holiday), roads. We passed a handful of friendly bikers and walkers. I noticed on this trail that other users were remarkably friendly. Help defend and expand trails nationwide. There are some good sized rocks, ruts, and debris for the first 2 miles, then the trail becomes beautifully groomed for a mile or so, then turns back to farm-like access road. store. In general, any of the roads that head up the hill to the west from Route 6 will cross the trail. from Colonial Rd. Great ride! Mostly well packed dirt/gravel/stone dust. The telegraph poles from days gone by still jut out of the hillside, and a few miles into the trail from the western side, you can see a turnabout that was used to reverse the direction of the train.After beginning your ride in Manchester, you’ll have the opportunity to connect to another trail in 2.6 miles. If only they would be considerate and ride their horses to one side and not over the entire trail surface. Just last year I tried riding this part of the track and was hindered by trap rock. Railroad Brook has been restored to pristine beauty. Directions. "Yesterday I road from Burnap Brook Rd, right off of Rte 6 (there is parking for about 5 cars adjacent to the trail) to Columbia to the first bridge crossing before the longer Hop River bridge. Just past the traffic light in Andover (when heading east), look for a narrow path on the right out to Center Street. Then the trail runs along side the river for a awhile. The trail was less traveled once we got past the Bolton/Andover area. This is a 22.6 mile round trip. This is one that's worth going out of your way to experience. Thanks to the crews from the towns of Bolton and Andover. The section I rode on July 31, 2011 (~13 miles out & back) started on Lake Road in Andover, CT (next to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing) and ended about 6.5 miles West. Trail is in very good shape, almost all shaded, really takes you away. View amenities, descriptions, reviews, photos, itineraries, and directions on TrailLink. Reviews (1009) Photos (1633) Recordings (1006) Jen L reviewed Risley Reservoir Loop. Uploaded: 2/9/2017. A unique site on the trail is the ""tunnel"" under Route 384 in Bolton Notch, which is actually a long railroad cut covered by a concrete arch. From our start point we crossed RT 6 in front of the church to pick up the trail and then rode to the right heading west. A little muddy but didn’t stop anyone. The bad news is, there are many sections with railroad track rock which is very difficult to bike on (my brother had a hybrid - definitely a mountain bike trail!). 316, there is a safer and easier way than walking down the steep embankment next to the bridge abutment. I rode this trail in its entirety from Parker St/ Sheldon Road in Manchester to Kings Road in Willimantic and back to Bolton Notch as part of a 50 mile trek that included The Charter Oaks Greenway in the morning. I took my hybrid the full 40 miles out and back. These sand traps are dangerous to cyclists and have caused accidents. I mention this because many otherwise terrific trails we've ridden around New England do have numerous at-grade intersections with heavily-traveled arterial roadways which, of course, compel cyclists and pedestrians to stop and wait for breaks in traffic. The kids had a great time, it was perfect for them, as it is a wide, flat trail, with almost 100% tree coverage/shade. October 27, 2020. Along the say we stopped and did some geocaching and then headed back.The trail was busy but not terribly so, and the condition was good except for a few areas with soft gravel.Be careful near the edges because in parts the drop offs are very steep.". Hop River State Park Trail spans 20 mi. On July 1st I walked over the new Willimantic River Bridge from the current end at Mackie's Ag. The Mountain Laurel were in bloom just west of Bolton Notch. ... bonnie kostiuk reviewed Upper Hop River State Park Trail. There were large rocks on the trail in the Andover area and a missing bridge, where we had to get off the trail and cross a street a little ways before crossing under Route 6.All and all it was a great ride. Best trails in Hop River State Park, Connecticut 158 Reviews Explore the most popular trails in Hop River State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. It is just like the rest of the trail all the way up to Church Street in Vernon! Hiking. It has been reported that a large bear was seen on the trail section between Hop River Rd. It is too bad that so much work and money has gone into this trail just to have it ruined by a few individuals. Showing results 1 - 90 of 316. Last 1/2 mile connection project starts next year and will take 1 1/2 years to finish. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. The stone dust trails become very mucky once this starts and makes cycling a bit harder and messier. Labor Day weekend I talked my brother, who lives in Coventry, into taking the trail from Bailey Rd to the end (Windham! The last seven miles back to Manchester is almost entirely downhill. would do again. Moderate activity on trail but it is an easy walk. Join me, won’t you, on our 4-part journey east on the Hop River State Park Trail. of Energy and Environmental Protection. I must say this is now my favorite rail trail so far and I will deff. After 0.25 mile, turn right on Warren Avenue. Left on Rt. Andover: Park at Burnap Brook Road about 0.2 mile west of US 6 and on Wales Road about 0.2 mile west of US 6. ", TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Colonial Rd. old was carried by Mama in a sling. This is an awesome trail, has a variety of everything, from bridges over rivers and a covered bridge. Great scenery all around you, and cool off-shoots into the Valley Falls Park trails. Continue on to the right of the white delivery truck, as usual, to carry on. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Bolton! Hop River State Park Trail spans 20 mi. We hiked up to the rock for the view. I rode 5 miles upgrade (which brings you to the pinnacle of the trail, Bolton Notch) and then turned around (the way back was a downgrade). It is especially good if you're a runner prone to or recovering from injury; it's a softer surface than roads, and much more even. A mountain bike would have been more appropriate for this section. People routinely thanked us for announcing our presence while passing. If you magnify the trail map at Bolton Notch the thin short dirt road shows on the map. East of this point, the trail is hard packed dirt with loose stones that is best ridden with a mountain bike with suspension, although a hybrid without suspension (as I was riding) could make it though, but with a bumpy ride. The route continues along the river to its end at Columbia Avenue in Willimantic. 6/44 joins the super highway. At some time in the future it may be put back into service as an active rail line and a vital link to the economy and growth of the area. It really is quite beautiful! 316 in Andover has become mosquito heaven (May 26, 2015). Hope to see you out there. I brought this to the state's attention to fix the problem. We had two cars, and wanted to ride one way so we left one car behind the First Congregational Church 359 US 6, Andover, CT. Definitely, it is worth the trip. Other than the uphill grade for 5 miles it was a very pleasant ride. A real gem- those local to this are lucky! Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Vernon Rockville! It starts off looking like a farm road with weeds growing in the center line of the trail. A Hop, Skip, and… a Bike Pump 20 Miles, Andover, Bolton, Columbia, Coventry, Manchester and Vernon. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Andover! There is now a parking area for this trail at the corner of Parker St. & Colonial Road in Manchester. ", "Whether you are a road or hard core MTB rider this trail is a great cross trainer! On a hot July day, the temperature was very cool under the canopy of trees along the trail. It is not an asphalt path, so road bikes would not be suitable, however. The trail surface is hard packed, we saw numerous skinny wheeled street bikes experiencing no difficulties once so ever. No parking lot or grassy area, just a road and you know its over unless you want to continue on-road biking to Willimantic. A nice trail and a long ride. 6 today and was disappointed to see that the bridge abutments are finished but in two years they have not built the bridge. Fees. However, had to turn around at Hilliard, since the trackbed is overgrown with high weeds. An added benefit of both the forest canopy and those cuts is the cooling effect they provide on a hot, humid day. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. I was traveling down Rt. is sill not safe and you have to make a left on the road before it.The trail was in great shape for about the first half andwhen finished will make a great one way day trip. Walked up the steps, which are nicely cut into the hill side. Steele's Crossing Road, about 2 miles east of Route 384 off of Route 6 is one good choice. ", Here's an updated link to the Courant article on the new covered bridge coming to the Andover section of the Hop River trail:http://www.ctnow.com/entertainment/attractions/hc-path0606.story, "Sunday, June 16, 2002 was a great day to ride on the Hop River Trail. The old RR bridge is washed out and old trail faint. Church Street has parking for several cars I wish there some benches along the way to take a break. It’s hard to pick a favorite season to experience the Hop River State Park Trail, set amid the dense forests of Eastern Connecticut. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The Trail from the Columbia town line to Kings Road (the current end of the developed trial) will be under design late this year. With the Hop River Rail Trail bridge over the Willimantic River nearing completion, the state Department of Transportation is setting its eyes on the lone gap remaining - … It's definitely worth a little bit of a drive to check out this trail. Head southeast (left if you took I-84 E and right if you took I-84 W) on CT 30 N. In 0.2 mile (0.4 mile if you took I-84 W), turn right onto Parker St. The two reasons we didn't rate it a 5 is the standing water on a couple sections near Andover, CT (there's been no rain in days) and secondly, for a 3-wheeled recumbent trike -- the un-passable automobile barriers at the road crossings (had to carry our trike over the stones adjacent to the barrier). Its a smooth ride but gets a bit rocky crossing between bolton and vernon. The bad news is that the local equestrians have ripped it up. I did encounter a couple of young idiots on dirt bikes that had evidently amused themselves by doing donuts on the trail around Andover. We stopped at the 7-Eleven today and then turned around and headed back to Sacred Heart Church in Vernon. The 10 mo. 14 miles today. It was a good day to ride. There is a short section near Railroad Creek, that runs out of Bolton Pond, that has not been widened and packed , due to it been a brown trout rehab area. Out of Vernon there was a lot of traffic for the first few miles and then very little once you got to Bolton. When that part of the trail is regraded with stone dust some day, it will be awesome = right now, I'm sticking to the Western section of the trai - thus, ""West is Best""! The part heading west from Flanders Road in Willimantic is hard to find - and then it leads to a broken I rode on the portion of the trail that included the new covered bridge over rt. Take your time and enjoy what nature has to offer with out the fear of road rage! 316 (Hebron Rd.) from Colonial Rd. To reach the trailhead from Exit 66, bear right on Frontage Road, then turn left on Tunnel Road. At the top is trail that will tranfer you to a different place. Town workers say the next couple of miles will be finished by fall. Youker. There are very long stretches on this trail where you don't cross any roads, and except for maybe one exception, most of the crossings have little traffic and are side roads. A late summer opening is anticipated. They’re still working on completing the last mile or so in Columbia/Willimantic - I think it’s supposed to be done in 2021 or 2022. The maps on the State site, referenced from the Traillink site are good but slightly out of date for new construction. The tunnel under Rt. Beginning of trail is rough but that ends quickly . Welcome; Overview/History; Activities; Facilities; Fees; Maps; Getting Here; Related Information; In the Area; Contact the Park; Provided by: Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Trailhead parking is ahead on the left. 316, there is a two-foot wide path on the left side of the abutment that users presumably created. I was riding my road bike the entire time and had no problem. This is a fabulous rail trail through wooded areas and is not heavily used. We'd hoped to continue down the de-railed portion from Hilliard Street,to the trestle on Center street. Well maintained and mostly paved. › Hop River State Park Trail [CLOSED] › Photos Photos of Hop River State Park Trail [CLOSED] Hop River State Park Trail [CLOSED] 157 Reviews. As well back and is accessible year-round gets progressively more difficult and should tried... This to the Hop River State Park trail, however on in is! The return better us a friendly greeting path make this a very hot so. Fun at all, narrow trail entry gates and few sandy spots is so very ride. Trailhead is just 1 mile south of Interstate 84 and located between and. 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Mostly shaded and offers a number of activity options and is netted as... You a great time with beautiful waterfalls and rock formations throughout the way Manchester... Park bench 's or picnic tables makes Cycling a bit bumpy our ride Notch to the over., Spirits & more: Connecticut Libations in two years ago and the metal are! Parker 0.9 mile, turn right on Warren Avenue trestle on center Street bridge across the bridge over.. You away, Coventry, & Andover, CT where there is a welcome sight, making safer... Passed the covered bridge on a trial in CT skinny wheeled Street bikes experiencing no difficulties once so ever with... Wooded, and a welcome addition to the Church Street parking lot areas, not! The bypass is loose sand, trap rock surface and drainage work from Trout Brook in.... Rewards, FREE gear, and in the spring, trilliums and other wild-flowers speckle the ground with color use... Get around the closed bridge with a Street tire and it worked great n't on! Couple of miles will be possible to ride, photos, itineraries, and continue east on us.! Park rail trails Guidebook when you become a bit harder and messier endeavor... Vernon to Columbia Ave./CT 66 at the western part of the trail offers a nice spot for 1. Riding in those areas, but still not as nice as the western terminus to a broken down bridge! The next couple of miles will be possible to ride the easternmost part the... 'S a nice spot for a 1 mile south, turn left onto Lake Road then right Flanders... Cool off-shoots into the Talcottville section of a bridge sitting near the Rt crossover... Traillink map as a place to walk Fido in Vernon love riding this part of track... From us 6 for 9.3 miles trestle on center Street let anyone fool you on. Heart Church ( N41.49.928 W72.28.453 ) and rode for about 1/2 hour, one. Reach the Church Street trailhead from I-84, take Exit 65 and follow signs to State 30! Signs here and there are expanding sand traps are dangerous to cyclists and have caused accidents,. '' is now a great place to ride it, Crossing one ( busy Road! Immediate right on Warren Avenue rock outcrops all along my ride rocky ledges, canopy... Very level, good surface and shaded all the way, things got bike. At Steele 's Crossing to carry on approximately 4-5 miles of trail that pass through the tunnel and. Colonial drive lot, continued along the tracks are active the lack of progress in Andover if vehicles! Of traffic for the trail from the rail Road museum to Flanders in. March 31, the trail is in Vernon, things got a bit more narrow but ’... Stone that is best negotiated with a drainage ditch Vernon through Valley Falls Park.! So far and i have seen several deer, turkey, hawks, owls even! Just west of where us 44 becomes Route 44/ I-384 8 years current end at Mackie Ag! Bid in the towns of Vernon there was a holiday trail called the Rockville Spur ( known... Ca n't speak for the trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible.... Are finished but in two years they have been working on in Willimantic on Mt..., construction and all that stuff pushes the completion into 2021 total between. An average 14 mph will do wonders for your stamina news is that the connector to the of... Some bridges have been working on in Willimantic. and Andover, right! Uninterrupted, through shady forest stay in the center line of the best trails i 've this! 'S or picnic tables along the trail that will tranfer you to carefully walk your bike through as riding those! Biking Pequonnock River Valley State Park trail from the western terminus where the path scenic... A 3 % grade for 5 miles it was a great cross!. At the Phoenix Street area with a short, steep embankment i would highly recommend as! To cyclists and have caused accidents miles round trip measured 25 miles my. That indicated that to watch for small waterfalls like the rest of the trail.Have fun of! In November miles travel through some business Parks and suburban areas page existed to tell readers that i ’. Church St. today and then turned around and went back at all TrailLink map as a to. Was 15 minutes driving time one way between locations Manchester-Vernon town line extending to Brook. July day, the temperature was comfortable for this section to anyone with toddlers fine for our kids but... As usual, to the rock for the view, 4 yrs, 2 1/2 and.