Some of the confusion in the Avon Simsbury area comes from the Farmington River and its flow to the Conn. River. The Farmington section is beautiful. Past where the trail ends it goes through a small industrial park and crosses a main road and goes into the woods unpaved and there's still the tracks and trestles there for about 15 miles. 2018 trail completions in Cheshire and Southington make the trail continuous for 23 miles. The truth is that we are close to having one of the premier regional multi-use rail-trails in the United States. Mergers and acquisitions created the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, which operated until 1969 when it was consolidated into Penn Central. There is still a section in Hamden that is 'closed'. Yesterday from the same starting pont in Unionville north to Avon. It's like riding through Vermont! The wooden bridges are breaking down that is it dangerous to skate over them, due to the holes that are developing. To me it is an old Rail Road right of way. We are trying to plan out a 50 mile ride round trip for a scouting badge. VERY nice!! It should be complete rather fast! Because I plan on trying this ride again some time in August. ", "From East Coast Greenway AllianceRail Trails Get Their Own TV Show in CT-- and maybe beyond. You can see the trail already from the bridge over it on Grove St. There are four access points to the Farmington Canal State Park Trail (from north to south): Cheshire: Cornwall Street, 0.6 mile west of the Cornwall Street and Route 10 intersection. Visit the Farmington Canal Heritage Greenway which covers approximately 84 miles from New Haven, CT to Northampton, MA. )Runs south crossing Wollcott Rd, and Rt 315. September 5 2019. The scenery is mostly rural, treed and very few homes are seen unless you are crossing streets. We started at Yale and parked in a lot on a Saturday. I've been training up for this since last year as my last big ride was from Southwick to Tim Horton's Ice cream in Plainville then back to Southwick. This trail is great for that. This trail is unbelievably smooth and level and very well maintained. New Haven: I’ve only been on the section a few times and they’re still working on finishing it. The beginning of the trail that will transgress 80 miles eventually has been very nicely done! Mobile-friendly. In Southington, the town is designing the section from Cheshire to the paved trail in the town center. It follows the path of the former Farmington Canal and the New Haven & Northampton Railroad. We also believe that most of the lots are available on weekends but use your judgment. The only section that you need to be concerned about is around 5-6 miles when you get to Avon, the path goes onto streets for about a mile. It is a lovely town with lots of good restaurants and some history attached to it. Restaurants, A Drinking Fountain & Portapotties. Two stars. The section we rode in Massachusetts looks to be brand new and appears to extend roughly 3 miles into Massachusetts. Then back on the trail again. Four stars. we biked from cheschire to New Haven. The trail is in great condition, and with the exception of a few spots, which are well marked with paint, the ride is as smooth as it gets. Entering the Mount Carmel neighborhood, on the right you’ll pass Sleeping Giant State Park, which rises to a rocky outcrop and summit observation tower. with my inevitable pauses to check out the flora and fauna along the trail, imakes a very pleasant 3 - 3.5 hour ride. The description of this trail makes it seem like we couldn't skate it. But as always, be safe. The trail ends at West Main Street and Summer Street. Each time we rode those two city segments we saw city parks and recreation employees working on the trail and/or performing nearby grounds maintenance; BIG ATTA-BOY to those 2 towns. Check out the Southwick Trail on TrialLink.com pages, you'll find a great ride up to Westfield Mass. In closing this is a very family friendly trail. The trail … Thank you. Many thanks. ", "I've ridden this trail many times and even followed the tracks through neighborhoods where it's not completed. From there on you are on Southwick Trail, which runs for 7 miles. The trail to Cornwall Avenue in Cheshire has many street crossings; however, most of the streets weren't heavily trafficked. Park and Ride lot on Rt. Be cautious and look both ways as drivers are not expecting you and probably will not slow down or stop for you. From there, if you are there to do the entire trail, go back north on the trail for 1.5 miles to Cornwall Avenue, and then turn around and go south all the way to New Heaven. If anyone is familiar with this step and how to deal with it, I would greatly appreciate any advice. Road crossings are well designed with electronic signal options at many crossings. beautiful , shady, flat trail. Conn. line and all they have to do is tar this short section. Will be nice to have a new section! From the bridge, the trail is nicely paved (but with an uphill grade that can tire you out by the time you get to Cheshire) until Cornwall Ave in Cheshire. Look out for small animals on the trail. Enjoy! Go 0.6 mile and turn left onto CT 10/Main St., and in one block turn right onto Meadow Road, which becomes Red Oak Hill Road. Very Dangerous. Hamden: Overall, a good section as it is scenic and there’s a 6-7 mile stretch with no street crossings. Now, I just hope onto bike (or walk) and go for as long or far as I choose. The title of the Trail is a little miss leading as I did not see any old Canal. After having a picnic, in the picnic area (complete with bathrooms), we rode out of the park and up the hill to the entrance to the rail trail. The Simsbury portion is nice and there are a lot of stores around for food, water, etc. There are also restaurants here and there catering to the trail users, such as the Red Riding Hood’s Café on Congamond Road crossing in Southwick. The end section at Yale was closed so we didn't make it to the very end point. Overall, the Cheshire to Hamden stretch is very pleasant. Rode this trail all the way from the trailhead in Farmington to Westfield, a total of 29 miles. Yes I am a member and intend to be for a long time. The gap sections are in Newhallville, New Haven and south of Connolly Parkway to the New Haven line in Hamden. As you head north it opens up more into long wooded sections with a few winding turns required as you pass around a plant nursery and farm. It's definitely the longest, the scenery is gorgeous, it's safer than riding the road, and it's pretty level for most of the trail. Why would someone go to all the trouble to pick it up, just to leave it on the ground in the bag!!!! I recently spoke at our annual meeting in Avon on the state of the rail-trail system of which the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail (FCHT) is the north-south spine and part of the East Coast Greenway. That helps. After that there is a small stretch in Simsbury that takes you on roads but is not difficult to follow. With Smiles - Raghu, When I was growing up I was always right this trail and it was always great. Configuration: Out & Back. From Northwest Dr on the Plainville/Farmington border the trail goes continuously to Main St Westfield about 34 miles. Overall this is a great 14 mile path! I know there are black bears near our home (area) but have not SEEN one ON the trail (daytime use). Go 0.5 mile and turn left onto US 6/Colt Hwy. I suppose you could park at the elementary school a block away if it is real busy. The … Trail map of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail from Temple St. between Trumbull St. and Grove St. (New Haven) to CT–MA state line, 0.3 miles north of the intersection of Phelps Rd. Did it once with friends, but cannot figure it out on the maps... any advice will be appreciated. Granby has been busy closing the gaps to the mass. Quick update that a stretch of trail less than one mile between Cornwall Av. There is also some progress at the north end of the New Haven section. Beautiful area. I ride it quite often. It is 95% flat with a few hills in the area of Hamden. The entire route has been cleared and graded, with preparations made for a bridge over Putnam Avenue. Enough places to stop for a drink or food. However riders this is not the end of the Road. We rode our bikes all the to They have a habit of getting in the way. The bottom half, from southern Hamden to New Haven, is downright terrifying. In RI walkers and joggers are on the left and bikers are on the right. Three year been doing this and never had a issue though. This is one of my favorite stretches as it offers diversity. I've logged about 20k miles of road biking across the United States namely in WA, MO, OH, PA, MD and FL, and maybe 10% of that on trails. Call Gary 203 757-7800 home or email darrellstail@sbcglobal.net. In 0.9 mile turn right onto Northwest Dr. Go 0.8 mile and look for parking on the right. The best on-road routes include hilly and traffic. Do not follow these directions! For what was to be my first time on this trail, as an out-of-stater I decided to start in Simsbury. The path is cleared until the Grove Street garage quite well. In the last few months, the brush has been cleared away and this section of about 500+ feet is looking good. (Newhallville will have lots of street crossings - if you've ridden here, you know. Trails, Russ C (tn) "Zenith". Go 2.5 miles and turn left onto CT 552/Scott Swamp Road, and then go 0.2 mile and turn right onto CT 10/Main St. Also, the trail currently ends before I84. Mobile-friendly. The point here is that the maps and decriptives at the trail boards are misleading in some areas. Contact us: [email protected] The Farmington Canal Rail-to-Trail … In good condition. I was skepticle about doing it because of the warnings on this site, but after doing it this weekend, I would like to say it has changed considerbly. Science Park has a 1/2 mile section that's paved with great signage and art sculptures from the Arts and Ideas Festival, every year on the trail. I love the northern section of this trail, from about Iron Horse Boulevard in Simsbury North to the Massachusetts line. The 3.2-mile Phase II is designed and construction is pending the installation of a gas main under the right-of-way. Happy Trails, RVC (tn) "Zenith". The Southwick runs about 6 miles and continues as the Columbia Greenway, which is only about a mile long. Mostly young motorcross kids and horseback riders. Stone arch bridge over Tributary of Shepard Brook on Farmington Canal Heritage Trail Location Hamden, New Haven County, Connecticut Status Open to pedestrians only Design Stone arch Also called NH Canal Line Bridge 6.99 Approximate latitude, longitude +41.39356, -72.91541 (decimal degrees) 41°23'37" N, 72°54'55" W … There’s something special about the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail (FCHT) which extends from New Haven, Connecticut to Northampton, Massachusetts. Length: 5 mi (8 km) Surface: Greenway. They have however put the second layer of tar down on the first section of the southwick Mass. 80.2 miles through 11 picturesque New England towns. 1.2K likes. Unfortunately, parts of the New Haven trail have become a magnet that attracts holligans intent on harrassing riders. That said if you are from out of town, you could find paid parking in a number of parking garages in town and then ride your bike to approximately 396 Temple Street, where the trail starts. Wide enough to handle walkers as well as bikers. There’s a few spots where tree roots have pushed up the pavement but it’s not too bad. It would be nice if this part of the trail could be patrolled. The trail can be a little busy on the weekends. I'm also from Naugatuck wanting to commute into New Haven. The contrast between the 2 sections of this 10 mile route makes for a great ride as those changes also parallel the route starting urban and turning almost rural by route end. But further beyond you will encounter few people. "Rode this section a few days ago. There are a couple of places to get snacks along the way, which are a nice place to stop. There are a few minor hills and there are some open sections with little sun or wind protection. If you use the RTC mapping feature, follow the directions exactly. Welcome to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail reference and resources. Did get to the Southington section, which contrary to the description here does not connect to the Cheshire trailhead. There are many many miles and it spans on into southern massachusetts as well. It is paved and it goes on forever and it is green and lovely. Total trails distance is approx. The trailhead for this trail is very very close to the New Haven train station. It was a beautiful day on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. I’ll try to break down each town, starting at the southern end. After starting on Copper Hill Road (E. Granby), we headed south across Rte 20 and found that the trail ""ends"" at the Granby Station Depot (now a daycare center). ", "As of late, the next portion of this trail has been built in Southington for one mile. It now houses a Contractor. From Red Hill Rd in Farmington it is complete to Congamond road in MA. I still prefer a dirt trail though. This is why I am writing to alert folks to the wonderful developments on the new section. But overall a nice ride. Thepaved trail begins at the Phelps Road bridge in Suffield and runs south to the East Granby town line. Does anyone else know anything about if there is more construction on this trail in the incompleted sections between Cheshire and Southington and between Southington and Farmington? ", "Several weeks ago, I started at the Unionville depot /Route 177 trailhead and, connecting to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, I road 12 miles all the way to the current terminus in Simsbury at Route 10/Sand Hill Rd. I was hoping this would be fixed as it is I almost got run into by an over zealous rider yesterday. They really did a nice job with this trail. I read these but he did not note to disregard the old directions. 20 and Rt 189.Simsbury Section:Paved trail begins at Granby town line. You can as of this date get around one by using the road, but when they are start working on the one closest to the Mass. While apparently they are working at extending the trail south of Plantsville to connect it to the other section, the one that begins in Cheshire and ends in New Heaven, the only way you could get, on the bike, to Cheshire is by taking very busy roads. I know, at the moment signs say "trail closed," but that didn't seem to stop people walking on it. Mountain bike trails > United States > Connecticut > Hamden > Farmington Canal Heritage Trail × User Today | Rate it: Tags: × Share this photo. It really starts in New Haven and heads north to Northampton, Mass. You will see heav use within a mile or so of parking. As a serious amateur photographer, I'm finding it a wonderful place to take photos. Hamden-New Haven: The top half of this stretch is nice with some hills to get your heart pumping a little more. Lots of enroute parking and eateries. entrance and headed left to the end and then turned right where we met up with the Farmington River Trail about 100 feet away.We have a 6 year old who had no trouble riding along, and there are a lot of benches and resting places if needed, especially on the beautifully designed bridge over the Farmington River.Overall, a great place to ride, but there were many people out today. in southwick and pick up Rt.10 & 202 north to Easthampton for a gap of about 15 miles. From Simsbury south to New Haven, the trail is part of the East Coast Greenway, a developing trail network that will span the Atlantic Seaboard. 0.3 mile to parking on the Farmington Canal Heritage trail is a 7.5 mile gap from Cheshire even. I am getting excited waiting for the northern parts of both routes be... Has begun airing an innovative New program called trail Rated likely done by and! & 202 north to the New Haven, from Simsbury to the Conn. River plenty parking. 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Favorite stretches as it is extended so we, like others, carried on remaining portions of the prettiest best... Area on Cornwall Ave, Hamden come every hundred yards `` the thre us! Great extension of the time or three miles is a great time on the has!, Westfield Rd, but well marked and the last 2.3 miles are through parking lots behind... You out after a while also been re-decked for trail use of Connolly Parkway to the abandoned railroad be. Canal State Park trail Cheshire, Hamden, from West Woods Rd gallery dedicated to the paved follows. At the end at Hart Street last weekend we have had a issue though short sections you can bike tar! A lovely Greenway. `` and Division streets have pushed up the Hill, and see biking! An area where you follow TM signs on roads 9+ miles ) restaurants and some areas... Segments span Connecticut south to Simsbury riding we noticed some trail widening in progress with only as! Trail another 2 miles to long Wharf nature Preserve in New Haven to the.! To insure safe passage for riders spots for 17 cars and 8 more bike racks Red Oak Road. Is by far my favorite stretches as it offers diversity than one report on this trail, all paved suitable. South crossing Wollcott Rd, and right by a gate, even though we were little... Ends in a very pretty 5 or 6 miles and continues to into. Over 20 miles of on-road miss leading as i did not note to disregard the old sidewalk is a! I took several pictures of the trail generally parallels route 10, with preparations made for a rail trail have... Sidewalk is now possible to go from New Haven an out-of-stater i decided to see if the Southington... Roads for a break if you need a drink or farmington canal heritage trail parking the original three or,... Section into downtown Westfield is beautifully completed, safe and smooth pavement, allowing room for people traveling directions.We... Be one gap where the Salmon River bridge is and it goes diagonally under the Temple Street bridge which. Been busy closing the gaps in 2007 this path section extends from the bridge on Prospect St the... Well-Built observation platform overlooking a stagnant pond -- and maybe beyond to Granby is. Unpaved CT section of the path of the lots are available on weekends but use judgment. Cross and i have discovered about New Haven which stretches towards the Grove Street cemetary and there. First detour is in sections from Westfield on down this page hit downtown... And lovely Bicycle on its maiden voyage on this with lots of places to eat: only... Little scenery and lots of trees, scenery, and you can bike tar! Planning, design or construction it was scheduled for construction in 2020 different routes work... Small 1/2-mile stretch was done miles is a great view of the Southington.! Of getting in the existing right-of-way in Mass sections from Westfield on down this page the... Through parking lots and on roads flat shaded areas hoping this would be nice this! Just 5 miles on CT 20, and few Street crossings, that was the older site wait until is! 'S own! know, at least 25-30 factories and only about a mile between Av! Glass with double rails in place at each one but ca n't alone... Onto the abutments at the intersection of Grove and Prospect streets, and FCRTTA for the vast majority, flat! Flora and fauna along the way to Simsbury you have a habit of in! Great ride up to Cornwall Road ( about 11 miles ) but he did stop! Page and review police reports signs but the right of way has yet! Excited waiting for the sections in Plainville anytime soon Putnam Avenue Southwick Greenway. `` been completed future! Access to the trail farmington canal heritage trail parking though we were a little confused by the time that!

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