By
Fletch6
in
6/7/2012 8:52:26 AM
|
I would recomend you wait to explore this section. The construction is still ongoing and you will get in the way of the workers efforts and could get hurt or make extra work for them. The work on this section is expected to be done by the end of the month and it wont be long now.
By
Fletch6
in
2/21/2012 4:55:56 PM
|
I found this link easy for closings. http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Operations/Branches/SFOO/DOCS/Notices/LakeOScenicTrail_ClosuresMap_2012JAN12.pdf
By
Fletch6
in
2/7/2012 7:24:45 PM
|
Great news. the extension into Westfield called the Columbia bikeway is due to go out to bid and parking at the north end near Shaker farm road will be build and open by June. this is the first of three stages and hopefully will be done by 2015. This will when finished bring the Canal trail 3 1/2 miles closer to Southampton.
By
Fletch6
in
10/26/2011 9:48:37 PM
|
With the extension south to Coleman Rd. which adds about 3/4 mile to the Manhan and the bridge over the Manhan river near Ferry St. almost done this completes the rail trail in Easthampton. It is now about 14 miles from the south end to the Southwick rail trail and there are two routes a biker can use to connect via roads.
To the east by taking a left off Coleman Rd. you can get to the route with the least traffic and use Line Rd. and follow this via East Mt. Road to rt. 20. where you can take a right and cross the river and make a left on little river road to a right on Shaker road. This brings you to the North end of the Southwick RT just after Shaker farms gulf course.
To the west and taking a right off Coleman rd. you get to Rt.10 and head south. (Rt.10 joins Rt.202) This is a highly traveled road and with much traffic and the city of Westfield gets you about the same miles to the end off the southwick RT.
By
Fletch6
in
9/30/2011 3:44:33 PM
|
I have been wanting to take a ride on the newly completed Canton section for a while, but have waited to do the New Burlington section at the same time. The 10.9 mileage is about right one way although the end at Canton does not have mileage markers yet. The new Canton section is well done and makes for a great ride. I parked with permission from the Ski shop at the end on Rt.44 and started a gentle down hill to Collinsville and the ride along the Farmington river headed south. There is however Parking at a park and across the street from the Canton fire station one block west from the start and on week ends should be used to keep the ski lot for customers. At MM 5 a newly completed section was a welcome relief from the 2 miles of root heaves from Black Locust trees left too close to the trail. With no mile markers between #5 and #3.5 I am not sure how much is left to do, but a construction worker says it should be finished in about a month and is packed gravel for about 3/4 of a mile to the underpass at Rt.4. I think the previous report confused the Farmington Canal Trail with The Farmington river trail.
By
Fletch6
in
6/2/2011 7:07:38 AM
|
http://www.fvgreenway.org/Pdfs/Trail-miles-Status-Oct-2010.pdf
You can look here to see the miles left in each town. The miles in Northampton are a little off as all are done.
By
Fletch6
in
5/15/2011 6:43:47 AM
|
I was on Rt. 384 and noticed there is some construction on the east end of this headed toward Bolton.
I don't know when it will be finished, but think it will add about a mile. It is still a ride along the highway for the most part but can be interesting in places and will be nice to see it connect with the Hop River Trail.
A note is that while there is parking at charter oaks park for most of the time the restrooms here are locked.
By
Fletch6
in
5/15/2011 6:30:44 AM
|
Westfield. the Trail is about 100 yards west of the gulf course and just after you pass munger hill road. It is really on the westerly boundary of the course.
By
Fletch6
in
5/4/2011 5:34:39 PM
|
A little more information about the improvements in this section. The southern terminus of the trail is now the Meriden-Waterbury turnpike or Rt.322. You can reach this by going west off Rt.10 and taking a left on Canal St. after the underpass. A real nice touch in the improvements is a crushed stone path for runners on the edge of the asphalt.
By
Fletch6
in
5/1/2011 4:03:46 PM
|
There have been some recent improvements in parking and this trail section now is about 4 miles long. It goes south now to the Cheshire town line.
I hear the next section will connect south to the Cheshire section.
Manhan Rail-Trail
Connection to Northampton completed
By
Fletch6
in
4/9/2011 9:36:39 AM
|
You can now turn north just after Ferry St. and follow along side Lovefield St. under the power lines build on the old RR to Northampton and a very nice bridge over Rt.10 and connect with the system of trails here.
It is still a little disconnected from the Norwottuck Rail Trail but by using some back streets and an underpass to cross under the active RR you can get there. You can also connect with the spur line and head west for almost 5 miles to Leeds.
By
Fletch6
in
12/8/2010 9:36:32 AM
|
With the completion of the extension to the Manhan trail in Easthampton the data and maps should be updated. The F.J.Ryan extension west to Leeds is now almost 5 miles of tar and you can go about 1/2 mile more on some dirt too about 1/2 mile from Rt. 9 in the town of Hadenville. Headed south along the west side of the B&M active RR for about a mile to the old station now a restaurant and then winding thru muni. parking lots at the bus station the trail now heads south for another 4 miles for a total of 10 miles in Northampton to the Manhan Rail Trail.
By
Fletch6
in
10/12/2010 8:28:26 AM
|
NORTHAMPTON - The city has inched closer to creating an inter-community network of trails by purchasing a .2-miles stretch of land along the Mill River in Williamsburg.
The property, which was acquired from Laurie B. Farkas for $5,000, would allow for the extension of the Northampton Rail Trail into Williamsburg. The trail currently ends at Grove Avenue in Leeds. Over the past several years, Northampton has bought additional parcels from National Grid and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Springfield that would enable the city to extend the trail to the Northampton/Williamsburg line.
Landowners in Williamsburg have opposed the trail, taking the town to court over its efforts to create a right-of-way. Northampton has given the recently purchased land to Williamsburg with the condition that the city retain an easement that would allow it to create a rail trail in the future. According to city Planning Director Wayne M. Feiden, the property includes 50 feet with a spectacular view of the Mill River. Williamsburg voted overwhelmingly to accept the property at its most recent Town Meeting.
The money for the purchase was donated by Friends of Northampton Trails and Greenways, Feiden said, and did not come out of the city coffers.
With the connector between Easthampton and Northampton almost finished we will soon have a Rail Trail system that will be spectacular.
By
Fletch6
in
10/11/2010 3:08:37 PM
|
The trail is now open and done from the Conn. Line 6 1/2 miles to the westfield line. They only have to install a flashing light on Rt. 57. Lots of use and hopefully they will establish more parking area's. Now if Wesfield wil get the money and extend the trail north into town. Plans are for three stages to be done in 2015, but that I will have to see.
By
Fletch6
in
9/1/2010 3:24:08 PM
|
The second layer of tar is down to the Westfield line now. There is still some landscaping to do and the trail is not officially open yet. I ride this section only on week ends when they are not working. the big problem is parking and right now until some arrangements can be made the only parking is on rt.168 and it is full on week ends and people are using a dirt section most of the time. My understanding is that Westfield will start in 2011 on the first of three stages at the Southwick town line if the money can be found. But that said it is only about 200 yards to Shaker Farms road and you can only park about 2 cars here.
By
Fletch6
in
8/24/2010 7:39:34 PM
|
This is part of the Mass. Central or Central Mass RR that ran from Northampton to Boston 104 miles. It is still in pieces and being made into a Rail Trail. from here to Worcester is is called the Wachusett Greenway but is very fragmented.
By
Fletch6
in
5/9/2010 4:58:26 PM
|
The first stage was dedicated on May 3rd this year and is really a nice bike ride. Even before it was dedicated there was a lot of use by all. This trail actually starts at the Conn. Line and extends North for 3 miles and is tarred to the tunnel at Point Grove Rd. This is stage one of two stages in Southwick. The second stage is being worked on and could be done and tarred by August of 2010. The only parking at this time is at about the middle of the current 3 miles in Mass. and is at the south end of Congamond pond on Rt.168 or Congamond rd. But there is a lot of good parking here, with several places to rest and eat. At the Conn./Mass. line it is a short distance south to some parking on Quarry road in some tobacco fields. There has been some vandalism of cars here so be careful what you leave in view if you park. At the north end of the tarred trail at Point Grove Road the trail goes under the road in a new tunnel and you have to go north on dirt for about 1/2 mile to Depot rd. to find parking. When finished in southwick it will be over 6 miles and connect with the Farmington Canal Rail Trail to the south (22.5 miles into Conn.) and into Westfield on the Columbia Bikeway for an additional 3 miles which could be done in 2015 and is scheduled to start in 2011 at this time.
Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
Current status of trail north from Mass. line to Amherst, Mass.
By
Fletch6
in
4/27/2010 7:29:28 AM
|
As said there is about 3 miles tared up from the state line into southwick done and due to be officially opened on May 3rd. Stage #2 is underconstruction up to the Westfield line and could be open by the fall. Westfield is going to start on stage #1 of three stages in 2011 and it is hoped to be done up to the Westfield river by 2015. there will be a gap from here to Southampton where there is a feasibility study on the rail line to connect with the Manhan in Easthampton. Northampton and Easthampton are working to connect north to the Norwatuck and over to Amherst. This connector could be done this year with the exception of one bridge that is easily to by pass on a short section of side walk. So at the present time you can go to the left at Depot rd. in southwick and pick up Rt.10 & 202 north to Easthampton for a gap of about 15 miles.
By
Fletch6
in
12/15/2009 10:55:44 AM
|
Took the grandkids up to ride this short but nice trail in August. We started at McClelland Farm road just across the street from Guilford RR yard.(old B&M)
It starts on a build trail to pick up the Old NYNH&H R.R. branch and then crosses the Conn. river on what is reported to be the oldest RR bridge over the river. In a short distance is used a short section of small streets to get over to the start of the canal section. The ride along the feeder canal for the power plant has lots of wildlife to see. We saw ducks and geese and the other side where the road and the salmon fish research lab is and can be fished. After we passed where the R.R. spur line crossed over to the mills on the west side you get closer to the other side and can see the southworth mill and some others. At the underpass by the fish ladder(you can visit this in the spring when the salmon and others are heading upstream to spawn) you can make a right to visit the Great Falls Discovery Center which is housed within a complex of old mill buildings and includes open habitat exhibits and fish tanks. Admission is free. At the northern end is the Turners Falls dam and Barton's Cove and small park.
By
Fletch6
in
10/19/2009 6:22:46 PM
|
The culvert has been replaced and filled back to level. they tared the surface and layed burlap on the banks. It looks like all they have to do now is to replace the railings and you will be able to bike to the Oxbow and rt. 5.
By
Fletch6
in
10/19/2009 6:19:00 PM
|
From the east end of the F.P.Ryan and Rt. 5 the first layer of tar is down and is being ridden now. If you park at the stop and shop you can cross rt. 5 and bike south next to the active RR track to the Northampton station and turn behind gleason winding toward the .7 mile rail trail starting just past the Peter Pan bus station. Work has started clearing the ROW south from here to connect with the Manhan at Ferry st. I dont think they will be able to get the bridges done and this part tared before the plants close for the winter but much can be done and could be finished in the spring.
By
Fletch6
in
10/5/2009 7:15:56 PM
|
I forgot to mention that there is still a small gap at Look park between the extension. Cross Rt. 9 and take a right on a very small side walk or just ride the street about 1000 yards. One other problem is the lack of parking here without paying to park in Look Park. You are better off back down on Rt.5 at the stop and shop.
By
Fletch6
in
10/4/2009 4:53:41 PM
|
the two mile extention from the entrence to Look Park west Leeds is open and the dedication was today.
I understand that the 8,000 extention south toward the Manhan rail trail is partly finished and you can ride to New south st. or almost to rt. 202 now with one small section between Rt. 5 and the bus station. The 4400 meter extention to Ferry St. in Easthampton and the Manhan has just started and depending on the two bridges construction could be done next year.
By
Fletch6
in
9/23/2009 2:21:52 PM
|
Today they dropped the two bridges onto the abutments at the Mass. Conn. line and all they have to do is tar this short section. This should be done in about two weeks. I managed to be the first one across on my bike and will be submitting some pictures of the crane dropping them. With the 3 miles north into Southwick done and the stage 2 going up for bid on Oct. 6th it wont be long now.
By
Fletch6
in
8/15/2009 12:05:33 PM
|
Forgot to mention this in my last post. It is about 1000 yards up from the end of the trail.
By
Fletch6
in
8/14/2009 12:58:16 PM
|
Took a ride over from Avon today to do a loop off the Canal Trail and the section south of Collinsville is getting a lot of root heaving. I did not see many bikes although it was a nice cool ride. I was wondering if when being built more cut back of trees would help keep this from ruining a trail as fast. It seems that Locust trees close to the trail are the worst. I am still exploring to find a good way to climb over the ridge back to Avon from Collinsville with out the trafic of Rt. 44
By
Fletch6
in
8/8/2009 12:19:41 PM
|
I rode down into Conn. today and found they have started work on the two culverts at the state 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. line this will not be possible until finished. They have however put the second layer of tar down on the first section of the southwick Mass. rail trail and are doing a final landscaping.
By
Fletch6
in
7/3/2009 3:40:29 PM
|
The Salmon river bridge in Granby is finished and open. This makes the Trail bikeable all the way almost to the Mass. Line and it is dirt for only about 1/2 mile. They have put the first layer of tar into Mass. and except for short sections you can bike on tar all the way to the Oak & Keg in southwick.
By
Fletch6
in
6/26/2009 7:44:32 AM
|
There has been a wash out about 1/4 mile from the Rt. 5 parking lot. work continues on the link to Northampton and a short section is open and rideable in northhampton. the ROW has been aquired to complet this link.
By
Fletch6
in
6/20/2008 8:45:09 AM
|
We set out yesterday to explore the trail in NY between these two town because we had heard conflicting reports about if you could bike this section. Heading north out of West Pawlet to almost Granville the trail is about the same condition as south for about 3 miles to the town of Granville. It opens into some industrial area there and you will have to turn left to Church st. and then right into downtown Granville. After you cross the river you will shortly reach a light in town and here you have to make a left down to the finished compacte stone section in Granville. A right turn takes you onto a 1/2 mile section of compacted stone. After you cross Rt.22 again it gets progressively more brushy and narrow and ends in a barn yard. You can go around the barn and cows to Rt.22 for a short distance but here it is so dense and the brush closed in not much fun riding and after Fox Road the old Row has been swoll up in corn fields till after Raceville. You can take a left to Rt.22 to Poultney or a right on Fox road and withing 100 yard a left on an unmarked tar road that follows the row on the east to raceville in about 2 1/2 miles. Out of Pultney the trail is nice for about 2 miles then starts to get grassy and unmowed. You could follow a farm road thru the fields between here and Rt. 22 but it is posted. This is in the middle of two slate rock quaries.
By
Fletch6
in
5/6/2008 7:05:42 PM
|
As said on the page for the Farmington Valley Green way It is possible to bike south from almost the Mass. Line to the Plainville line and then turn north again on the Farmington river trail for a loop ride of over 30 miles. ( the 30 miles is from Simsbury and back not up to the Mass. Line) When you get to the end of the FVGW take a right and about 50 ft. you will cross a street to start.
The first 3.3 miles if asphalt and with the new underpass for Rt.4 very nice riding. You then will find about 2 miles of trap rock and dirt riding up to the section going to Collinsville. I think this is the town of Burlington and hopefully they will finish sometime. This is a very nice river ride along the Farmington river with a spectacular trestle at the edge of town. After the end you can wind through local back roads to pick up two pieces of an old RR (I think) that went over the ridge to Simsbury. I had scouted the easterly section last year and still have not found the section near Collinsville so we just road up and over Rt.44 to some more back roads and back down a 3 mile stone chip section of the old RR to join with Rt.167.
By
Fletch6
in
4/10/2008 5:58:11 PM
|
Granby has been busy closing the gaps to the mass. line and by the time summer is here it could be finished. there will be one gap where the Salmon river bridge is and it can be detoured around without much trouble. they just put in a new bridge and have done a lot of paving work. the loop around the nursery is finished and needs land scapeing, and with southwick poised to work on the first section in Mass. this makes a great ride.
By
Fletch6
in
1/28/2008 7:45:42 PM
|
I rode this trail from the south end up to Rt.2. The first few miles are very rough because of horse traffic not the best Mt. biking but it improved as you went north. Lots of interest to see along the way and
in all a ride to be done.
By
Fletch6
in
10/30/2007 4:00:14 PM
|
"I biked from Lebanon to Canaan and back today and was amazed. This trail is the most scenic and best I have explored in NH. the weather was perfect and the packed surface was smooth and could be used by a road bike. In fact I was amazed by how many were out on the trail today a week day and about half were on road bikes.
we stopped in Enfield for lunch and are going back soon to do the east end. Trail is up hill from Lebanon to Canaan and then you can roll on the return. Lots and good parking at the end at Lebanon. "
By
Fletch6
in
10/30/2007 4:00:14 PM
|
From Rt.122 in Rutland to Sterling about 30 miles of the MC RR is being pieced together. 5 or 6 sections of varying length are now open and bike-able. While not following the old MCRR for the entire length it might be possible in the near future to bike it all without using roads. The best and newest section runs west from Rt.12 in West Boylston for about 5 miles. On the west end from Glenwood Rd. in Rutland to Rt.122 is another longer section and the new underpass at Charrock Rd. and the fern covered rock cut here are not to be missed.
By
Fletch6
in
10/30/2007 4:00:14 PM
|
Started about a mile from the NY line in West Rupert at the post office as it seemed to have the best parking and headed north just as the rain started. It was slightly up hill for about half the trip to west Pawlet. The surface was two tracks of cinders and dry until it really started to pour. We turned around in West Pawlet at a small store that was under renovation. It would have been nice to have a sandwich and soda here but the owners hope to re open next week. They nicely gave my friend a garbage bag to keep him warm for the return trip. We jumped off on the road for most of the return trip because of the water and heavy rail. I enjoyed the ride and saw a lot of birds in spite of the rain and will return to finish the north section soon. Trail surface is in good condition and most of this section was mowed not too long ago.
By
Fletch6
in
10/30/2007 4:00:14 PM
|
"Right now the 11 mile western paved section called the Norwottuck trail is open to the Belchertown line. A short section west from Damon Rd. to almost Rt.5 in Northampton will be open shortly. Belchertown has acquired 6 1/2 miles of the old RR bed to establish a Greenway thru this town.Right now about 4 miles between Rt.202 and Rt.181 is open and can be biked, But it is dirt and sand, but really a nice ride. East of Rt.181 the old RR bed is in privet ownership and is posted no Wheeled vehicles. So you could hike part of it. I have been exploring the old route to determine and publicize what is now open to biking and if others can provide some input on open sections would appreciate it. "
By
Fletch6
in
10/30/2007 4:00:14 PM
|
"I explored the SNET in Douglas SF and Saw lots of RR history.
A great Key stone bridge next to the Park headquarters you could visit without riding the Trail is worth the trip. Douglas SF has lots of fire roads that are more fun to ride than the SNET and I would recommend them. Most of the ROW was sandy and heavy use by ATVs (illegal) and horses make it no fun to ride. the surface varied from ballast to washed out areas and was quite sandy and bumpy from equestrian traffic. We found the Grand trunk crossing and I am going to go back to explore this someday.(this RR was being built when the owner died in the Titanic) The concrete abutments and the ROW were built but not the trestles. There are some kiosks about this RR. "
By
Fletch6
in
10/30/2007 4:00:14 PM
|
"Today I road west from the pedestrian bridge in Putnam to where I had stopped a few days ago. You can find the start across the river if you look where the abutment was. It seems to be posted to the left and the right but once you are on the ROW it is bike able. the surface varies from trap rock to sand and until you get to Pomfret is a challenge. Make sure you turn right off the power line. An abutter has dumped some brush at one road crossing, but it is easy to go to the left and pick the Rail Trail up about 1/2 mile further. I could see the ATVs had used this section so there must be a way around. As you approach the half way point I again found more Equestrian use with the chopped up surface and piles of you know what. I found the challenge made the ride more than just a flat run at high speed. You will find some short sections have rock ballast and I assume this is to fill in wet sections. If you ride after a rain a few places are muddy but easy to get around. On the return I took a left on rt. 44 and returned via the road. It seems they are building a new parking area here and you could see more improvements soon. "
By
Fletch6
in
10/30/2007 4:00:14 PM
|
I was traveling down Rt. 6 today and was disappointed to see that the bridge abutments are finished but in two years they have not built the bridge.
By
Fletch6
in
10/30/2007 4:00:14 PM
|
I road from where the tar section ends headed east out of Wilmington to just beyond Goodwin SF today. The trail starts as well packed stone and changes back a froth from sand to gravel and stone chips. As said before it is a challenging ride and seems up hill as the ride back was all top gear. I parked where the trail crosses Rt.203. but you could park on Rt. 6 just around the corner at the park and lock at the end of the airport. Another biker says the loop around the pond here is good riding also. There has been a mix of equestrian and ATV traffic in several sections.
By
Fletch6
in
9/22/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
"You can ride south of the Rt.57 bridge for about 3 miles now. This bike-way is finished for about 2 miles along river rd. going toward 6 flags. Park at the Ed. Borgatti Rec. area or along the bike way just before it. With about 1 mile of side walk on the west side of the Conn. river. After crossing the river Rt. 57 bridge the trail starts almost behind Central Chev, but you have to ride side walk up to the station north of the Basketball hall of fame to cross unless you climb the stairs for the green walk way just before the Station. You can then go south for about 3/4 of a mile to a dead end and then turn north to ride all the trail to the Chicopee line. Hopefully they will finish going north to link with Holyoke's trail. The trail is nice riding on tar where it is finished and has some very scenic views of the river and bridges.
"
By
Fletch6
in
9/11/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
Rode from Hudson to Marlboro & return. One bridge just about finished and another across the river on Rt.62 they just started the work on. Nice tunnel under Rt.209 and some very nice views. All nicley paved. Will be great when it is finished to Acton.
By
Fletch6
in
9/11/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
Started at Seaview Drive and headed east. You are in back yards much of the time and cross streets a lot. Not paved except for about a Mile at the end of the spur to Salem. Nice views and a lot to see in Marblehead. I missed the turn to the spur just before the bridge. The spur is more remote and goes thru some conservation areas before ending at the Salem College and Rt.1A
By
Fletch6
in
9/11/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
Start at the Bedford Station across from the Rail Car. The first section is tar to Rt.63 and well packed gravel most of the rest of the way with well marked road crossings. Just after the Bedford line it gets a little sandy and ends in an industrial park in Billarica. Dont miss a walk around the side trail to Fawn Lake.
By
Fletch6
in
9/6/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
I finally bit the bullet and came down to do this section of the East Coast Greenway today. started at Charter Oak park and headed west along Rt.384. The tar bike path jumps from one side of rt. 384 to the other following a brook part of the way. You can go east from the park for about 3/4 of a mile and then it ends and you have to return. I found that an extension to the north almost at the end goes about 2 miles to Wickham park. It is kind of interesting to wind up and down along the highway off ramps and the Rt.84 and Rt. 384 intersections. There is a nice view of Hartford just before the west end after the turn off for the Vet. Memorial park. the turns on the trail are well marked and road cross walks have buttons for light change.
By
Fletch6
in
9/4/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
I could not find this trail except for about 1/4 mile in Winsted where the sign said an old round house was off Willow st. Someone there said they decided not do any more of the trail than this small section.
By
Fletch6
in
9/4/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
The trail starts on your left just before the school on Rt.309 and is dirt for about a mile and then becomes tar for another mile and after the dam and small pond on the right you can pick it up for almost another mile. The road turns into dirt just before the dam and baseball field. Seems like a house was built as you head west that will cause a detour in getting to Collinsville to make a loop of the two farmington rail trails.
By
Fletch6
in
8/30/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
"Rode from Dennis on Rt.134 to end with a side trip to Marconi Station. Lots of people riding for a week day. The first half to nickerson is done and nice. They are scheduled to do the next half starting Sept. 15th. We took the flex bus back from Farrell's market to E. harwick stop and shop. You could transfer to H2O Breeze to return to rt.134 if you want, but we rode down Rt.137 to the Chatham Rail trail to return. The bus ride was only $1 and you can fit 2 bikes first come first serve for no extra charge. They run about every half hour on the major route. Had a really nice ride. "
By
Fletch6
in
8/24/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
This is a very scenic ride but hard to find from the south. It is not finished into Mass. and the southern end is in the yard of an old mill in Winchendon behind piles of wood pallets. If you start in Jaffrey it starts as tar with nice benches and passes by and thru a long lake and dam. At the Rindge line it turns to packed gravel and as you get closer to the mass. line is packed ash possibly from a foundry or elect. generating plant. Across the mass. line it is unimproved except for what the snow mobiles do and one bridge is out with a plank across. Much of the RR ties are still there and the trail ends very near the Cheshire branch. It looks like the trail does go north to Peterborough but I did not have the time to explore more.
By
Fletch6
in
8/17/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
"Started exploring this trail from the south at Townshend Dam off Rt.30. This trail is a mix of footpath and rail trail. You have to descend via some great stone steps at the dam to the old Rt. 30 which I assume is the old RR, but can not get to East Jamaica on Mt. bikes. The first half is a tared road and they are putting in a bridge as I write this to cross a small stream and follow the old RR North to East Jamaica. We next went to Ball Mt. Dam on the advice of a worker on the bridge because you have to pay to access the trail from Jamaica State Park. also it is down hill from the dam to the park. Just before the dam is a parking area and it is tared down under the spill way. the Rail trail starts on the east side of the dam and is marked footpath and the switch backs down the dam are sharp and should be walked unless you are in control descending. For about the next 1/2 mile you descend on a very rocky trail and should walk if you are like me unsure of your skill. It then flattens out and is really great riding all the way to Jamaica State Park. I road south from here for about 1/2 mile and the trail started to deteriorate as a previous biker said and turned around. Next we returned to Ball Mt. Dam and looked for the trail and found it thru a small opening in a guard rail at the parking area. After about 200 ft. of single track it opened up and looked like good riding. we found the first blazing here with small signs. they are a violet color and it is blazed up to where you return to the rail trail in about 2 miles. Trail conditions are hiking quality only and I walked my bike thru although my companion who is a better rider than me road a lot of it except the short steep uphills. I would advise you to skip this and go to Winhall camp ground and bike both south and north along the river to do this section. The trail has a lot of potential and is very scenic and is very remote. If it was finish all the way to Brattleboro it would be a great off road alternative to Rt. 30 & 100. "
By
Fletch6
in
8/11/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
"We heard about this old B&M branch while riding on the Ashuelot Trail last year. We rode from Keene north west toward Walpole and returned for the first section. It is about 10 miles one way and has a real scenic cut at the height of land. The trail is packed gravel and a little challenging in places. It does not now go all the way to Walpole. We then found the end that heads toward Winchendon off Rt.101 south east of Keene and rode toward Troy and Fitzwilliams. It is sandy at the start but crossed a very high viaduct and quickly lost the back yard riding and became very scenic all the way to Troy. It passes thru Troy in a cut of land and does get rather wide south of Troy for a mile or so, but returns to a great dirt ride all the way to Fitzwilliams. We had lunch there and returned. We rode north out of Winchendon, Mass. looking for the southern end and found parts, but in Mass. it is not improved and until the NH line was not very nice or easy to follow. We used several roads to go around bad sections. After crossing into NH it really got scenic and passed thru swamps and wood with some great rock bridges. Approaching Fitzwilliams it passed a quarry that is now a lake, but we had to climb up and down to roads that have been filled in rather than repairing bridges or putting culverts in. If you like exploring you should go to Keene and explore this rail trail and the Ashuelot and this trail. More use by bikers will hopefully lead the State to make more improvements. Keene is linking these sections in town and the LBS should be able to give you directions. "
By
Fletch6
in
8/10/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
"It seems that there is some confusion between this trail and the Farmington River Trail to the West. This trail is along Rt. 202 going from Avon up to Granby and north into Mass. It really starts in New Haven and heads north to Northampton, Mass. and is called various names along the way. From about Planville to Granby it is the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. It has many unfinished sections and will be a great recreational resource when all are finished. Some of the confusion in the Avon Simsbury area comes from the Farmington River and its flow to the Conn. River. It heads south from its start and then goes back north almost at the Plainville line, where it goes thru a cut in the Metacomet ridge at Tariffville. I rode the Simsbury section yesterday north and south from the middle where the best parking is at the Jct. of rt.202 and Rt.187. To the north for about 2 1/2 miles the trail is overgrown and not well kept asphalt. Lots of old leaves and sand to about 1/4 mile of dirt near the Granby line. There are two sections north of here into Mass. that are finished, one of which is part sand and dirt that are at the present detours around unfinished sections.
To the south it is perfect with occasional toilets and in some places double wide with asphalt for those that want it and a double dirt path. The detour to the south of this section is to the left and not on Rt.202 which is narrow and is more dangerous bike travel. "
By
Fletch6
in
6/17/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
Left Bedford west from Loomis St at the start of the Minuteman.
The start is about 200 yards to the west of the station and not marked. Heads off into the wood at what looks like parking area with porta pottie just before school. Nice single track with about 3 short sections of mud. The first road crossing was confusing and I did not see the path down the the next section. Look just to the right of and behind the gardrail. I did not follow to the end because of high water in the concord river by the North bridge. Thanks to two local riders for leading me thru Concord over to the Battle Trail to return.
By
Fletch6
in
5/17/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
"Started at Millerton and rode down to Metro North Sta. at Wassaic and returned. Very level trail and in great shape in spite of recent heavy rains, and crews are out mowing. Started the Section 5 at the south and rode up to Copeck falls and returned. Lots of birds and wild life. Lots of places to rest and signs about the history of the area. This will be a better ride when section 4 gets done. "
By
Fletch6
in
5/11/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
"Rode south from New Paltz to end and returned.then rode north to Rosendale and back.
Several sections to the north are very wide and more of a gravel road, but this is a spectacular section with the high bride at Rosendale at the end. New Paltz has much to see along the way and the vista to the west of the Gunks is great. It is a total of 16 miles one way and worth the trip over from Mass. "
By
Fletch6
in
5/8/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
Drove down to Conn. today and road East from Rt.2 to Farm that blocks trail. Trail is great to Rt. 207 at Hebron and gets more unfinished after with some sections of really large trap rock. a couple of places where the grade was filled in by the highway dept. and you have to climb up to the road. I also rode down the Coldchester Spur. It is for about 1/2 the way a very wide gravel road. Would be nice if it was a little narrower. I met a local that says by June another mile will be improved east of Rt.207.
By
Fletch6
in
3/14/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
"Road from Adams to Lanesboro and back today. Trail is in good shape and clean. They have not opened the wings on the crossings yet or removed the snowmobile rubber on the bridge. It was a nice ride, but a little windy."
By
Fletch6
in
2/2/2006 12:00:00 AM
|
Went over for a short trip and to explore. Nice to have this plowed and salted in the winter. It will be great when it gets connected to the Norwottuck and Manhan.
By
Fletch6
in
10/3/2005 12:00:00 AM
|
Biked from windsor up almost to the North end today with my grandson. This trail is not for young children unless you caution them and keep a close eye on them. No rails and a very steep drop to the river. I was impressed with the aquaduct over the Farmington River and the views of the Conn. River. as soon as the leaves fall this will be even more spectacular.
By
Fletch6
in
9/30/2005 12:00:00 AM
|
"Left Winchester at 11am on a cool day that warmed up later.
The first 1/3 up to the Monadnock Speedway is sandy and slow going. The trail crosses Rt.10 and other roads quite frequently and after the speedway got better. It is a scenic trail and in what seems to be the NH tradition of not being well graded but trimmed of grass and brush with nice bridges. There was on very wet section under an overpass in west swanzey that you can use the road to go around. The covered bridges you pass near are worth the extra side trips. Take the time to find out where they are in relation to the trail. We had lunch in Keene about 2pm and returned the same way, but cut the last sandy mile off by jumping on a road that paralleled the trail."
By
Fletch6
in
9/29/2005 12:00:00 AM
|
"We road east from Rt.63 and back. We did find the start after a little confusion. If you are getting off Rt.84 and heading south. go by the first entrance to Hop Lake park and after two lights start down hill by the dam. About 100 yards on your right is parking. From this end it is up hill for about half the trail to Rt.188 and down hill after. It seems that the beaver problem is fixed and the trail was dry and really great for the first one third. It got more challenging and rough as you encountered more horse traffic. I was wondering if a horse could drag a sled to smooth out the trail occasional. On the air Line South I saw a ATV doing this on the same type of surface. It would make it better for all users. We decided not to continue after Rt.67 as the start did not look all that great and went south on a very buzzy Rt.188 and found a deli next to the ski shop for lunch. No place to set and eat, but they said there was a little park just up the street. The return trip was up hill for about half and then a fast top gear run back to Rt.63. "
By
Fletch6
in
9/22/2005 12:00:00 AM
|
"Started at the southern end in Albany. Found the parking area without too much trouble. I would advise you head south to see the Half Moon ship docked very close to the end.
The first five miles were a pleasant surprise and really a nice ride along the river.
After turning under the highway the next 5 were on city streets and side walks.I hope watervliet will finish the connection to Colonie soon. After a steep climb up to the RR the trail was on asphalt and very nice riding and great trail. One section after about 5 more miles was packed stone chip for about a mile, but good riding. After the loop down and around Rt.87
I found more great trail and lots of views of the Mohawk river. We biked up to the station in Niskayuna had lunch
(bag) and turned around for the return trip. It took about 5 hours and would make a great one way trip down hill and if you skipped the Watervliet section one of the best rides I have taken. I think we biked about 40 miles total. "
By
Fletch6
in
9/16/2005 12:00:00 AM
|
I started at church st. today and road almost to Willimantic with only one detoure. (Rt.316) he workers at Rt.316 say it will be done in 2 months. After a steady climb to Bolton notch It was down hill to Willimantic. After Steel crossing road each section gets progressively more difficult and should be tried by only more adventuresome bikers. I found the bridge just before Flanders river rd. 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 and
when finished will make a great one way day trip.
By
Fletch6
in
9/14/2005 12:00:00 AM
|
Started west without knowing how far I could go. road this trail to the Trestle trail.
Only one heavy traffic road crossing on rt.117. It has a light with crossing button.
Great. If you have a Mt.bike and want to do some serious off road you can continue like I did westerly on the Trestle trail.
Trestle Trail
Serious off road riding only
By
Fletch6
in
9/14/2005 12:00:00 AM
|
"I got to the end of the asphalt on the Coventry trail and decided to continue west to see how far I could go. I started to see signs of ORV use and the trail was not well trimmed and narrow. the first road block was a 40 high trestle that most would not cross. You can duck down a driveway to Rt.117 on the right and then climb back up if you are afraid of heights. As you continue the roller coaster ride increases and you have to duck around someones lawn in their back yard. After the mens club on your left it crosses a pond dam and you should proceed with caution as the far end of the bridge has about 2' missing. the next section is all woods and very remote with one trestle gone that you will have to drop down to the stream, but it is only 3 ft. of water and shallow. I did see what I think might be Sudden Oak death on the Oak trees here. some of this is very sandy and a lot of whoop De doos. I stopped after climbing up to the dirt road just before Rt.102 and after asking directions made a right to Rt.117 (about a mile) and followed this back to Flat river and the beyond the high trestle for my return. This road is wide and has a bike shoulder. "
By
Fletch6
in
9/13/2005 12:00:00 AM
|
"Rode the Rail Trail yesterday
9-12-05. it now is 6 miles long and extends almost to Rt.1. Lots of road crossings and one small section on street, but the area thru Great swamp were great and I saw a deer crossing here. Lots of people enjoying the great weather and this trail."
By
Fletch6
in
8/25/2005 12:00:00 AM
|
"Rode from East Candia to Newfields Yesterday and despite the rain later in the day it was a good ride. We stepped at Raymond for lunch and the Museum (closed) and RR equipment was interesting. The trail is not as developed as some, but this was part of its charm. No mileage markers and signage to find parking was lacking. None of the locals knew where it was located. Some muddy short sections, but very ridable "
By
Fletch6
in
8/23/2005 12:00:00 AM
|
We enjoyed about a 20 mile down and back ride yesterday.
8-22-05. This will be great if it gets extended to NH. Enjoyed the weather and the restored lock. Lots of people enjoying all kinds of activities for a week day.
By
Fletch6
in
8/23/2005 12:00:00 AM
|
"I rode down from Mass. about 2 weeks ago to explore the west end from Rt.2 to East Hampton. Parked at commuter parking on Rt. and headed west toward East Hampton. It is about 6.5 miles one way and after a short grade down it was about 3% up hill to East Hampton. the improved trail ends here at a small pond, but you could continue if you wanted. The trip back over the Lyman viaduct and thru the stone cuts was great and I cant believe that such a remote undeveloped piece of land in Ct. still exist."
By
Fletch6
in
8/3/2005 12:00:00 AM
|
"8-2-05 started at Dole Jct. Trail head was 2.2 miles south of Hinsdale on rt.63 and from south is shorter to find from Northfield and head north on rt.63. parking on rt.63 on west side of rd. Head north on east side of rt.63 for Ashuelot. First mile some weeds and wet, but rained the night before. at Hinsdale found nice restored station. biked to Winchester and had lunch. On return route we took right down hill into Hinsdale and after asking directions, found a different return rt. I think it is the Conn. river RR and starts at boat ramp on conn. river and gets you right back to your vehicle. Trail varied from nicely packed dirt to very rough, but steady climbs and great views. Don't miss the covered bridge. "