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Vernon Rails-to-Trails (Hop River State Park Rockville Spur)
Work is completed

Hi Folks, the work being done at the Tankeroosen cul-de-sac (see previous review) has been completed. Much nicer than its previous condition.

Vernon Rails-to-Trails (Hop River State Park Rockville Spur)
Trail Section Closed Temporarily

Vernon- The rails to Trails section from Route 30 south to Tankeroosen cul-de-sac will be closed as od Monday Oct 15, while work is being done. Mayor Ellen L. Marmer said work will be done on the interstate 84 bridge over the trail and will be closed until the work is finished. The state has awarded the project contract to Rotha Contracting Inc. of Avon, Ct.
This note is a reprint of a newspaper cliping from the Journal Inquirer dated Oct 13, 2007, Page 4.

Airline State Park Trail - South
update to Colchester spur

"Since my last posting, one of the switchbacks behind the ""RTE 85 LUMBER"" has been opened up to the main road, across Crouch Rd., to Colchester. A nice ride. Thanx to all involved."

Hop River State Park Trail
Latest improvements

"Between the rock cuts just south of Steeles Crossing Road to Burknap Brook Road, the trail has now been graded, rolled and stonedusted. Thanks to the crews from the towns of Bolton and Andover. "

Vernon Rails-to-Trails (Hop River State Park Rockville Spur)
Condition & distance report

"Crosswalks have been completed behind the Nye St Fire Station, Morrison Street, and Rau Street. I've measured the distance from Vernon Avenue to the trail terminus at Flanders Road, in Columbia, to be about 20.5 miles (one way)."

Hop River State Park Trail
Trail Work

"Currently there is work being done between the Steel Crossing Road area and Route 316. The trail has been ""churned up"" and a water drainage ditch has been added on the west side, by machinery. The ride is a little rough in those areas, but it's still do-able. "

Vernon Rails-to-Trails (Hop River State Park Rockville Spur)
A new start

"It seems the crew at the Vernon Department of Public Works has been busy. The spur from West Street to Vernon Avenue has been graded and is rideable with a mountain bike. There are no designated crosswalks at West, Morrison and Rau Streets at this time, so use caution when crossing. A government grant is being used for this work. Thanks to all involved. "

Hop River State Park Trail
Lights on!

"The lights in the tunnel running under Rte 6 in Andover are on. This is a welcome sight, making for safer passage through the tunnel. Thanks to those who help keep this trail clean."

Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
Test ride

"The thre os us usually ride unpaved trails, so we thought to try this one for a change. 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).

We dared to cross the street into the woods to continue onto the old rail bed, then we rode and walked through the ties and poison ivy, crossed the old trestle, then we came onto Railroad Avenue (the trail is totally overgrown in this area). We came upon Floydville Road and found we could not cross over to continue since the trail is overgrown and occupied by Culbro Tobacco Co.

We ended up road riding in a circle to get back. The point here is that the maps and decriptives at the trail boards are misleading in some areas. No big deal though. We'll be back to do the northbound leg when then weather gets cooler.

Oh yeah, my hats off to the ""roadies."" I still prefer a dirt trail though. "

Hop River State Park Trail
Trail improvements

"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. Also, they have smoothed the trail at the Phoenix Street area. Much thanks to all involved is in order. I will keep you posted."

Hop River State Park Trail
Roadwork

"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. Be careful, the path is rough due to ""cat tracks"" and the metal sheds are now gone. Continue on to the right of the white delivery truck, as usual, to carry on.

We stopped at the 7-Eleven today and then turned around and headed back to Sacred Heart Church in Vernon. This is a 22.6 mile round trip. I'll keep you posted."

Hop River State Park Trail
Area resurfaced at Steel Crossing Road

"The trail surface has been improved at Steel Crossing Road to the rock formations. The trail, however, is still unimproved past the rocks heading towards Bailey Road. Thanks to those who've worked hard to make it all possible."

Vernon Rails-to-Trails (Hop River State Park Rockville Spur)
Future construction

"On May 7, 2003, a public hearing was conducted by the Connecticut Department of Transportation regarding the replacement of the two deteriorating bridges crossing over the trail (the Rockville spur) at I-84. Look for that area to be impassable during these repairs, which should be done sometime in the next few years. A culvert type tunnel is planned as a replacement for the existing bridges."

Hop River State Park Trail
New footbridge

"See the ""new footbridge"" note in the Rockville spur area."

Vernon Rails-to-Trails (Hop River State Park Rockville Spur)
New footbridge

"A new footbridge has been added to the trail heading south from Bolton to Andover where there once was a short metal trestle. Those who've gone that far may remember having to steer right downward and then left up again to avoid riding over the risky little R/R bridge. Now, there is a new wooden footbridge in place and thanks to those who've built the new addition for us.

The Route 316 bridge has yet to be built.

Going all the way towards Willimantic is a nice ride; however, be prepared for the unimproved surface past Route 316. I would suggest that people only use mountain bikes on this segment of the trail."

Airline State Park Trail - North
North Windham to Hampton

"Today we headed northeast from Rte 203. The trail is rideable with MB's and horseback. The surface for the most part is loose. Pretty country and fewer people. Average comfort speed is 5-8 mph. We turned around at 11th Station Rd.,headed back. Round trip was about 13 miles. I will fill you in our continued ride as we slowly make our way up and into Mass., in the future.
Enjoy this trail, it is a beauty!"

Hop River State Park Trail
Rockville to Manchester run

"The run from West St., Vernon to colonial Dr., Manchester is a nice run of about 12 miles round trip. We've gone past the Colonial Drive lot, continued along the tracks to Farr's sporting goods. We'd hoped to continue down the de-railed portion from Hilliard Street,to the trestle on Center street. However, had to turn around at Hilliard, since the trackbed is overgrown with high weeds. Maybe someday it'll be useable."

Airline State Park Trail - North
Hebron to Willimantic

"Recently, we rode the rail from route 85 Hebron, to the Willimantic river. The trail is unimproved and is broken at the area of the farm just as you come onto Cook Hill Rd. An entry point from here cannot be found without trespassing onto the farm (we stopped and asked the farmer for permission to pass)which was denied. To continue on, head north up Cook Hill Rd.,turn right at Village Hill Rd.,the trail crossing is about .5 mile from there. Notice the trail leg coming from the farm has an uncovered culvert at the road, so crossing would have been hazardous anyway. Finish the ride to the Willimantic river with the final hundred or so yards with rotten rail ties still in place. Notice the steel bridge at the river, with the cyclone fence on the other side. It's about 14.5 miles round trip. "

Airline State Park Trail - South
Nice but rough in spots

We rode the Amston to E. Hampton leg for about eight miles. Now we plan on going north to link up in Windham and finish riding to Rockville. The trail is rough in spots but overall it's a nice trail.

Vernon Rails-to-Trails (Hop River State Park Rockville Spur)
Will get better in time

"I grew up in Vernon and remember the tracks. The actual Rockville spur is yet to be made improved, but the Vernon to Columbia bed has been worked. Nice place to go."