Rode the trail from Manchester to Andover today, and found a large section of a bridge sitting near the Rt 316 crossover point. The town was also clearing access from the trail to the old bridge abutment. Hopefully this trail will finally be complete sometime this year!

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. The trail is mostly wooded, and for the most part, except for a 1 mile stretch, not well maintained. It starts off looking like a farm road with weeds growing in the center line of the trail. 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. The trail continues to get narrower until it becomes a single track. Downed trees, rocks, and low hanging branches, coupled with sections where the rail ties were still embedded were a challenge. I made the ride on my cross bike, but a mountain bike with better suspension would have been preferable.
The path is scenic with rivers, bridges, hay fields, and wildlife. This trail section is not for the, little ones, handicapped, or road bikes. Local equestrians seem to use the trail frequently and there is a good deal of droppings to watch for.
The really well groomed section is encouraging and I hope those responsible will continue in this endeavor.

I did this trail today July 20th, it was going to be a very hot day so I got an early strat. I did 13 and a half miles or 27 miles round trip. The first third of the trail is well marked but the rest is hit or miss. I did this on my Mt bike with a street tire and it worked great. By and large it is well groomed except for a couple of short sections on the north end. This is a beautiful trail and very family friendly, lots of shade. Out of Vernon there was a lot of traffic for the first few miles and then very little once you got to Bolton. There were lot of historic Markers and a number of benches and a few picnic tables along the way.

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. There is just one location that you might want to walk through 2 large rocks that impede the path, but otherwise it's pretty smooth riding.

Since my previous posting, I have finished exploring the trail and highly recommend it as a place to ride. On a hot July day, the temperature was very cool under the canopy of trees along the trail. If you like, you could lock your bike at the rack by Valley Falls Park in Vernon, and walk down the hiking trail to the pond and pay $1 to swim.
From the Colonial Road trailhead in Manchester to Kings Road in Columbia, the trail is 19.3 miles. I measured 900 ft. of climbing with my GPS. The last seven miles back to Manchester is almost entirely downhill. The most polished sections start from the Manchester-Vernon town line extending to Burnap Brook Road in Andover.
If you want a 30 mile ride on a stone dust surface that you could do on a road bike, go from Manchester and loop up and back on the Rockville spur and turn around at Burnap Brook. This loop will give you 850 ft. of climbing. From Burnap Brook to Kings Road is a hard packed surface with some loose stone that is best negotiated with a mountain bike. The 1.2 mile stretch from Parker Bridge Road to a wooden bridge over the Hop River is the only stone dust surface east of Burnap Brook Road. The last mile into Willimantic from Kings Road is a mess involving a bypass around the bridge over the Hop River that is tilting sideways. Past the bypass is loose sand, trap rock, and even railroad tracks. The bridge across the Willimantic River has rotting timbers and across the bridge the tracks are active. Turn around at Kings Road. Even better, turn around at the Hop River wooden bridge at 16.4 miles.
With regard to my previous posting and the crossing at Rt. 316, there is a safer and easier way than walking down the steep embankment next to the bridge abutment. Just past the traffic light in Andover (when heading east), look for a narrow path on the right out to Center Street. Follow Center Street to Rt. 316. Left on Rt. 316, then right on Monument Lane. Turn right into the museum driveway, and left to resume the trail.

The trail is hard packed stone dust from the Manchester-Vernon line to Burnap Brook Road in Andover, and could be ridden with a road bike. 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. With regard to the crossing of Rt. 316, there is a two-foot wide path on the left side of the abutment that users presumably created. Walk your bike down to Rt. 316 (Hebron Rd.) Turn left on Rt. 316, then immediate right on Monument Lane. Right into the Museum of Andover History driveway, then left onto the trail. The tunnel under Rt. 6 had only one working light and some broken glass, so ride with care. I brought this to the state's attention to fix the problem. This is a fabulous rail trail through wooded areas and is not heavily used. I plan to ride the easternmost part of the trail in the near future.

There is now a parking area for this trail at the corner of Parker St. & Colonial Road in Manchester. The trail is accessible all the way to this parking lot, which is south of where the current trail map shows the trail ends. 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. 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. Also because there is no parking lots between the Manchester Trail Head and the Church Street lot, this part of the trail is virtually unused. In fact I started in Manchester at 5:30 on a Friday night and did not encounter another person until I reached the Church Street lot. To get to this new trail head in Manchester from Hartford & points west, take I-84 East to Exit 63. Stay in the left lane as you exit, and make a left turn on Tolland Tpke. 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. You will see the parking lot and trail head at this intersection.

As many of us are disappointed with the lack of progress in Andover, CT concerning the planned covered bridge over Rt. 316, I suggest that everyone who uses this wonderful trail e-mail governor Rell at "Governor.Rell@ct.gov" and push for resolution to this impass between the DOT and Echo Bridge, Inc. (contractor).

From this directon running west it is a slight down hill grade. Most of the tail is fairley wide of packed stone dust . 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. the road base it this area is broken ballist stone and can be quite a ruff ride for small kids. continuing down hill there is a steep drop of on the left all the way. I ride a tadpole trike and being close to the ground leads to a different view, that you wouldn't have on an upright bike. Coming back is of course up hill.

June 27, 2008

I met a friend today at the Church St trailhead, in Vernon and had a nice walk with our toddlers. They are 5yrs, 4 yrs, 2 1/2 years and 10 mo. old and are all active kids who regularly walk and run around outside. We walked northwest for about 1/2 hour, crossing one (busy) road and then turned around and went back. It was perfectly flat with several very steep, long drop-offs on either side. Fine for our kids, but not good if you have a little one who runs aways or won't stop on command. We brought an off road double jogging stroller and at one time, all three of the older kids were in it on the way back. The 10 mo. old was carried by Mama in a sling. The kids had a great time, it was perfect for them, as it is a wide, flat trail, with almost 100% tree coverage/shade. We passed a handful of friendly bikers and walkers. When we got back to the the parking area, we ate used the picnic table and portopotty, both clean. I would highly recommend this section to anyone with toddlers.

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.

"Today we parked at the Sacred Heart Church (N41.49.928 W72.28.453) and rode for about 3.75 miles. 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."

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.

"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. I was pleased to see that there was a backhoe on the western side of the trail (where there was a barracade and you had to scramble down the hill - now there's a backhoe there and netting so no one can get that far). The other side has been cleared and is netted off as well. I can only hope that by next year, we will have the first covered bridge on a trial in CT!"

"The best way to do this with the kids is to start at church street and go 5 miles to Bolton Notch. Go through the tunnel, and then turn around to return. This gives you a great 5 mile return with a slight downhill grade. The kids barely have to pedal to get back.

The trail is very scenic and diverse. Just be careful with new riders since there are a few steep drop-offs on the sides of the trail.

Have fun!"

"Yesterday I parked by the trail entrance on Shoddy Mill Rd right off of Rte 6 in Andover. 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). I was thrilled to see that once you get to Burnap Brook Rd, the trail has been stonedusted with a drainage ditch. Just last year I tried riding this part of the track and was hindered by trap rock. It was truly a joy - so pretty - and a very smooth ride. Can't wait until the entire trail is finished with stone dust. At least all of the old railroad bridges have been repaired.

We're getting there!"

"Not noted in any literature is that the trail ends at Andover at Rte 316 in a large mess of construction debries. There is no bridge crossing Rte 316 and there is a steep down hill portage to reach the other side of the trail, which by the way is more like a single track then a trail.

***NOTE FROM RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY***
Users of our TrailLink.com should review the Visitor Agreement before planning a trip to any of the trails listed on TrailLink.com."

"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. "

"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. Labor Day weekend I talked my brother, who lives in Coventry, into taking the trail from Bailey Rd to the end (Windham!)

The good news is, the railroad bridges are now decked, and the one over the Hop River is great! 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!).

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""!"

"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. "

"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."

"Four of us road round trip from the Rte 6 tunnel in Bolton, headed south to the jersey barriers at Flanders Rd in Columbia, and back. The round trip measured 25 miles on my indicator. No improvements down there. We kinda like it that way. Adds flavor. It was a good day to ride. "

"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."

"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."

"I've ridden this trail many times from Rockville to Valley Falls and to Bolton. On Saturday, May 10, 2003, we rode the trail from Church Street in Vernon to Columbia and back. The trail was less traveled once we got past the Bolton/Andover area.

The trail was a little rough in spots. 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. Thanks to those who keep making these trails better."

"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."

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

"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."

"Whether you are a road or hard core MTB rider this trail is a great cross trainer! Do not let anyone fool you, you pedal as fast and as far as you would like. They say it is only 20 miles but that is one way. Not to mention all the other MTB trails that connect to it!

A 3% grade for 5 miles a clip at an average 14 mph will do wonders for your stamina. The scenery is spectacular. Depending on the time of year there are natural waterfalls and wildlife galore. My wife and I have seen several deer, turkey, hawks, owls and even a giant Turkey Buzzard! Take your time and enjoy what nature has to offer with out the fear of road rage! Hope to see you out there. "

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 Mountain Laurel were in bloom just west of Bolton Notch. In addtion, the new gravel surface and drainage work from Trout Brook in Bolton Notch toward Andover made the riding very enjoyable!"

"State and local officials have secured a $283,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program grant from the State Bond Commission. The grant will be used to place a prefabricated covered bridge across Route 316 that will allow hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders to follow the trail safely. This portion of the Hop River Trail that runs from Bolton to Willimantic is part of the state's 177-mile section of the East Coast Greenway. See Hartford Courant article at http://www.ctnow.com/news/local/ec/hc-4col0604.artjun04.story"

The trail is now complete with a great bluestone surface to about 2 miles past Bolton Notch. Town workers say the next couple of miles will be finished by fall. Railroad Brook has been restored to pristine beauty. This is an incredibly under used resource.

"Rode the trail from Church St trailhead about 9 miles to Andover or so on 10/13. Great ride! Would have loved to keep going, but need to head back for food."

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. All sections are currently passable. This is a great ride through the woods.

"I've enjoyed riding this trail end-to-end on several occasions over the past 8 years. Major re-grading and clearing by the National Guard a few years back has greatly improved the condition of the trail from what it was five years ago. The Towns of Vernon and Bolton have also endeavored to make improvements and some bridges have been added in the past year. The best section of the trail is in Vernon through Valley Falls State Park. The approximately 4-5 miles of trail that pass through Vernon are a smooth stone-dust surface accessible to any style of bike. The trail passes along the edge of the valley with a towering cliff on one side and a precipitous drop to the bottom of the valley on the other. 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. There are many good access points in the towns of Bolton and Andover. In general, any of the roads that head up the hill to the west from Route 6 will cross the trail. Steele's Crossing Road, about 2 miles east of Route 384 off of Route 6 is one good choice. Please e-mail me if you'd like further info."