While the trail is probably skatable with the exception of some unpaved driveway crossings and a small section by the power station where mulch and gravel washed across the trail, there are signs up saying "No Skating and Skateboarding".

The trail is a nice walking/biking trail. There are mile markers every 1/2 mile. I missed seeing the 1.5 mile marker though. At around 1.24 miles into the trail is Meadowview Park at the intersection of Rt188 anf Rt64 where there is plenty of parking, restrooms and picnic tables.

We rode the trail in October 2007, riding the 4.4 miles from west to east, adding miles on routes 63 & 188, and then rejoining the trail for a return to our car.

It is indeed hilly terrain for a trail, averaging 2-4% grade (as per my inclinometer), with many sections at 6-7%, and at least 2 spots of 9-10% grade. However, its beauty will make even non-climbers love the experience, especially if visited in autumn when the leaves have turned and the scenery is that of many vivid colors.

The nicest railtrail we have ridden so far, and well-maintained too!

Ditza
October 20, 2007

"Wow. 4 miles and has everything I was looking for. It was definitely the best rail trail i've been on for such a short distance. I found it by accident as I was trying to take Route 64 and saw a bike route sign and figured this was the trail.

There is a bollard out at the beginning and one at the Middlebury Hamlet? (strip mall). The trail starts in front of Maggie McFly's bar/restaurant and goes up a huge hill to where it flattens out afterwards. There are plenty of hills and it's not an easy trail. It passes through many residential parts and some small businesses, one which is closed. There are plenty of tryptych-shaped stone benches throughout the trail and it connects the center of town to all the little businesses in the area including signage for the library. Even though it's in front of you, it's good to see the signs and there are lots of sitting areas with potted plants.

Of note are the many signs warning you that a stop sign is ahead and then the stop sign.

I noticed only one stone mile marker but each wooden post after street crossings each had a ""CT Greenways"" decal on them.

The trail ends right near Lake Quassapaug and Quassy Amusement Park. There is signage of the trail and amenities near the end of the trail by the ballfields.

Just before it ends, the trail comes into a huge park (forgot the name), complete with concessions, pavilion and picnic tables, a playground and many acres of athletic fields, which is next to a cemetery."

"We started at the Route 63 end and after a false start up the wrong concrete sidewalk we found the actual trail. It starts out as an asphalt sidewalk at the intersection of Route 63 in front of Maggie McFlys Restaurant (we parked in the restaurant's additonal parking area).

There are many ups and downs, curves and street crossings. The ride west from Route 63 was mostly uphill to where we stopped after about three miles just past the Route 188 tunnel. The ride back was much faster as it was now mostly downhill.

They have done a nice job developing this greenway with landscaping, benches, paving and well marked street crossings. It does parallel Route 64 most of the way so you do have the feeling that you are on a sidewalk.

There is a letterbox on the greenway if you are into that."

"If this trail indeed occupies the right-of-way previously used by a local trolley line, I can only speculate that it must have been one heck of a trolley ride! There are many long hills and sharp curves peppered along the trail’s entire route. The combination of dangerous hills and curves has wisely resulted in Middlebury enacting an ordinance that prohibits in-line/roller skating and skateboarding anywhere on the trail’s surface.

The trail surface is very nicely paved with the exception of a small segment near the intersection of Route 64 and Route 188 South, which was undergoing rehabilitation at the time of my visit. For most of its length the trail closely parallels nearby Route 64 (Middlebury Road) and the din of motor vehicle traffic from this busy roadway is constant. There are a quite a few street crossings, but all are well marked with safety-striped crosswalks and warning signs. Services are available at many nearby shops.

Ample parking can be located at several municipal parks adjacent to the trail, and at three dedicated trial user parking lots along the route. Picturesque marble benches are strategically located near scenic viewing points. There is a large trail map posted in the dedicated trail user parking lot just east of Quassy Amusement Park.

If you’re local to the Middlebury area, enjoy inclines, and want a smooth sidewalk to walk or ride your bike on, this is the place. However, don’t waste you time if you’ll need to travel from beyond 30 minutes away to get there."

"After not riding all winter long I needed a trail to get my legs back in shape. This trail gives just enough of an incline to do so without discouraging the beginner.

I recommend starting closer to the junction of routes 63 and 64, incline up and then take the hill back down.

If you are not familiar with Middlebury the beginning of either end of the trail may be hard to find. But it's worth the drive."