Granted, we went on a pretty damp day, but this trail needs to be leveled. Riding on it was like riding the tops of waves, and it got pretty sandy at parts. I'm really glad we explored it but I'm not sure I would go again.

This trail was one section of my bike ride from Providence, RI to Moosup, CT. I thoroughly enjoyed this trail and thought the landscape was interesting with many bogs, ponds, rivers, hilly sections, rock cut-outs and there is a beautiful waterfall(dam) next to a abandoned mill bldg. The trail runs along side the Moosup River offering pleasant views and tranquility. There were many deer tracks on trail and thru much of the trail the forest gives you the feeling of being miles from civilization. The bridges are all in very good condition and there are two paved sections of trail. There are some moguls but not nearly as many as the RI side of trail. I would highly recommend this trail to anyone using a mountain bike, loves nature and is in good physical condition.

It’s been a while since I last rode this trail, but here is what you can expect on your next ride. The trail surface varies greatly from paved in two short sections, hard packed dirt, sand, grass and gravel. Drainage is generally good, but there are a many sections that are likely to be wet if it has rained in the past few days. Bring a towel to wipe down with after the ride.

Despite gates that attempt to restrict motorized trail access, there has been a great deal of ATV and motorcycle traffic on the trail. Since the recreational vehicles always find a way around the gates, the trail would be better served by posts which keep out automobiles and allow bicycles pass freely. You will have to slow and or stop to safely get around the gates.

As other reviewers have noted, maintenance on the trail is minimal. I only found one small tree down over the trail and I easily rode past it. There were no major areas of standing water where I felt I had to get off the trail to avoid. I am willing to ride through a small amount of water (below my bottom bracket) and I found the trail to be firm underneath, and not muddy.

The trail is very rideable by mountain bike if you have a few skills and are in reasonable shape. You will encounter sections of trail that rise and fall regularly. This is caused by ATV and motorcycle traffic when they illegally use the trail. Bring plenty of water and some food before you leave from Moosup. The next store on the trail is about 10 miles from Moosup in Summit, RI on the connecting and undeveloped Trestle Trail. I rode the trail to Summit, RI and back.

This is not a trail for small children or the occasional recreational rider. The irregular surface requires additional energy to traverse, it also requires the rider to pay attention and choose an appropriate line to avoid minor obstacles along the way. Riders should be on the lookout for low branches and sticks. I strongly recommend helmets and glasses be worn. Despite these challenges, the trail does have some scenic river crossings and solitude one does not get on the very popular paved rail trails.

Last week while vacationing in Connecticut, we found this trail in the New England rail trails guide and decided to give it a try. It was a disappointment. It looked promising as we started on the paved section. Within a mile we encountered a blockade across the trail. We continued around it. The trail was littered with fallen branches and had not bee maintained. After another mile we came upon a nice dam on the river. At this point, the trail was blocked again and appeared to be in worse shape as it continued. We opted to turn around and return to our car. What a shame, the little bit of scenery that we saw of this trail was quite beautiful. I hope that the folks in Connecticut can get this trail up and running again. We encountered another couple who had driven 1 ½ hours to ride it. I am sure the community would find this to be a tourist destination that would help their economy. We were disappointed but learned a good lesson: always check www.traillink.org before we venture out on a trail.

The trail opened as a lovely and well thought out trail with fabulous bridges, etc. Even terminates at a Coffee Shop.

But, within one year it is hardly there. Dirt bikes have climbed the sides and erosion has done the rest. Too bad. It was beautiful and very historical. Don't know what can be done for these trails.

I have been enjoying many of the rail trails in CT and RI recently. So I ventured up to Moosup with high expectations. They were quickly dashed. The trail has not been maintained at all. It begins as asphalt (which was littered with a potato chip bag, pizza box and cans) and then became compacted gravel which quickly became dirt, sand and finally huge sections with mud and standing water. The path was so difficult to navigate we couldn't enjoy the view -- constantly on the lookout for large rocks, fallen branches, holes, mud and sand. We turned around after less than two miles. Too bad, it had potential.

" I have purchased property that abbuts the trail here in Moosup, CT. and I am looking for folks interested in getting this trail paved and landscaped. I believe this would be an important step in bringing more tourist into the nearby businesses and to begin the clean up of this area in general.
Let me know your ideas."

"Yesterday, 12 Sept 05, my wife and I rode from Plainfield terminus to very near the RI border in Sterling. The Sterling section is better than Plainfield but we will never ride there again until condition improves - too dangerous due to loose uneven surface due to heavy ATV use. we avg 3mph vs our normal 10mph."

"If you’re traveling on Interstate Route 395 near Moosup, CT you might want to stop and give this trail a try. The Moosup trailhead is located directly on Route 14, about 5 minutes from the exit 89 on the Interstate.

The trail begins in Moosup on a railroad truss bridge restored with a nice wooden deck. Following the truss bridge, you’ll find a short, well-paved trail segment. Beyond a gate where the pavement ends, the primary trail surface begins. One the day of my visit I encountered quite rustic trail surface conditions; loads of loose dirt, many eroded trail segments, countless exposed rocks, and quite a bit of standing water and mud. ATV and dirt bike riders frequent this trail, so use caution if you’re either on foot or a bicycle.

I rode from Moosup to a point where the railroad crossed a road on a now missing elevated bridge, just beyond the center of Sterling. The trail continues beyond this point but for how long I don’t know. Views along the Moosup to Sterling segment were somewhat less than breathtaking. There is a nice waterfall between Moosup and Sterling, but really not much else to see except a few abandoned factories and gravel pits, these mixed in with the heavily wooded countryside.

If you’re nearby, stop. Don’t travel too far though unless truss bridges strike your fancy."

"I just completed the trail from Moosup to near Greene, RI. It was a great day, but the trail is in decline, primarily due to heavy use by ATV's. The trail surface has many ruts and holes and mounds that are created when motorized vehicles speed, causing them to dig into the surface. It seems like a difficult problem. Riders on these vehicles go around, over, and through most natural and human made obstacles, creating extensive erosion and damage to the trail. Liter and trash are a common sight as well. Are there any strategies for dealing with this problem? I'd be willing to help.
------------------------------------------------------------------
From TrailLink.com Staff: According to our records here at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Washington, DC, this trail is not designated for use by motorized vehicles. The next step should be contacting Scott Dawley at the Pachaug State Forest; he is the manager of this trail and can be reached at (860) 376-4075. The Pachaug State Forest staff will need to be involved in the development of strategies to mitigate the use of motorized vehicles on this trail."

I just rode the Moosup Valley Trail. I'm not that impressed because the trail has had a lot of motorcycle/quad use and is pretty torn up. It's an intermediate-level trail with conditions ranging from mud to deep dry sand. It was worth the ride there but wouldn't do it again. KK