The trail is re-opened, and it's pretty phenomenal. We biked from the Windsor Locks end yesterday, and had perfect weather for such an event. It'swater on both sides...definitely worth the trip. It's a short trail, but has active train bridges overhead, and beautiful scenery! A must-do for certain. A great place for nature photography and a nice quiet ride.

Why is the Canal bike path still closed? Why was it closed to begin with? Because of the nesting eagles? WHy? Noise from people biking; from bird watchers? What about the VERY LOUD trains that go by the path more than several times per day? I have biked that path seven days per week for many months in a row and there are absolutely no loud sounds or other disturbances about. Is it that eagle gawkers would swarm the area? DEP, please open the trail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 3, 2011 Windsor Locks side is closed you can go to the Suffield side.
We could only go 2 miles in the direction of Windsor Locks. Temporary gate preventing people to go any farther. The southern portion of the Windsor Locks Canal Trail is closed until July 1 because a pair of nesting bald eagles has taken up residence there.
"Bald eagles are a threatened species in Connecticut according to Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Dan Esty, the trail will be closed until the young eagles can fly or the nest fails. If either event occurs before July 1 the trail will open earlier, according to a press release from the DEP."
“Disturbance can cause the adult eagles to abandon their nest, causing the eggs or chicks to die,” Esty said in the press release.

Does anyone know what the exact date is for this trail to open?

Decided to try out the WL Canal Trail today on the last weekend before closing. The trail is closed the trail to protect nesting birds over the winter. This trail had very light use today and with the canal on one side and the fiver on the other provided some peaceful riding and solitude. Scenery was very nice with the contrasting waters on either side and late fall foliage adding color. The trail itself is narrower and surface is a little rougher than the Farmington Canal and rode a bit slower. Nice river views the whole way and plenty of birds and squirrels gathering food for the winter. I caught the train passing over the trestle as I rode by, not a usual sight on most trails. Glad I tried this trail, it was a nice change.

They finally removed the closed for construction signs and cones on the Bridge crossing from Enfield Perl St to RT 159 in Suffield (end of June 2010). They still have the short connecting path down under the bridge to the Windsor Locks Canal path closed, but have ignored the signs and it is passable if you are willing to risk being caught. Alternately you can go out to 159 then back down canal road (much scarier with all the traffic).

I rode this trail last week and let me say, it was very nice. A little bumpy at times but the 4.5 miles feels like 10. It parallels the canal and then eventually winds up on the main road, Rt 5 and ends at a private property's driveway. Lots of folks on this trail on a weekday afternoon.

At the parking lot, they were doing construction under the 190 bridge and locals told me they were extending it a bit.

On the northern edge of the bridge for peds and cyclists, they have finally added a bike/ped walkway from Enfield to Windsor Locks. Should make for a much safer crossing.

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.

"It seems it's about time the State of Connecticut repaved this trail. I was out the other day and it was quite bumpy and rough.

And as it is mentioned under the ""Seasonal Restrictions"" section for this trail, the Towpath is closed to all uses from mid-November until early April of each year. This is to protect the nesting habitat for endangered birds of prey."

Trail is now paved. There are some nice views of the Connecticut River on one side and the canal on the other. There's also some wildlife to see -- lots of turtles and birds. I saw some fisherman on the canal that hooked a few fish too.

This trail has been renovated and is now a smooth ride that includes travel over an aquaduct.

"A good place for kids bikes, not so great fo blades. Nice view of CT. River and fishing along the canal. Not so easy to find without a map. Large dirt parking lot, no facilities, but stores can be found at the southern end after crossing the Bridge. Trail end near some factories, follow road to rt 140 turn left over bridge to store 1/4 mile away"