I live a short 10 minute walk from where the trail crosses East Hartford Avenue and have hiked, biked and cross-country-skied it countless times over my 23 years in the area. Beginning at the southern terminus is ample parking near the Stanley Woolen Mill, makers of the North uniforms during the Civil War and the current Air Force Blues. The first portion of the trail up to East Hartford Avenue is used most by walkers, many with dogs, and can get quite crowded at times. Along the way you will come across a bridge that crosses one of the recently refurbished locks on the Canal, a small stone bridge abutment and several side trails that, depending on the time of year, are great to explore. Further along the tow path there is another bridge crossing over the Canal that leads to River Bend Farm and Visitor Center. Near the bridge the River takes a sharp turn to the east. During the rainy season the River overflows and floods a wide area from this point downstream for over a mile to Route 16. It is definitely worth stopping by the Visitors Center and checking out their calendar of events where they host all kinds of events throughout the year, including free concerts. There is a short section back across the bridge along the tow path that leads north to East Hartford Avenue where there is a second refurbished lock and a beautiful stone bridge. Get out yor camera for this one.

If you cross Hartford Ave a path continues along the River for approximately 2 miles to Plummer's Landing. For nature lovers who like to hike this is definitely the better part of the trail. Soon after getting on the trail there is a left turn off the main path uphill to Goats Hill where there are miles and miles of paths winding through the woods and up and down some pretty steep hills. Back on the trail you'll head downhill to the Goats Hill Lock. From here to the northern terminus the path is anything from flat to root-covered to muddy to grassy and anything else you might imagine and runs through some great areas along the Blackstone before ending in a gravel parking lot off Church Street.

This area is a wonderful hike, especially if you like to get a little lost and off the beaten path.

If you like mosquitos, swamp water, and a sub-par riding surface, this trail is for you! There are three areas to park along the trail, but only the mid-point of the trail off of East Hartford avenue offers any type of facilities. The southern terminus of this trail also has adequate parking near a historic mill location. From this location, there is a bridge which has steps at either end, so you can not bike directly across. From here, the trail heads North for about a mile, but the surface is rutted with tree roots that really break up the integrity of the tow path. Also, when I travelled the trail at the end of July, the first 1/4-mile had stagnant, scummy water aside the tow path -- not very picturesque. As you proceed toward East Hartford Ave, the trail gets better, and you approach a second bridge that allows you to cross. My hope was that the trail would improve the more North I travelled. However, after managing to cross a third bridge via a single-track path, I arrived at East Hartford Ave, where the trail definitely is suitable for mountain bikers and hikers. The path between here & Church Street (the northern terminus of this trail), passing through Heritage Park, is meandering, rutted with tree roots & rocks, good for mountain bikers & hikers, but not for the casual rider. Also expect to pass through muddy areas and water puddles that came up to the axel on my bike!

I do not recommend this trail except for those looking for a rustic adventure.