Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapThe Cheney Rail Trail follows part of the corridor of the South Manchester Railroad, built by the Cheney brothers in 1869. The line was a 2.5-mile spur from the main Hartford, Providence, and Fishkill Railroad and it went to the Cheney silk mills, transporting passengers, silk goods and raw materials. This historic railroad was known as the longest privately owned passenger-and-freight railroad, as well as one of the shortest in America.
The Manchester Land Conservation Trust (MLCT) owns about 5.7 acres of the rail bed (1.7 linear miles). The trail is mostly shaded and a pleasant walk any time of the year. The terrain is fairly flat with a processed stone path, a small section of stairs (at Middle Turnpike W.) have been replaced with a ramp that was built at a 10% grade. There are three street crossings with painted cross walks and signage indicating a trail crossing.
MLCT leads a few walks each year with commentary on the history of the railroad and the silk mills. Truman Cowles Parklet has a small parking area, picnic table and kiosk.
Parking is available behind 2 Main Street (right by the old tracks) on the north end of Manchester. You can also park at the nearby strip mall or at the Eight District offices parking lot.
This trail was a lot of fun! Very easy to pedal on it!!!
I HAVE HIKED THIS SEVERAL TIMES. IN THE OPENING INFO THEY SAY ITS ONE MILE BUT THIS IS NOT CORRECT. ITS OVER TWICE THAT. PASSES THROUGH PEOPLES BACK YARDS AND I TAKE IT TO THE BRIDGE THAT OVER LOOKS CENTER SPRINGS PARK. A VERY NICE VIEW. I ACCESS IT ON HILLARD STREET MANCHESTER. NICE IN TOWN TRAIL. VERY FLAT. TRAIL GET QUITE ROUGH ROCK WISE ONCE YOU GO PAST THE BRIDGE AREA BY CENTER SPRINGS PARK. I RECOMMEND JUST GOING TO THE BRIDGE AND TURNING AROUND SO AS TO AVOID TWISTING ONES ANKLE ETC. EVEN THEN YOU GET A 4-5 MILE HIKE OUT OF IT ROUND TRIP. JOE :)
The trail was easy to walk, some places were better maintained with crushed stone than others. The trail is mixed among forest of large trees to areas beside residential and commercial properties. The north side of the trail was more interesting historically. On this stretch were exposed rail tracks, railroad ties, and a granite marker with a W on the side.
This section of trail and tracks led to the existing railroad tracks. Historically this is an interesting trail. According to the posted sign less than 100 years ago this rail line transported workers back and forth to the silk mill. In 1923 3500 passengers were transported daily. There is a good size parking lot at the trail's entry. Be aware of the poison ivy along the sides of the trail!
_132529_nb.jpg)
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
