By Fletch6 in September, 2011
I have been wanting to take a ride on the newly completed Canton section for a while, but have waited to do the New Burlington section at the same time. The 10.9 mileage is about right one way although the end at Canton does not have mileage markers yet. The new Canton section is well done and makes for a great ride. I parked with permission from the Ski shop at the end on Rt.44 and started a gentle down hill to Collinsville and the ride along the Farmington river headed south. There is however Parking at a park and across the street from the Canton fire station one block west from the start and on week ends should be used to keep the ski lot for customers. At MM 5 a newly completed section was a welcome relief from the 2 miles of root heaves from Black Locust trees left too close to the trail. With no mile markers between #5 and #3.5 I am not sure how much is left to do, but a construction worker says it should be finished in about a month and is packed gravel for about 3/4 of a mile to the underpass at Rt.4. I think the previous report confused the Farmington Canal Trail with The Farmington river trail.
By rcdunbar in September, 2011
In late September I rode from the Avon trail head north to a point about 4 miles into Massachusetts - 37 miles round trip. Contrary to the info above, the trail now passes through and well past Simsbury and continues seamlessly into MA, although the name changes at the border. Most of the trail runs on the old railroad right-of-way, but there are significant departures. In the Simsbury area the trail runs along side Rt 202 for over a mile, but not on it. Except for well-marked crossings, you are never ON a street.
It's asphalt 100% - not a speck of gravel except for some run-off from the recent rains. Yeah, there are root breaks, but show me a 20 mile paved trail without any. All told, it's an excellent riding surface, and the signage is plentiful and unambiguous. The various off-rail sections are not flat, but the ups and downs are short and manageable. All told, my aged legs were able to maintain a 12.5 mph clip over the entire route.
The scenery is varied and attractive - you won't be bored. There are long heavily wooded stretches above and below the CT-MA border, as well as some marshy areas. Lots of small rodents running back and forth. In the populated areas I didn't see anything that I would call ugly - no run-down or deserted factories or the like - but that's a subjective opinion. In fact, the towns are attractive, and you get to see a lot of back yards.
It's a trail i would definitely do again, on another trip to New England someday.
By globebiker in May, 2011
While reaching the end of the trail today in Collinsville and planning to turn around at the Nursery, I noticed a painted crosswalk and a continuation of the trail across the road. I followed newly constructed and paved trail ahead! I rode onward for about 2 miles on this new section and ended up at Best Cleaners on Rt 44. Looking like it ended there I turned around and headed back to Simsbury. Kudo's to Collinsville and Canton for extending the Trail!