Housatonic Rail-Trail in Trumbull (Pequonnock Valley Greenway):
Connecticut
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Description:
The Housatonic Rail-Trial in Trumble, a.k.a., the Pequonnock Valley Greenway, offers a shady respite from suburban Trumbull, this fairly flat trail overlooks the winding Pequonnock River for much of its 3.4 miles. Rapids and distinctive rock outcrops add interest. The trail begins on the railroad corridor, strays from it, then returns to emerge at Old Mine Park.

The trail starts at Tait Road with an asphalt entryway up a short hill. From the signboard near Whitney Avenue to the Monroe town line, the trail is paved with asphalt. The segment through the Pequonnock River Valley has a smooth stone dust surface. Because Route 25 crosses the original railroad right-of-way, there is a short hill to climb in Parlor Rock Park (an early 20th-century amusement area) to access the wooden bridge under Route 25.

Through Old Mine Park, the trail parallels the park entry road. (Note: Trummbull restricts parking to residents and issues tickets to vehicles without a Trumball parking sticker.) Use caution when crossing busy Route 111/Monroe Turnpike.

Shortly after Route 111, the trail splits: the original trail, which is a rough dirt and gravel surface, continues straight. A newer paved trail involves a climb, bears right and ends just before the Victorinox property in Monroe. From Victorinox, turn left and cross through the parking lot. Just after crossing a bridge, turn left on the dirt surface to resume the trail to Maple Drive. To continue on the Monroe segment of the rail-trail, follow Maple Drive to Purdy Hill Road; turn right and go a short distance. The trail continues on the left across from the animal shelter.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To park near the old town hall, take State Route 25 to Exit 9 and turn south on Daniel's Farm Road. At the light, take a right on SR 127, followed by an immediate right on Tait Road (not Tait's Mill Road) to the unsigned, small parking area beside the old town hall (now called the Helen Plumb Building). The trailhead lies 50 yards down the road on the left.

Only permitted town residents can park at Old Mine Park; visitors may park on neighboring streets. To reach the park, take SR 25 North to SR 111; continue north on 111 and take the first right turn into the park. The signed trailhead is near the main parking area.

The Whitney Avenue trailhead offers a larger parking area, but only town residents and state residents with fishing licenses may purchase the required permit.

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Correction to my favorite trail
By Pobox2002 in July, 2011
I appreciated the comments under the heading "My Favorite Trail" which were very helpful in my own trip between the Trumbull and Monroe trail. However I would like to correct two items. FIrst, after one passes the Victorinox factory (Swiss Army Knife people), cross the street, take a left over the bridge and the trail resumes on the right. That trail ends on Purdy Hill, and not Purdy Drive. Second, at the end of Purdy Hill turn right at Benedicts Nursery onto Maple Drive, not Maple Hill (Hill and Drive were reversed). Wolfe Park is a quarter mile down on your left. Terrific trail.
My Favorite trail
By wendywalker in August, 2010
This is my favorite trail for running. It's mostly packed dirt surface and very beautiful running through the woods.

The crossing signal at 111 is not working. Please be careful crossing: the traffic is very fast.

It is possible to get between the Trumbull and Monroe portions. Going North: From Tungsten park continue along Old Mine Road and cross 111 to get to the next trailhead. When the trail splits, keep right to follow the rail trail (well marked). After you pass the Victorinox factory there is a small portion of trail that goes through the woods, then ends on Purdy Drive. Take a right and continue 0.7 miles until the end of the road. Turn right onto Maple Hill, go 0.17 miles and then turn left into Wolfe Park (there are yellow arrows on the road although they are fading). Continue into Wolf Park until you see the next trail head.

I found two facilities with restrooms and water fountains along the trail. The first is about 3.3 miles from the southerly trail head, in Tungsten Mine Park. The second is in Wolfe Park (in the building down the hill from the trailhead, by the swimming area).
Nice and easy ride on a supurbely maintained trail.
By robertlrickman in July, 2010
I recently started biking after being away from it for several years. I looked on the Internet for some trails close to home and found the Trumbull Rail Trail, which is also known by several other names. The entire trail is about 3.5 miles and is well maintained. The first 2 miles starting at Tait Road is smooth hard-pack and wide enough for several users at the same time. Starting at the Tait Road trail head, the trail is a mild incline for most of the way until Whitney Avenue. Beyond that the trail is paved and continues about another 1 1/2 miles. This is a great trail if you just want to ride without having to think about it.
Trail winding under Rte 25 & alongside Pequonnock River
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Tait Road to Maple Drive
Counties: Fairfield
Trail Length: 5 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Cinder
Trail Activities: Bike, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6015472

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other New England rail-trails in RTC's New England Guidebook.
Trail of the Month: Trail of the Month