Moosup Valley State Park Trail:
Connecticut
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Description:
This 5.8-mile trail is part of the planned East Coast Greenway, an off-road path that will eventually run from Calais, Maine, to Key West, Florida. The Moosup Valley State Park Trail will connect with Rhode Island's Washington Secondary Bike Path that stretches from the state border east toward Providence.

The Moosup Valley State Park Trail follows the bed of the former New Haven Railroad, which operated this line from 1898 until 1968, when it began pulling up tracks. Wide and flat, the trail is suitable for riders of all levels though it is not pristinely manicured. Its surface is largely hard-packed dirt, but this varies, and the trail is not recommended for road bikes. A hybrid or a mountain bike would be ideal.

Head out on this bucolic, scenic trail and you'll feel as though you have left civilization far behind. Much of the trail follows the Moosup River on its course past rural Moosup and Sterling on into Rhode Island. The trail begins with a large, re-decked trestle bridge. After 1 mile, a second bridge, as well as a dam and falls, come into view, and the trail becomes increasingly rural and wooded. You'll spot a quarry to the right, around the 2-mile point.

There's no clear line of demarcation between the end of the Moosup Valley State Park Trail and the start of the Coventry Greenway, the path's name once it enters Rhode Island. Determine your own best turnaround point.

If you plan to use the trail in autumn or early winter, beware that hunting is popular here. In season, you're advised to wear blaze orange. (Note: Hunting is not permitted on Sundays.)

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach Moosup from Rhode Island, follow State Route 14 west from the state line; to reach it from Connecticut, take Interstate 395 to Exit 89 and follow Route 14 east toward Moosup/Sterling. The trailhead lies near the junction of Main Street/Route 14, South Main, Ward Avenue and Prospect Street (also Route 14). It begins at the large railroad trestle on dead-end Village Center Circle, on the same side of the street as the river. Park at the Moosup Adult Learning Lab.

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Seasonal Restrictions:
None
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Reviews: [3 trail ratings]
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Has Potential!
By elhendrixo in June, 2011
Granted, we went on a pretty damp day, but this trail needs to be leveled. Riding on it was like riding the tops of waves, and it got pretty sandy at parts. I'm really glad we explored it but I'm not sure I would go again.
beautiful scenery
By Rocketee in January, 2011
This trail was one section of my bike ride from Providence, RI to Moosup, CT. I thoroughly enjoyed this trail and thought the landscape was interesting with many bogs, ponds, rivers, hilly sections, rock cut-outs and there is a beautiful waterfall(dam) next to a abandoned mill bldg. The trail runs along side the Moosup River offering pleasant views and tranquility. There were many deer tracks on trail and thru much of the trail the forest gives you the feeling of being miles from civilization. The bridges are all in very good condition and there are two paved sections of trail. There are some moguls but not nearly as many as the RI side of trail. I would highly recommend this trail to anyone using a mountain bike, loves nature and is in good physical condition.
Moosup Valley State Park Trail Ride July 2010
By jroyjr in July, 2010
It’s been a while since I last rode this trail, but here is what you can expect on your next ride. The trail surface varies greatly from paved in two short sections, hard packed dirt, sand, grass and gravel. Drainage is generally good, but there are a many sections that are likely to be wet if it has rained in the past few days. Bring a towel to wipe down with after the ride.

Despite gates that attempt to restrict motorized trail access, there has been a great deal of ATV and motorcycle traffic on the trail. Since the recreational vehicles always find a way around the gates, the trail would be better served by posts which keep out automobiles and allow bicycles pass freely. You will have to slow and or stop to safely get around the gates.

As other reviewers have noted, maintenance on the trail is minimal. I only found one small tree down over the trail and I easily rode past it. There were no major areas of standing water where I felt I had to get off the trail to avoid. I am willing to ride through a small amount of water (below my bottom bracket) and I found the trail to be firm underneath, and not muddy.

The trail is very rideable by mountain bike if you have a few skills and are in reasonable shape. You will encounter sections of trail that rise and fall regularly. This is caused by ATV and motorcycle traffic when they illegally use the trail. Bring plenty of water and some food before you leave from Moosup. The next store on the trail is about 10 miles from Moosup in Summit, RI on the connecting and undeveloped Trestle Trail. I rode the trail to Summit, RI and back.

This is not a trail for small children or the occasional recreational rider. The irregular surface requires additional energy to traverse, it also requires the rider to pay attention and choose an appropriate line to avoid minor obstacles along the way. Riders should be on the lookout for low branches and sticks. I strongly recommend helmets and glasses be worn. Despite these challenges, the trail does have some scenic river crossings and solitude one does not get on the very popular paved rail trails.
Old trussel bridge near waterfall
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Main St. (Moosup) to CT/RI Border at Coventry Greenway
Counties: Windham
Trail Length: 5.8 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone, Gravel, Ballast, Grass, Dirt, Sand
Trail Activities: Fishing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6015468

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