By Fletch6 in February, 2012
Great news. the extension into Westfield called the Columbia bikeway is due to go out to bid and parking at the north end near Shaker farm road will be build and open by June. this is the first of three stages and hopefully will be done by 2015. This will when finished bring the Canal trail 3 1/2 miles closer to Southampton.
By elj317 in June, 2011
Rode the trail today from the beginning in Farminton , CT to the 25 mile marker in MA. I was just south of Westfield, MA when I had to turn around for the 50 mile round trip. I was told that I could have continued for at least another 5 miles to the North. I have done a lot of rail trails on the East coast, including the Sliver Comet in Ga. , the Chief Latigia(sic?) in Alabama, the New River trail in VA , and I must say this trail is right up there with those stars. There is plenty of great scenery, a nice smooth surface, quite a bit of shade(for the summer), a lot of places to stop off for a drink(also there are water fountains in parks that the rider goes through) and an adequate number of maps along the way. I would highly recommend this trail to riders looking for a great ride in western MA and CT.
By Fletch6 in May, 2011
Westfield. the Trail is about 100 yards west of the gulf course and just after you pass munger hill road. It is really on the westerly boundary of the course.