Vernon Rails-to-Trails:
Connecticut
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Description:
Thanks to skilled engineers with the former Hartford, Providence, & Fishkill Railroad, this pretty trail network overlooks ravines and streams and passes between rock walls verdant with ferns and lichen. Crossing a wooded terrain of hills and wetlands, it also provides a wonderful introduction to Vernon's varied neighborhoods. You may spot deer, and you'll surely notice the line of railroad-era telephone poles amid the trees. The Connecticut Army National Guard laid down the stone dust surface as a training exercise.
From the main trailhead hub on Church Street, the Vernon Rails-to-Trails Park offers three trail segments.
Stretching west and then south, a 1.8-mile spur of the Hop River State Park Trail leads to the Manchester/Vernon town line. There is no formal trailhead at the end. The park also claims a 3.9-mile eastbound stretch of the Hop River State Park Trail. From Church Street, you'll quickly pass the turnoff for the Rockville Spur on your left. The first mile links residential neighborhoods. Beyond Tunnel Road, the Vernon section of the trail leads through thick woods to the Bolton town line. (See page 25 for the onward trail description of the Hop River State Park Trail.)
The 4-mile Rockville Spur negotiates a varied surface, sharing a sidewalk early on and crossing several roads. A half mile from the turnoff, you'll reach a trail highlight: a bridge crossing of the Tankerhoosen River. Just shy of Vernon Avenue, the spur comes to an abrupt halt at a large earthen mound atop an old bridge abutment.
At this point, you can either backtrack or (if you're on a bike) dismount, carefully descend a 50-foot embankment to the left of the abutment, and consider exploring Rockville's surface roads.
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Parking & Trail Access:
The Vernon Rails-to-Trails Park is on Church Street between Phoenix and Washington streets, a mile south of Interstate 84. From Hartford, take I-84 east to Exit 65 and follow signs to State Route 30 north. Turn right at the first traffic signal on Dobson Road and cross beneath the interstate. Dobson becomes Washington Street. A mile south, turn left on Church Street. Trailhead parking is ahead on the left.
To reach the trailhead from Exit 66, bear right on Frontage Road, then turn left on Tunnel Road. After a quarter mile, turn right on Warren Avenue. Drive a half mile, take a left on Phoenix Street, then take an immediate right on Church Street. Trailhead parking is on the right.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Part of the Hop River State Rail Trail
By tebersold on August 12, 2010
The description is a bit misleading. While this section of the trail is 4 miles, it is part of the Hop River State Rail Trail that runs for 19.3 miles from Manchester to Columbia, not including the four mile long Rockville Spur, which is discussed here. However it is labeled, this is an excellent trail to ride a bicycle. With the hard packed stone dust in this area, even a road bike can negotiate the trail, although a hybrid would be a better choice.
Work is completed
By Gary on April 11, 2009
Hi Folks, the work being done at the Tankeroosen cul-de-sac (see previous review) has been completed. Much nicer than its previous condition.
Trail Section Closed Temporarily
By Gary on October 13, 2007
Vernon- The rails to Trails section from Route 30 south to Tankeroosen cul-de-sac will be closed as od Monday Oct 15, while work is being done. Mayor Ellen L. Marmer said work will be done on the interstate 84 bridge over the trail and will be closed until the work is finished. The state has awarded the project contract to Rotha Contracting Inc. of Avon, Ct.
This note is a reprint of a newspaper cliping from the Journal Inquirer dated Oct 13, 2007, Page 4.

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In 2001 the trail was cleared of diseased trees. This is a view from one of the newly cleared areas.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Manchester/Vernon Border to Hop River State Park Trail
Counties: Tolland
Trail Length: 4 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone
Trail Activities: Bike, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6015366

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