Explore the best rated trails in East Hartford, CT, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Windsor River Trail and Niantic Bay Boardwalk . With more than 55 trails covering 433 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
A sidepath has been constructed adjacent to Route 189 to Main St in Tariffville. Trail is now about 3 miles long. It will be designated as part of the East Coast Greenway and is visible on Google Street View.
After reading many of the mixed reviews for this trail on TrailLink, I decided to keep my ride short but sweet by restricting it to what seemed to be the most picturesque - the portion between the historic Unionville train depot and the Riverside Nursery and Garden Center in Collinsville.
This part of the trail contains breathtaking views of the officially deemed wild and scenic Farmington River. In addition, since I did this in mid October, the river was a perfect reflecting glass for the amazing fall colors.
My ride was only a total of twelve miles out and back, but I now have the most perfect photos, videos, and memories of this Connecticut treasure!
The bike ride is easy and mostly flat with lots of locals getting their steps in and exercising their dogs. Surprisingly, I only encountered two other bicyclists on my early weekday morning ride.
The path is nice and cool in the summer due to lots of shade. Much of it has large sections of big tree roots, though.
I rode the southern half of this trail from Millerton to Wasaic the first week in October on a 75° afternoon. Beautiful ride on a beautiful day.
Nice quiet ride to take time to enjoy these beautiful days.
Rode the 13 miles from Orphan Farm Rd to Millerton and back. At the northern end, at Orphan Farm Rd is a large parking area adjacent to a small farm, a solar panel field and a glamping site. No one there at 8am that Saturday but half a dozen cars upon my return at 11. Likewise, I had the trail practically to myself until I neared Millerton and found it moderately traveled by later that morning. The asphalt trail was in very good condition and there are a few boardwalk sections as well, also in very good condition. The environs are beautiful with forested sections, farm fields, wetlands and vistas of the nearby hills. Not more than two miles from the north end is the Depot Deli, near the entrance to Taconic State Park, where all manner of beverages, ice cream and snacks can be found. Breakfast at Oakhurst Diner in Millerton is highly recommended. Clean public bathrooms can be found just behind the schoolhouse museum beside the trail after crossing the main street.
We biked the trail today from Franklin and although it was a beautiful ride through the forest, our trip ended at the 4 mile mark because the path turned into a single lane rocky/sandy pathway. We traveled it briefly but it was not doable. It’s frustrating after reading from several apps and websites that it did not mention this. They all state it’s a 22 mile ride. Still had fun. Love getting out on our bikes!
I think folks have to temper their expectations. This isn't the Farmington Canal Trail and isn't trying to be. This is a nice, well paved track for exercise and actual transportation. It provides a bike link from Newington and the southern end of West Hartford to downtown New Britain that previously didn't exist. For that I'm super happy. West Hartford has a decent bike network that connects into Hartford, so now there is a semi-cohesive bike network that spans from downtown Hartford all the way to New Britain with stops in between. New Britain is booming (by New Britain standards) so there's actually a lot to visit at the end of the trail, like the art museum, breweries, restaurants, etc. I wish the Multi-Use Trail extended all the way to the Elmwood or even Hartford stops, but it's useful the way it is now. It's not all that scenic but there's still a decent amount of greenery and it's pleasant to ride. It's next to the busway and train tracks, but the train is relatively far away, and the buses are not noisy or especially polluting (they are hybrids).
The bridge is repaired and the trail is open.
So amazing to be back on our bikes again. The hubby and I tried this trail for our first with our new bikes. Smooth ride… great views over the Westfield River. Definitely one to try when going out for your first ride!
This has the potential to be a special path with unobstructed views of the Connecticut river and distanced from development by the canal. Truly a touch of wilderness. Excellent access. Will be a favorite when it is repaved. Now it is just too bumpy. Maybe in the near future? Then it will be five stars. In the meantime, if you have the right bike or like to walk, this trail is magical.
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