Explore the best rated trails in Orange, 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 70 trails covering 566 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.
I recently rode this on a cool day in May from Manchester to Willimantic and back, so right at 40 miles. The trail is well-maintained and foot/bike traffic was light, even though it was a holiday weekend. Very scenic for long stretches and low elevation gain. I rode a gravel bike with 45 mm tires. On a road bike with reasonable tires, this should be do-able (I saw a couple of them), but there is one rough section of about 100ft (30m) where you would need to walk. There is also one underpass that is dark enough to use a headlight...but it's passable if you slow down. There are a number of places to read about the history of the rail line, as well as a few locations with fix-it stations with bike tools and air pumps.
One final tip: Google maps takes you to an intersection on Colonial Road for the Manchester trailhead...the parking lot has a tiny sign that is easy to miss.
This morning May 25, 25 we saw a doe and larger buck between east of Old Town Road.
Entered @ Elmsford and found a parking lot where we unloaded . Well maintained nice scenery along the way as well as a few eateries and gas stations where you can get a drink or snack .
Artie Pescov and I were the initiators of this bike path when I was 17 years old ( I am 70 yo now) and he was 16 yo. I lived on Pine street backing Cedar Creek Park ( old timers would know our property because we had a chicken farm and the hens would cross Merrick Rd. The diner is now there where my grandparents house stood). It was his idea and I had a license. So we travelled around getting signatures to have this bikeway built. We then visited congressman Mr. Murphy ( I think that was his name) of Seaford and he loved the idea. Well, it went through and Artie and I never heard another word about it. Other people (adults not teens like us) took credit for it. However, I am glad that this bikeway still exists! I have long left Long Island but still good memories.
Mary Jo (Masone) Frohlich
I rode the entire northern section of the Farmington Canal Trail from Plainville into MA on a windy Easter Sunday. The trail itself is fully paved, in very good overall condition (there are a few bumps and cracks but nothing major). Simsbury offers a great stopping off point to get refreshments just a quick turn off from the trail. The scenery changes from light industrial parks, residential, marshes, a little farmland and some nice wooded areas.
I have one complaint that prevents this from being a five star trail. The signage could be better. There are times in the more urban areas that I lost the trail, a quick look at Google Maps got me back on and I never was too lost. There are a few signs that were helpful so just a few more would make this a five star trail.
Hadn’t ridden in at least 10 years; took it out from Van Cortlandt Park to Orchard Beach, City Island and the Country Club/Pell mansion areas . It is now in horrid shape. Patches bumps ruts. And more hills than I remembered LOL but that’s on me. But the bumps and holes do make hills harder. And also road crossings. No more FOMO
I rode the entire 24.7 mile southern portion of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail on a beautiful fall day. The HVRT offers everything you could want from a trail experience: a fully paved surface, mostly flat, beautiful scenery (especially in the Fall) and a perfect mid-point trailhead to grab a bite to eat.
I don't recall seeing any water fountains along the trail although the trailhead in Millerton offers many options for places to eat or resupply. The HVRT offers a myriad of scenery changes from farmland, quiet streams, distant hills to quaint towns. I have ridden many paved rail trails in the past and the HVRT is one of the best with almost no surface imperfections for the entire distance. There are many trailheads along the entire trail giving many distance options. All this adds up to a perfect trail in my opinion!
Map is 6 months out of date
We recently did a loop ride, crossing the George Washington Bridge and Mario Cuomo Bridges. This trail was a seamless connector from Rt. 9 and the town of Sparkill to the MCB. It's fairly narrow with occasional views across the Hudson River and the bridge. The condition was pretty good, gravel/dirt.
We attempted to ride the entirety of the greenway in two halves, north and south. North have was pretty good--a lot of raised roots on pavement--from Valhalla and south to Bronxville. The southern half began with an abrupt dead end below Bronxville, followed by miles on road. We eventually linked up with a bike lane alongside roadways that led us as far south as Bronx Zoo. Overall, the trail lack good markings and directives. We were disappointed with the southern section of greenway and aborted plans of continuing to the East River. Wanted to like it!
Hubby and I discovered this trail last fall. We absolutely love it. It's a beautiful hike with all the leaves changing. Great for pets too as it's a pretty flat walk. It's def longer than 1.7 miles though. I love that the leaves are changing we will be frequented this trail alot during this fall season!
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