Find the top rated wheelchair accessible trails in Hartford, whether you're looking for an easy short wheelchair accessible trail or a long wheelchair accessible trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a wheelchair accessible trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I did the entire trail, excepting the on-road portion in New York. Each section (the two in Vermont and the central part in New York) was quite different from the others, so I've broken my review into 3 parts.
The northern Vermont section (Poultney to Castleton) was in good shape and appears to get a lot of use, maybe 3 to 1 walkers to bikers. The surface of quarter inch gravel was not ideal, but enough has been brushed aside over the years that the ride was smooth and comfortable. It is well-maintained, mowed with no washouts or potholes, and just the right number of historical signs. It is generally well-shaded but probably the least scenic of the three sections.
The southern Vermont section (West Pawlet to West Rupert) was much more open and scenic, especially near Rupert, but Vermont's choice of quarter inch gravel surface is still generally in place so slows down the ride. A short detour to the general store in West Rupert for ice cream was a treat, as was a trail-side stream at the southern end to cool off in. The gentle slope made the northbound ride here more enjoyable than the southbound one. The trail was as well maintained as the northern portion. Ratio probably 4 to 1 bikers over walkers/joggers but fewer of both than the northern section.
The middle section in New York (West Pawlet to Middle Granville) was completely different. Parts of the surface were cinder (perfect for riding) while other parts were completely grass covered (and mowed) and as a result felt much like riding on someone's lawn - soft and slow. The scenery was less interesting, but the section in Granville was nice, with a park and B&B right on the trail. I didn't have time to explore the town, though. Despite the sunny Sunday, I saw few others using this part of the trail.
All in all, the trail was OK and has a lot of potential. With a better stone dust surface, I would have given it a 5-star. If the 4-mile break in New York between sections were completed, this would become a destination ride. With fall colors, it would be exceptional.
We started from Echo Lake parking lot, first going north all the way - not that interesting, and pretty steep. Then went south all the way to the end of the trail - much more fun. On the way back you'll have a lot of climbing, but it's pretty moderate and there are plenty of nice stops along the way. For a perfect ending, finish at the lake!
Went north out of Keene on the trail, and was quickly in a lovely wooded area, then soon at a side trail to Stonewall Farm, where visitors are welcome to wander. The birds were singing happily! We did 6.5 miles out before turning around but there was plenty more trail to explore. If you are expecting a super flat trail and a packed surface this may not be your kind of fun. If you don’t mind dismounting for a rickety bridge, or adventuring on side trails, then check this trail Out ,
We started at the marina restaurant at the south end of the trail and rode 3.5 miles on the rail trail section, with another 2 miles on Rice Farm & Quarries roads. Beautiful vistas of the river, rock formations, changing leaves. Esp impressive was the overhead highway bridge built with long tapering multicolored stone supports, representing tree branches. Under the arched stone supports is a picnic table & patio area. A few protruding stones/tree roots need to be managed but biking is very possible on this trail and should be included in the list of options for use.
This Trail has been all redone we started at Ricker pond and went to Kettle pond was so much fun the views were amazing
Despite all the bad reviews for this trail we gave it a try and I'm so glad that we did. It was a little rough in some spots but nothing terrible. There are some scenic parts of the trail, a few trestle bridges, and one small tunnel. The river view is breathtaking in many spots. There's a great view where the river bends near a long covered bridge with a little chapel in the background...this time of the year the foliage just added to the beauty.
The trail is sandy for approximately the first one and a half miles on the Newport end. So what. If you fall off your bike, it will hurt less. The rest of the trail more than makes up for it. You get to ride across two railroad covered bridges - name another bike trail in New England that has that. There is also a microbrewery backed right up to the trail, and they are open early on Fridays so you can do 3/4 of the out and back ride and then grab a slice and a beer before finishing in Newport. Very scenic - saw several turkeys and a heron in back to back years.
Short trail that is very much an extension of Sugar River trail, but without much scenery, other than the last .5 mile. The first portion of the trail that runs along the road is safe and wide, but its surface is a little soft. If you ride the Sugar River Trail, you should ride this trail as it is short, it adds to the exercise and the road portion is unique. I applaud and support all trail extensions.
This is one of the prettiest trails in the state. It runs along the Sugar River almost the entire ride and there are numerous bridges, including two covered rail bridges. I rode and e-bike with 2.1" tires. I agree with the other reviews concerning bikes, sandy but rideable. I left from Newport, and the sand was only an issue during the first 1.5 miles and then sporadically thereafter. I found the best way to deal with the back tire sliding out in the sand was to use higher levels of assist than I would normally have used. This trail can easily be top rated if it had a firmer surface. I passed 2-ATVs and 2-motorcycles and all four were exceptionally courteous. I did the Bobby Woodman trail too as part of my ride as the two trails are seamless.
Great ride! Plenty of parking at both ends. As noted in earlier reviews, it is not a rail trail, being hilly with some steep pitches. As an out-and-back it's over 1,500' in elevation gain (easier from north to south if you do it only one way).
We rode the trail in early September on a Thursday and Friday. Thursday we started at Webster Lake and headed south (east?). Friday we rode from Webster Lake to the covered bridge. This second part of the trail was better riding than the other direction, which had more sand and was sometimes a slight bit challenging on our hybrid bikes (but maybe a better work out). We saw riders and walkers, but it was not crowded at all. Mostly we had this beautiful place to ourselves. We'll return for sure. (We camped at Granite State Campground about 30 min from where we began our rides.)
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