Find the top rated running trails in Madison, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I just rode the trail today and the weeds mentioned in a previous review have now been mowed and the tree leaning across the trail near Whaley Lake has been cut. The trail is now in excellent condition with none of the typical rail trail root bumps encountered today. BobG.
Great trail, ride it frequently with my wife. Good workout for 22 miles. Main issue is not the road crossings; we ride many trails with more crossings than this, but on those, the towns take down the brush and you can see cars approaching the intersections. On this trail, you pretty much have to stop and inch out into the road to see these cars, many of whom are not "impressed" by the flashing yellow lights that you need to push a button for. Many drivers are looking at their phones rather than the road these days. You must appraoach these intersections as if you are invisible. Be safe
I took a ride on a gravel bike from Putnam to Willimantic and back yesterday. I crossed the bridge in Putnam from Kennedy Drive (a nice paved path there along the north shore of the river!) to pick up the Air Line, which my map app shows as starting there. Though there were some short bits of various trails there, none of them went anywhere. I ended up back on roads and made my way to Town Farm road where the Air Line commenced, with signage. However, the next several miles were very rough, and I would not recommend riding there except with a balloon tire mountain bike with front and back suspension. But from the Pomfret Station on to Willimantic, it was either beautiful, or at least fine, except for some road crossing s with very steep and rocky ramps on both sides. For most riders, those ramps have to be negotiated off the bike. But overall, I had a great experience!
Haven't ridden the trail since 2023. Rode from Cheshire down to New Haven, Saturday July 19th. Absolutely awful; entire section needs repaving and upkeep. Constant cracks in pavement and much debris on surface; plus glass and homeless down by the Wharf. Connecticut should take notice from Mass and NY on trail up keep. Both states's trail are far superior to CT. Also, difficult to navigate at trail end in New Haven if you don't know the city; poor signage.
July 19 2025
Just rode from Pomfret west to the Rt6 overpass. Most of the trail is good riding except for some rocky sections, but the overgrowth is starting to close off the trail in sections. It is down to just one lane. It would be nice if the state could mow the weeds.
Only about 7 miles round trip but a lot of gear changing and climbing! Great workout.
Use gps route its not well marked like others have said but part of the fun was planning the route and then finding your way as you go.
Beautiful ride in the am was nice and cool and quiet Down hill to hopewell This time of year there are so many raspberries on the side of the trail going back to collect some for jam end of the week Being a rail trail the way back is just a slight incline Great Ride
The path is nicely paved and a lot of it goes thru wooded areas. There are a few hills that can challenge the casual rider.
Beginning perhaps 2 miles north of the Simsbury Airport and continuing north for at least a few miles the trail will be closed for construction (looks like repaving + ?). I was on this trail yesterday and the "Will Be Closed" signs are abundant.
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