Find the top rated birding trails in Plainfield, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Beautiful 1st ride on the Norwottuck Rail Trail. We parked at the Marshalls in Hadley (trail starts right behind the building) and road a little over 10 miles into EastHampton and back. It was a very easy ride (my 1st ride of this length) on asphalt.
I rode round trip from Mansfield to Norton which was 14 miles. It’s an absolutely beautiful trail, perfect for solo riders, couples, and families. Crossings are well marked and vehicles tend to stop immediately. Kids and adults might enjoy a detour to the airport in Mansfield. And ending in downtown Mansfield provides opportunity for a snack or beverage as there are several options readily available.
The path now continues west across the Kickemuit River over the so-called "Broken Bridge", which has been replaced (see: https://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/BrokenBridge/index.php). However, it is still a pain to get from there to the celebrated East Bay Bike Path, less than a mile west.
From the East Bay Bike Path heading east, turn onto Franklin Street (a cross street), arrive at Metacom Av, which is very busy but thankfully has aided crossings. In the future, one might continue east down Libby Lane. But for now, turn left onto Metacom Av (sidewalk) heading north, turn right onto Child Street (sidewalk), then right onto West Street. At its end, you'll see the bridge down River View Street.
Great ride. First time on a gravel surface and found it pretty easy going with a few rough spots. It rained the night before and early morning, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Trail was damp but no big puddles. I took in 28 miles of the 40 out and back. Will do it again and try to get the whole distance.
Rode Simsbury down to Plainville. Simsbury to Avon was full of tree root bumps, and lots of branches & trail debris. It's almost as if Simsbury wants to keep cyclists out. ¿ However, Avon and Farmington were great rides, as was Plainville.
This was such a beautiful ride. Didn’t mind the small section of gravel. Wish users were a little more courteous, don’t leave dog poop filled bags on trail, (there were a few on path ¿), and if you’re scootering by, please slow down or give verbal warning. Two scooters raced by me and I had not heard them coming. It was alarming how fast they were going. Most users were very friendly and courteous. I appreciated that.
Trail was asphalt and exceptionally well maintained. At intersections, drivers in cars were most courteous I'd ever seen. Cars stopped to let bikers across; sometimes even when light was green. Heading West is a slight uphill, which makes return trip exceptionally easy. My daughter and I enjoyed many bridge crossing. Stopping at one bridge we encountered a resident feeding turtles off the bridge; carp on the Pawtuxet river took some meant for turtles. There were many nice graphics at stops explaining Coventry and other industrial towns along the way. Many beautiful old brick mill building were seen also. We passed three ice cream places, General store, and a tavern. Ride was quite beautiful and treed.
Lot's of stops along the way to enjoy the sites. It's a very well maintained small trail
My wife and I ride (e-bikes) this once a year or so. Today (Monday mid-May) was the first we experienced some new bridges eliminating previously awkward and annoying sections. The trail is paved and has wildlife, the bay, a troll sculpture, several bike shops and some eateries along the way. It has always been a go to for us but even more so now. We also did an extra 6 road (rt) miles to check out Roger Williams University. A gem of a trail.
Rode from Avon, CT to Westfield, MA. Mass section in great shape. CT section is awful. Pavement is split, constant 'ka-thunk', pot holes not marked, just horrendous condition. Where is the CT DOT and our tax dollars? Stay away.
Lot's of stops along the way to enjoy the sites. It's a very well maintained small trail
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