Find the top rated bike trails in Connecticut, whether you're looking for an easy short bike trail or a long bike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a bike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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.
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!
When I attempted this trail in 2022, I called it "the worst ride of my life." I got covered in mud, and the numerous puddles teemed with mosquitos. But what a difference two years made!
The trail has been vastly improved, now offering a highly pleasant ride through Connecticut's Route 14 corridor. It does, however, become rougher shortly after you cross Route 14-A near the Rhode Island state line. I only hope further improvements will be made.
We had a great ride! 6.6 miles. Beautiful day!
Love the beautiful trail, but horseback riders should have a manure bag on the horses to catch their droppings. Not fair to others walking the trail.
When I first rode this trail in 2012, it was horrible, even though I had a mountain bike. My wife and I just settled on driving over to Coventry, RI to ride; Moosup was next to impossible. But several months ago work began to get it fixed up. What a nice job, with drainage, a new stone-dust surface, and nice fencing. We have ridden trails all over town country, and this is one of the nicest anywhere. Now, if RI will finish the Washington Secondary Trail from Summit to the state line, I could ride all the way to Providence without having to go on the road!
......of having a trail where there is nowhere to park???
Southern end of the trail has had about .3-.5 miles of paved section added.
Along the river to Quandock Brook.
There is still some work being done. mostly placing fencing. but, the surface is finished, and the trail is open. Public making use of it again.
Mostly stonedust, with a few paved sections. New signage/crosswalks for road intersections. signs, no blinking lights.
new parking. 3 new lots.
A new parking lot has been added to the corner of Railroad ave and Spring lake rd, just off 14 and 14a in sterling, towards the "end" of the trail, at the ct state line.
A parking lot has been added on industrial park rd, in sterling, up the big field, next to the trail.
Another small parking lot added to Barber hill road, off n main st, across the river next to the trail in Moosup.
the .7m paved section from the start to Barber hill rd is unchanged.
2 park bench locations.
one off Main street in sterling. the north west side, next to Weidele's pizza and pub. (which recently moved from rt 14 to here).
another next to the "rainbow bridge", off the new Babcock rd access.
The project was 3.85million.
Major work done to fix drainage. The vast majority of which does seem solved. Theres a couple places with some problems still. (particularly about .5miles east from rt 14 in sterling, towards babcock/providence rd). some runoff, and one large puddle still.
The bollards blocking the bridge over the moosup river between sterling and moosup, .3 from sterling have been removed. This section is now wheelchair/stroller/bike carriage friendly.
The bollards for the rainbow bridge over Providence road have not been removed. the clearance is 36". (note, the north east side of the trail is only 34". the right side, coming from the paved section. the left side is 36")
plan accordingly.
Bypass is not quick and easy. From moosup, turn up Babcock road access, then right/south onto Providence road, go under the bridge, down to 14A/plainfield pike. Turn left/east on 14a, continue to taking a left onto railroad ave. up to the new Railroad ave trail access.
14a is a fairly heavy use road with little to no shoulder.
The .5mile paved section from Spring lake rd, to the bridge over Providence rd has also been repaired, with pavement.
Official renovations end at 14a, and the state line.
Atvs and dirtbikes are already tearing up the trail... hoping regular foot/bike traffic gets them to stop. not sure who to call, state police, or deep.
The section from RI state border to paved Washington secondary bike path is getting worse.
from ct/ri State line to Lewis farm road its dirt.
heavy use from ATVS/dirt bike is creating moguls and puddles. its still possible to go around, but is getting less fun and manageable every year.
The levee/valley for Carbunkle pond is very soft sand. roadbikes/strollers/wheelchairs beware. get off and walk, and/or try to go on the grass to the north side of the trail. a huge washout at the trail to carbunkle pond.
from lewis farm road, to hopkins hollow rd is railroad grade gravel. perpetually wet. a very large puddle at the entrance of hopkins hollow rd.
from hopkins hollow rd, to log bridge road/summit general store/102. dirt/gravel, and moguls, moguls moguls. past the wind turbines, there is also a large puddle that can be bypassed by going up into the woods.
also a few trees down.
Best to just bypass this section, if on roadbike or all terrain. if coming from Washington secondary, head north up log bridge road, then west on 117. take the right in Green, staying on 117. at Lewis farm road(a dirt road), you have a choice, take it to the trail, and do the slightly rough section between lewis farm rd, and 14a. Or, just stay on 117, continue to 14, taking a left onto it, and continue to 14a, taking a left onto 14a. 14a to the trail again. Renovated section.
These are really 2 separate trails with a variety of surfaces and a bit of street riding. The Norwalk trail is mostly asphalt going north from the sound while the trail in Wilton has about half going through a wooded area with pea gravel. This is the most enjoyable spot to ride as the other half of the Wilton trail dies out north of town on Route 7 with nothing around. If they were ever able to connect the two routes you would have something.
Manchester towards Hartford is great for a few miles. Then it gets a little dicey and unpleasant. You’re forced onto sidewalks through busy neighborhoods and alongside a highway with only a jersey barrier between you and reckless drivers.
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