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At the turn of the 20th century, Groton & Stonington Railway Company began to move passengers between Groton to Mystic via electric trolleys. But in 25 years, the line had been discontinued due to increased competition from the automobile. Today, the G & S Trolley Trail sits in that former right-of-way, linking Groton to Haley Farm State Park. The hard surface bike and pedestrian pathway starts with runs from Knoxville Court through Ring Drive Park into the State Park, where unmarked trails peel off from it into the woods. As it exits the park, the trail crosses over Amtrak tracks via a bridge and then ends in Neptune Drive, back in a residential area.
To access the start the north end of the trail, from US 1 heading east, make a right turn onto Depot Road, then a left onto Fitch Avenue / Midway Oval. Pass Central Avenue, and then turn right onto Knoxville Court, at the end of which is the trail and a cul-de-sac where you can park. You can also park at Haley Farm State Park (24 Haley Farm Ln, Groton, CT)
This asphalt bike path has a one fairly large hill and seemed longer than 1.6 miles. Very quiet and low volume bike path. As mentioned, there are easy off-shoots to the Hayley Farm dirt trails and Bluff Point trails. With all of connecting trails we were able to amass a 10-mile ride. Instead of parking in the Midway Oval neighborhood cul-de-sac, you can park at Hayley Farm or Bluff Point - the bike path can be accessed from both spots but the Hayley Farm trail can be rocky in parts. From Bluff Point the path can be reached two ways: first way is passing by the port-o-lets on the left and riding east all the way to the foot bridge over the train tracks - the bike path starts/ends here. Second way is by riding out of Bluff Point back towards RT 1, after passing under the railroad trestle bridge - turn right onto Industrial Drive and into the industrial park. Take this road about 500 yards and on the left will be a a short dirt path that connects to the Midway Oval cul-de-sac.
This trail is great for beginners, especially for my kids who just started riding without training wheels. There are a few moderate hills that may be difficult for single-speed bikes. Overall great experience with potential offshoots to Haley Farm, Bluff Point, and more.
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