Explore the best rated trails in Bristol, CT, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Windsor River Trail and Niantic Bay Boardwalk . With more than 53 trails covering 478 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I rode the entirety of the Steinhaus Trail starting at Hopewell Junction and riding over the Walkway over the Hudson. On a very windy early April Sunday the trail was lightly used and everyone was very polite and practiced great trail etiquette including very attentive drivers at road intersections.
The trail itself is fairly wide, is well marked with mile markers counting up or down from Hopewell Junction depending on which way you are going and is in immaculate shape. I don't even recall a single bump, pothole or crack on the asphalt. The scenery is a mix of light residential, some commercial, a nice lake near Hopewell Junction and a good amount of tree cover.
I appreciate how easy it was to connect to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail via the Walkway over the Hudson which added to my ride.
The Columbia Greenway Rail Trail is a beautiful rail trail that has a little of everything. City views, farmland, rivers, and tree cover in just 3 miles. The bridges are also a feature that make this trail unique. I love that it connects to trails that go much further south into CT, so whether you are just going for a short walk or a long ride you can do it here! Plenty of access points too (including 4 in downtown Westfield alone) make it easy to get on the trail from nearby neighborhoods or get off to shop and eat at downtown businesses.
A sidepath has been constructed adjacent to Route 189 to Main St in Tariffville. Trail is now about 3 miles long. It will be designated as part of the East Coast Greenway and is visible on Google Street View.
After reading many of the mixed reviews for this trail on TrailLink, I decided to keep my ride short but sweet by restricting it to what seemed to be the most picturesque - the portion between the historic Unionville train depot and the Riverside Nursery and Garden Center in Collinsville.
This part of the trail contains breathtaking views of the officially deemed wild and scenic Farmington River. In addition, since I did this in mid October, the river was a perfect reflecting glass for the amazing fall colors.
My ride was only a total of twelve miles out and back, but I now have the most perfect photos, videos, and memories of this Connecticut treasure!
The bike ride is easy and mostly flat with lots of locals getting their steps in and exercising their dogs. Surprisingly, I only encountered two other bicyclists on my early weekday morning ride.
After starting in New Paltz on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and then crossing the Walkway Over The Hudson, I continued on to the Dutchess Rail Trail. I only went a few miles before turning around and heading back to New Paltz for a 21 mile ride.
The portion I rode is for the most part heavily forested, so if you like colorful trees in the fall or shade in the summer you'll love this. The trail is easy to ride, in amazing condition, and on a weekday morning in mid October lightly used. I especially appreciated the use of wood fencing in many spots which was the perfect architectural touch for this trail. Another highlight was Morgan Lake with its lovely swans and colorful trees reflecting upon the water.
I wish I would have had the time to venture further into the beautiful rural areas, but time was of the essence. I guess I have a reason to return and do the full length next time!
We love biking the Airline and have used non electric hybrid bikes as well as e-bikes. Both work well. On 10/28/2023 we biked the section from Willimantic parking at the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum area and pedaled to Rt. 207 Lebanon Rd, Amston, CT. FYI, we're in our 60s and encountered no difficulties with the terrain.
I rode the southern half of this trail from Millerton to Wasaic the first week in October on a 75° afternoon. Beautiful ride on a beautiful day.
Nice quiet ride to take time to enjoy these beautiful days.
This is still a great trail but currently (9/2023) the Trailway is closed between the Stormville parking area on South Green Haven Road and the road crossing at Depot Road due to a partial washout (see pic).
There is a bypass using Route 216 (busy and not always good shoulders).
People have gone around the barricades and used the Trailway. Please use caution if you do so.
Rode the 13 miles from Orphan Farm Rd to Millerton and back. At the northern end, at Orphan Farm Rd is a large parking area adjacent to a small farm, a solar panel field and a glamping site. No one there at 8am that Saturday but half a dozen cars upon my return at 11. Likewise, I had the trail practically to myself until I neared Millerton and found it moderately traveled by later that morning. The asphalt trail was in very good condition and there are a few boardwalk sections as well, also in very good condition. The environs are beautiful with forested sections, farm fields, wetlands and vistas of the nearby hills. Not more than two miles from the north end is the Depot Deli, near the entrance to Taconic State Park, where all manner of beverages, ice cream and snacks can be found. Breakfast at Oakhurst Diner in Millerton is highly recommended. Clean public bathrooms can be found just behind the schoolhouse museum beside the trail after crossing the main street.
Very nice 7 miler tonight just before sundown. Trail was very clean and only lightly populated as we headed south for 3 1/2 miles and then back to the parking lot.
Too bad that Daddy O's had closed their kitchen when we returned. Had to go to the Redline Diner to get a post-ride meal on a Sunday night.
Road crossings were well marked and use automatic yellow flashing lights for traffic to be aware of bikers approaching the crossing. A nice feature.
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