rumrunn6

So I've been traveling by car and recently stopped at a CT visitors' center and asked if they had any biking info. The gentleman gave me a "Connecticut Bicycle Map". For more information on greenways we can contact the DEP at 860-424-3578.

The reason I am sharing this info is because despite hearing about the CT greenways, I didn't realize what they looked like until getting a map. The Northeast corner has a stretch from Putnam, CT just East of Pomfret Center, and the "State Park Trail" extends many many miles heading Southwesterly to Willimantic, CT. This stretch in particular caught my eye because of the very long very straight sections. I'm thinking if this is paved smooth and in good condition one could rack up some serious miles efficiently!

Anyone know about this stretch?

There's another nice straight stretch just Southeast of Waterbury that appears to go from Cornwall Ave, Cheshire, CT South to the Mount Carmel area.

I saw some other bits and pieces here and there but these two look the straightest.

mlctvt

I haven't ridden it but I don't think it's paved. Here's a link to website about the "Airline trail" a former railroad line.

https://pages.cthome.net/mbartel/ARRabout.htm

bktourer1

The Airline is not paved
Check out FVgreenway.org in Simsbury

professorbob

The Farmington Valley Greenway begins in Unionville, CT. It is now paved and continuous up to the Massachussetts border in East Granby. It's 25 miles one way. At the northern end, it becomes gravel for a mile or so up to Southwick, Mass. This section is scheduled to be paved immediately. I hear that the trail continues north from there, but I haven't been on it yet. There are plans to connect the southern end of the trail to the Cheshire section, which should then take you from New Haven, to the Mass state line. It's really quite beautiful and worth riding.

rumrunn6

Sounds great. Anyone ever start in Suffield? Is there a big parking lot? The web site didn't seem to mention starting at the north east portion, or maybe they call it something else?

bktourer1

Find Phelps Road in Suffield, off RT 168 (follow Phelps to the end). There is an informal parking lot there

rumrunn6

Thanks! bktourer1 I found Phelps on their map. BTW, I found it best to tile their map on 4 8.5 x 11 sheets and then peice them back together with tape. My eyes aint what they used to be! I think I might rack up some miles tomorrow! It's a bout a 2 hr drive for me, but the Cape Cod Rail Trail is almost just as far and Saturday is a bad day to go to the cape due to traffic.

ajwray

Is the greenway safe? I know most of those areas are pretty nice suburbs.

professorbob

No problems on the FVG. All areas are quite safe and enjoyable.