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Following the path of the old Farmington Canal Railroad, the 25 mile Farmington Valley Greenway and a spur route, the 26 mile Farmington River Trail, are part of the historic Farmington Canal Heritage trail covering 60 miles along abandoned rail corridors from the Massachusetts border to New Haven, Connecticut. Not all sections of the trail are complete, with detours around the incomplete sections. The stretch of rail trail is an uninterrupted stretch of the Farmington Valley Greenway that runs from Farmington to Simsbury. It is an easy, flat ride and a perfect family bike tour. If you park at the Brick Yard Trailhead and ride back a mile across Rt.4 to the 400 ft. long, 85 ft. high steel bridge, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Farmington River and town of Farmington. There are benches at scenic spots along the way to rest and take a break. At Avon the trail passes through a 50 ft. long, rounded arch tunnel (under Rt.44) that was built in 1912. Nearby are historic industrial buildings, houses, antique shops, art galleries and restaurants. Visible along the way are historic buildings, canal locks, iron bridges, stone arches and other reminders of earlier days. After the tunnel, the trail winds along the river again eventually passing by several small bogs where the trail crosses into Simsbury. From this point, trail users who wish to continue north on the trail must negotiate a 2 mile stretch of highway.
Farmington River Trail : You can access the Farmington River Trail about 100 feet from the Brick Yard Trailhead. It loops to the west off the Farmington Canal Heritage Greenway from Farmington to Simsbury. When complete, it will offer a 16-mile contiguous path for walking, biking, and other activities. Most of the route is paved. About 3.5 miles are surfaced with stone dust.
Note: A detailed trail map showing all the completed and yet incomplete sections (Fall 2006) of the Farmington Valley Greenway and Farmington River Trail can be found at www.fvgreenway.org.
For additional riding: The Winding Trails Recreation Association, adjacent to the trail, offers miles of mountain biking trails for all abilities.
Historical Note: Passing through quiet, scenic and historic central Connecticut, the trail follows a trade route between central Massachusetts and the Long Island Sound first used by Native Americans. In 1828 a canal was opened through the Farmington Valley and later replaced by the railroad in 1848.
For more information: Farmington Valley Trails Council, Inc. Phone: (860) 658-4065
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Historic / Family
Trail Description