The Mountain Laurel were in bloom just west of Bolton Notch. Hiking trail is unmarked; trail starts just across from the parking lot. Towards the end in the Andover, Columbia, Willimantic area it started to become a bit bumpy. I saw thin tire street bikes on this trail as well. Walked up the steps, which are nicely cut into the hill side. From the Colonial Road trailhead in Manchester to Kings Road in Columbia, the trail is 19.3 miles. old was carried by Mama in a sling. Great for hybrid bikes, runners, and walkers. Along the way, you’ll pass Valley Falls Park, then Bolton Notch State Park, both of which are accessible via hiking paths that spin off from the rail-trail. Other than that this trail is amazing. If you magnify the trail map at Bolton Notch the thin short dirt road shows on the map. and Parker St. (Manchester) to Columbia Ave./CT 66 at the Willimantic River bridge (Willimantic). Thanks to those who help keep this trail clean. Stay in the left lane as you exit, and make a left turn on Tolland Tpke. Since my previous posting, I have finished exploring the trail and highly recommend it as a place to ride. From our start point we crossed RT 6 in front of the church to pick up the trail and then rode to the right heading west. ", "Currently there is work being done between the Steel Crossing Road area and Route 316. The scenery was mostly rocks that had been blasted through back when the railroad was built with a lot of ferns and greenery, but never saw the Hop River. On Saturday March 31, the long-awaited covered trail bridge over Rte. ", "The trail surface has been improved at Steel Crossing Road to the rock formations. Would have loved to keep going, but need to head back for food.". had a wonderful walk. Surprisingly, there were not a lot of people. You can get around the closed bridge with a short detour. The section about 3 miles in is cut out of the side of an incline, and there are a few spots with a bit rougher surface…easily negotiated with trail or mountain bikes, and I think you could do it even with a road bike (excluding the skinniest tires) if you took your time. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. This is a welcome sight, making for safer passage through the tunnel. There is a short section near Railroad Creek, that runs out of Bolton Pond, that has not been widened and packed , due to it been a brown trout rehab area. The 1.2 mile stretch from Parker Bridge Road to a wooden bridge over the Hop River is the only stone dust surface east of Burnap Brook Road. It's definitely worth a little bit of a drive to check out this trail. Some good short trails off to the side. The town was also clearing access from the trail to the old bridge abutment. Perhaps those responsible for the maintainence of the trail will remedy that in the future. and Parker Bridge Rd. is sill not safe and you have to make a left on the road before it.The trail was in great shape for about the first half andwhen finished will make a great one way day trip. (860) 424-3200 The high rock walls and rushing water were great highlights. We love this trail for its diversity... the raised causeways, tunnel, rocky ledges, tree canopy and scenic moments. The trail is tightly packed gravel and was in very good condition. [email protected] - See more at: http://www.ctvisit.com/listings/bolton-notch-state-park#sthash.mkdnjxlL.dpuf. There were mostly bikers on the trail, and everyone was very friendly. ", "See the ""new footbridge"" note in the Rockville spur area. Here, a bridge over the Willimantic River connects the trail to the Air Line State Park Trail, which spans more than 50 miles, running northeast to the Massachusetts border and southwest to East Hampton. awesome trail. The tunnel under Rt. A little muddy but didn’t stop anyone. The previous reviewer indicated there was standing water on the trail in Andover. Use trail reports to comment on trail conditions. We got around this by detouring left on Kings Road and then Right on Flanders River Road. "I've enjoyed riding this trail end-to-end on several occasions over the past 8 years. Bids, construction and all that stuff pushes the completion into 2021. For years this page existed to tell readers that I wouldn’t be completing the Hop River State Park Trail. The grant will be used to place a prefabricated covered bridge across Route 316 that will allow hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders to follow the trail safely. Turn left onto Hop River Road. My 1st time on this train proved to be fantastic, I started me trek at the Manchester trail head and went 10 miles before turning back. This is a fabulous rail trail through wooded areas and is not heavily used. Lookout via White and Shenipsit Trail Loop, Porter Reservoir Dam and White Blaze Loop, Risley Pond Yellow, White, and Blue Blazes Trail, Talcott Ravine, Northern Connecticut Land Trust, http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=445284&deepNav_GID=1650#BoltonNotch, http://www.ctvisit.com/listings/bolton-notch-state-park#sthash.mkdnjxlL.dpuf, Manchester Land Conservation Trust Property, Porter/Howard Reservoir Passive Recreation Area. Thanks to those who keep making these trails better. A unique site on the trail is the ""tunnel"" under Route 384 in Bolton Notch, which is actually a long railroad cut covered by a concrete arch. Reviews (1009) Photos (1633) Recordings (1006) Jen L reviewed Risley Reservoir Loop. A 3% grade for 5 miles a clip at an average 14 mph will do wonders for your stamina. June 27, 2008
I met a friend today at the Church St trailhead, in Vernon and had a nice walk with our toddlers. Thanks to the crews from the towns of Bolton and Andover. We brought an off road double jogging stroller and at one time, all three of the older kids were in it on the way back. Each photo and review that you add on The Outbound earns you points towards rewards, free gear, and access to exclusive discounts. Directions. To get to this new trail head in Manchester from Hartford & points west, take I-84 East to Exit 63. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 30,000 miles of trail maps and more! We stopped at the 7-Eleven today and then turned around and headed back to Sacred Heart Church in Vernon. As Calvin and I rode the first mile or so of this section of the Hop River State Park Trail, I pondered aloud, “This may be one of the coolest stretches of Rails-to-Trails in all of Connecticut. ", "Yesterday I parked by the trail entrance on Shoddy Mill Rd right off of Rte 6 in Andover. With regard to my previous posting and the crossing at Rt. My wife rode the trail on a recumbent trike and I on a Mt bike. The second car we parked at the trailhead 175 Colonial Rd, Manchester, CT where there is a dedicated parking lot. Intersecting roads along the length of trail that we rode are all lower functional class, seemingly low-volume (at least on a holiday), roads. From our start point we crossed RT 6 in front of the church to pick up the trail and then rode to the right heading west. No reviews yet, be the first to write a review or ask a question. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Bolton! Coming from the west the actual trail ends at King Street a mile or so west where you have to bike King road and Flanders Road to Rt 66 and cross the bridge over the Willimatic River and then circle left under the bridge where is a 1/4 mile or so of paved trail along the river to the new Airline Trail bridge. ", "I work in Vernon, so typically after work I go to the Church St trailhead parking lot and the farthest I had ridden was to Bailey Rd. Get the App. Be the first to share your experience. 316, there is a two-foot wide path on the left side of the abutment that users presumably created. We shared this trail with joggers,mountain bikers, and others walking their dogs. They are easy to print and show mileage. Just last year I tried riding this part of the track and was hindered by trap rock. continuing down hill there is a steep drop of on the left all the way. Help defend and expand trails nationwide. The trail was less traveled once we got past the Bolton/Andover area. When we got back to the the parking area, we ate used the picnic table and portopotty, both clean. Great scenery all around you, and cool off-shoots into the Valley Falls Park trails. State Parks; Hop River State Park Trail; Current: Fees; Hop River State Park Trail . Past Steeles Crossing Road in Bolton, US 6 comes into view on your left, but not so close as to disrupt the tranquil experience. Simply put, this is a marvelous trail. Downed trees, rocks, and low hanging branches, coupled with sections where the rail ties were still embedded were a challenge. ", "The run from West St., Vernon to colonial Dr., Manchester is a nice run of about 12 miles round trip. It takes about 2 hours to get to the Church Street parking lot in Vernon from NYC. and Parker St. (Manchester) and Columbia Ave./CT 66 at the Willimantic River bridge (Willimantic). Beautiful A-B Trail make it a loop for a challenge. I rode 5 miles upgrade (which brings you to the pinnacle of the trail, Bolton Notch) and then turned around (the way back was a downgrade). Past the bypass is loose sand, trap rock, and even railroad tracks. 316, I suggest that everyone who uses this wonderful trail e-mail governor Rell at "[email protected]" and push for resolution to this impass between the DOT and Echo Bridge, Inc. (contractor). 6/44 joins the super highway. Walk your bike down to Rt. The first 5 miles were a definite uphill grade, around mile 6 it became a downhill grade all the way to Manchester. From Kings Road west is better, but still not as nice as the western part of the trail. Simply one of my favorite trails. Then I got a bike and I … It really is quite beautiful! There is no bridge crossing Rte 316 and there is a steep down hill portage to reach the other side of the trail, which by the way is more like a single track then a trail. Looks like a late summer or early fall completion is possible. the road base it this area is broken ballist stone and can be quite a ruff ride for small kids. Most of the tail is fairley wide of packed stone dust . I was thrilled to see that once you get to Burnap Brook Rd, the trail has been stonedusted with a drainage ditch. They’re still working on completing the last mile or so in Columbia/Willimantic - I think it’s supposed to be done in 2021 or 2022. On Saturday, May 10, 2003, we rode the trail from Church Street in Vernon to Columbia and back. There is just one location that you might want to walk through 2 large rocks that impede the path, but otherwise it's pretty smooth riding. Much thanks to all involved is in order. ", "The lights in the tunnel running under Rte 6 in Andover are on. status date description; Feb 24, 2020 @ 10:42am. Bolton: Bolton Notch State Park; entrance is just west of where US 44 becomes Route 44/ I-384. I was pleased to see that there was a backhoe on the western side of the trail (where there was a barracade and you had to scramble down the hill - now there's a backhoe there and netting so no one can get that far). Hope to see you out there. The kids had a great time, it was perfect for them, as it is a wide, flat trail, with almost 100% tree coverage/shade. CT Dept. Maps. Heck, it would be fun. For bicycling, I so much prefer this than riding trails on which you have to stop every half mile or so to cross a busy road, even though I like riding my road bike better. This is an awesome trail, has a variety of everything, from bridges over rivers and a covered bridge. To reach the trailhead from Exit 66, bear right on Frontage Road, then turn left on Tunnel Road. The Hop River State Park Trail in Bolton heading towards Vernon and Valley Falls State Park follows the rail road bed thru Bolton Notch State Park. Showing results 1 - 90 of 316. Definitely, it is worth the trip. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. The bridge over the Willimantic River is now done and looking great. Parks. Welcome; Overview/History; Activities; Facilities; Fees; Maps; Getting Here; Related Information; In the Area; Contact the Park; Provided by: Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Mostly flat stroller able/bike able terrain follows under towering mossy rock outcroppings and along a gentle brook. Signs here and there explain the history of the railroad in the area. There were mostly bikers on the trail, and everyone was very friendly. This image was taken at the junction of two rail-trails, the Hop River Trail and the Air Line Trail, just north of the bridge over the Air Line Trail… Nice for dog walking. The trail has a few areas with small grades but for the most-part is really flat. Also because there is no parking lots between the Manchester Trail Head and the Church Street lot, this part of the trail is virtually unused. "Rode the trail from Church St trailhead about 9 miles to Andover or so on 10/13. The most polished sections start from the Manchester-Vernon town line extending to Burnap Brook Road in Andover. Rode the trail from Manchester to Andover today, and found a large section of a bridge sitting near the Rt 316 crossover point. I can only hope that by next year, we will have the first covered bridge on a trial in CT! The only down side is that the trail terminus in Willimantic is pretty anticlimactic. Our experience with rail trails is that other users we encounter are generally friendly, or at worst, certainly not unfriendly. There is now a parking area for this trail at the corner of Parker St. & Colonial Road in Manchester. However, the eastern end of the trail is a different story. CT Rail Trail Explorer: Interactive map and planning tool for our State Park Rail Trails. If you like, you could lock your bike at the rack by Valley Falls Park in Vernon, and walk down the hiking trail to the pond and pay $1 to swim. There are many good access points in the towns of Bolton and Andover. 316, then immediate right on Monument Lane. Dogs are also able to use this trail … This is one that's worth going out of your way to experience. Other than the uphill grade for 5 miles it was a very pleasant ride. They say it is only 20 miles but that is one way. Sections of the 20-mile rail-trail dive through steep rock cuts that seep moisture, supplying air-conditioning in summer and freezing into glistening icefalls in winter. After Steel crossing road each section gets progressively more difficult and should be tried by only more adventuresome bikers. ", "Not noted in any literature is that the trail ends at Andover at Rte 316 in a large mess of construction debries. and Parker St. (Manchester) to Columbia Ave./CT 66 at the Willimantic River bridge (Willimantic). This is an incredibly under used resource. After a steady climb to Bolton notch It was down hill to Willimantic. The first 5 miles were a definite uphill grade, around mile 6 it became a downhill grade all the way to Manchester. 316, so can't speak for the section from there to Willimantic.) I also like the width of the trail. The approximately 4-5 miles of trail that pass through Vernon are a smooth stone-dust surface accessible to any style of bike. The trail is now complete with a great bluestone surface to about 2 miles past Bolton Notch. The 20 plus miles of the Hop River Trail, like many trails of this length, passes through or abuts many preserved open areas. Hoping it lives up to its name and I spot some wild hops. It is particularly bad from Pucker St. to Kings Rd. The trail is mostly wooded, and for the most part, except for a 1 mile stretch, not well maintained. This trail section is not for the, little ones, handicapped, or road bikes. After Andover it gets a bit more narrow but there were also fewer people on the trail towards Willimantic. If you're looking for a nearby place to stay I highly recommended the Daniel Rust House in Coventry which was only 12 minutes from the church by car. However, had to turn around at Hilliard, since the trackbed is overgrown with high weeds. 300 Valley Falls Rd, Vernon, CT. “A historic national site, It's one … The path is scenic with rivers, bridges, hay fields, and wildlife. It was a cool, grey drizzly day, but a small crowd was on hand for the event, including a few hardy bicyclists who immediately rode across upon completion of the installation. Columbia: Take I-384 to US 6, and continue east on US 6 for 9.3 miles. As many of us are disappointed with the lack of progress in Andover, CT concerning the planned covered bridge over Rt. Hop River State Park Trail is a 20.6 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Manchester, Connecticut that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Railroad Brook has been restored to pristine beauty. The trail from Willimantic to Bolton Notch features a long, gradual uphill – but really once you start pedaling it’s not difficult at all, and the route is so picturesque that you don’t really notice. This is a beautiful trail, long and uninterrupted, through shady forest. This is due to frost-thaw cycle that starts in November. Ideal for a hot day – shade virtually the entire length, especially beautiful stretches along a raised ridge. ", "State and local officials have secured a $283,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program grant from the State Bond Commission. The Hop River State Park Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. In addtion, the new gravel surface and drainage work from Trout Brook in Bolton Notch toward Andover made the riding very enjoyable! Considering the trail is mostly hard packed dirt it was very well maintained, wider in some areas than others with a few road crossings. I'm not sure if motorized vehicles are prohibited in this section because I didn't see any signs that indicated that. The trail continues to get narrower until it becomes a single track. "Today we parked at the Sacred Heart Church (N41.49.928 W72.28.453) and rode for about 3.75 miles. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Coventry! Fees. At Church and Phoenix Streets in Vernon, a trail called the Rockville Spur (sometimes known as Vernon Rails-to-Trails) branches north. Although not paved, I thought this was a great trail with a relatively smooth ride the entire way. I plan to ride the easternmost part of the trail in the near future. The Hop River State Park Trail is a 19-mile passage through the scenic countryside of eastern Connecticut. One last thing of note. The trail has been ""churned up"" and a water drainage ditch has been added on the west side, by machinery. There are some really cool tunnels (cool, temperature-wise) to pass under too. down railroad bridge. All sections are currently passable. The bridge across the Willimantic River has rotting timbers and across the bridge the tracks are active. ... bonnie kostiuk reviewed Upper Hop River State Park Trail. In fact I started in Manchester at 5:30 on a Friday night and did not encounter another person until I reached the Church Street lot. At the junction of Route 44 and Route 6 in Bolton. No parking lot or grassy area, just a road and you know its over unless you want to continue on-road biking to Willimantic. It's well worth the drive! It really is … Turn right at the first traffic signal on Dobson Road and cross beneath the interstate. Much natural beauty, very few road crossings, narrow trail entry gates and few sandy spots. Not to mention all the other MTB trails that connect to it! The round trip measured 25 miles on my indicator. We're getting there! Windham hopes to have the bridge over the Willimantic River and that section out to bid in the spring of 2018. Except for maybe a half mile of stones and gravel in Bolton Notch where a mountain bike would be better, the rest was nice hard pack dirt and pulverized stone. Paving would solve the problem. Uploaded: 2/9/2017. It is just like the rest of the trail all the way up to Church Street in Vernon! Today while riding I came across a DEEP person and he told me that next week they will start putting stone dust on Columbia section that has previously only been graded. The telegraph poles from days gone by still jut out of the hillside, and a few miles into the trail from the western side, you can see a turnabout that was used to reverse the direction of the train.After beginning your ride in Manchester, you’ll have the opportunity to connect to another trail in 2.6 miles. The mature forest through which most of it flows is truly striking. There were large rocks on the trail in the Andover area and a missing bridge, where we had to get off the trail and cross a street a little ways before crossing under Route 6.All and all it was a great ride. Total distance between the two locations approximately 12 miles. Right into the Museum of Andover History driveway, then left onto the trail. would do again. Hop River State Park Trail spans 20 mi. Make a right at the first traffic light, Parker Street, and follow Parker for about a mile to the intersection of Colonial Road which hits Parker Street from the left. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Well maintained dirt or gravel, some steep side drop offs, so watch the little ones, overall an excellent experience. This gives you a great 5 mile return with a slight downhill grade. The parking lot will appear on your left in 0.4 mile. Going left on Kings Road a short distance and then right on Flanders River Road will put you safely over the river and back on the trail. Look for the trailhead parking lot immediately to your left. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Vernon Rockville! I did this trail today July 20th, it was going to be a very hot day so I got an early strat. Two thirds of the trail is very wide. store. The section on the Windham side of the Willimantic River is under construction. Hiking. Almost everyone smiled at us. Slight grade uphill until Bolton, then slight downhill to the turnaround point at Parker Bridge. Fine for our kids, but not good if you have a little one who runs aways or won't stop on command. be back soon. Hopefully this trail will finally be complete sometime this year! The trail, however, is still unimproved past the rocks heading towards Bailey Road. › Hop River State Park Trail [CLOSED] › Photos Photos of Hop River State Park Trail [CLOSED] Hop River State Park Trail [CLOSED] 157 Reviews. At about mile 14.5, there is a spot by the river that you can access down a short, steep embankment. Thanks to those who've worked hard to make it all possible. It starts off looking like a farm road with weeds growing in the center line of the trail. Combined with the lack of progress in Andover just to have the bridge over Rte along ride. Road ; Vernon follows under towering mossy rock outcroppings and along a gentle Brook on 10/13 east. East to Exit 63 left lane as you would like at least all of aspects... Expanding sand traps at some of the trail offers a number of activity options and accessible..., Spirits & more: Connecticut Libations Cycling... mountain biking Pequonnock River Valley State trail... St to the Church Street in Vernon and Washington Streets Windham side the... Points in the spring, trilliums and other wild-flowers speckle the ground color. Large section of the trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round bids, construction and that... Runners, and in the opposite direction gave us a friendly greeting a smooth ride the entire trail is slight. Many good access points in the area Brook in Bolton trail after 0.2... Part heading west on I-384 from Bolton Notch '' note in the.! My first time visiting this trail is primarily shady so the temperature comfortable! Andover to Willimantic with only one working light and some broken glass, so ca wait. Remain unimproved but is do-able with wider tires from Kings Road west is better, turn left Colonial. Son along the trail, Connecticut Team Roche Cycling... mountain biking Pequonnock River Valley State Park trail and explain... Trailhead is just a Road or hard core MTB rider this trail and there is a! That it was 15 minutes one way between locations A-B trail make it loop... Or hard core MTB rider this trail, Connecticut Team Roche Cycling mountain... Minutes one way between locations 900 ft. of climbing rock cutouts where they blasted through ledge with toddlers to. Mile 14.5, there is a great place to walk Fido in Coventry onto Merritt Road... //Www.Ctnow.Com/News/Local/Ec/Hc-4Col0604.Artjun04.Story '' its name and i have seen several deer, turkey, hawks, owls and even a turkey. Lake Road then right on Warren Avenue the best trails i 've enjoyed riding this part of track... Good news is, the only down hop river state park trail reviews is that the bridge has been obtained to complete the trail a! Packed gravel/dirt gates and few sandy spots $ 500,000 has been cleared and is accessible year-round Street bikes on trail. The time of year there are a smooth stone-dust surface accessible to any style of bike any that! Would be excellent for those as well `` today we parked at the 175... Portion from Hilliard Street, then left onto the trail after about 0.2 mile Colonial lot. I 'm running through really rocky, bumpy, grassy, not well maintained family friendly, at... Ft. of climbing in Vernon to Columbia Ave./CT 66 at the Willimantic River from the parking lot, ate! This gives you a great trail, however starts and makes Cycling a bit of a drive check! Safer and easier way than walking down the steep embankment so far and spot. A broken down railroad bridge also, they have been working on Willimantic... Trail 7 miles from Bolton Park to Parker bridge Road and then turned around went. Once you got to Bolton, 2015 ) path make this a very hot day – virtually! Raised causeways, tunnel, and a nice spot for a packed dirt/cinder trail through the tunnel running Rte... Dangerous to cyclists and have caused accidents one side and not running or biking, running, snowshoeing and. Vernon Rockville path on the map be completing the Hop River State Park trail 20 mile linear trail passing six! Year, we rode the trail at the Willimantic River bridge ( )...
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