Don’t Miss Out on These Amazing Bike Trails in Connecticut
Published March 27 2023, 12:04 p.m. ET
There’s no doubt that Connecticut is beautiful year-round — with the blooming spring trees, the colorful summer flowers, and the incredible fall foliage, it’s a total wonderland for nature lovers. And what better way to experience the beauty than through biking?
Enjoy all the seasons on some of the top bike trails in Connecticut! Whether you like a ride through the woods or near the water, there’s a path for everyone.
Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve
In Bluff Point State Park, visitors enjoy hiking, biking, and birding on the Coastal Reserve trail. This 3.6-mile loop is relatively easy, and the gravel path is flat and wide. The route winds through the forest — which has spectacular foliage in the fall — and leads to a few different beach access points.
With the picnic tables and the waterfront views, this trail might be the perfect way to enjoy a sunny summer day. Those with vehicles registered in Connecticut can enter the park for free, but out-of-state visitors will have to pay.
West Hartford Reservoir #6 Trail
For another easy trail, head to the West Hartford Reservoir. Many people enjoy this 3.8-mile loop trail between March and October — you can’t go wrong with the vibrant spring blooms or the colorful fall leaves. The summer offers a wonderful array of wildflowers too.
Bikers get to take in the scenery on a relaxing route through the woods and along the water. This trail is a mix of gravel and dirt, making for a pretty easygoing experience.
Farmington River Trail
In Farmington, bikers can ride the 8.2-mile River Trail. This is a gorgeous, well-maintained path that takes visitors over a few bridges, throughout the forest, along the river, and past a small town. The entire trail is paved, making it not only accessible for bikes but also for wheelchairs and strollers.
It might be crowded on a sunny weekend, but during weekday mornings you could be lucky enough to pass only a few others. This route does have some road crossings, so bike with caution!
Pequonnock Valley Greenway
Pequonnock Greenway is a very popular, 5.2-mile out-and-back trail. During your journey through the woods and next to the river, visitors will encounter plenty of benches and other spots for resting.
On AllTrails, bikers described the trail as “very peaceful,” “perfect for biking,” and a “great trail with great views.” What more could a person want? If you don’t feel like biking, it’s also a great place for walking, running, and hanging out with your pup (yes, leashes are required).
Air Line State Park Trail
Air Line State Park trail is 43.3 miles — don’t worry, you’re not required to do the whole route — and is an incredibly well-known biking spot. This route provides a variety of opportunities: dog walking, hiking, running, backpacking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. It’s also wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly.
This trail allows visitors to experience a variety of nature too — there are lake views, a river, ponds, wildlife, flowers, and more. If you’re looking for a nice place to spend the day with your friends or family, Air Line State Park might be a great choice!