Farmington River Trail
Farmington River Trail
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
39 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
8
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mary R
Newtown, CT15 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
We biked on a Sunday morning with our kids (10 and 15). We got on the trail in Farmington and ended up in Collinsville where there are plenty of shops, restaurants and sites to see. Easy ride, lots of shade, plenty of benches and places to pull over on the trail for water and bathroom breaks. Definitely recommend for families! Great exercise and no hills!!
Written July 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel Med Mama
Rocky Hill, CT71 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
This paved trail is a great place for a casual walk anytime of the day. Some great views of the river. Wouldn’t consider it a “hike”. Very flat. Lots of bikers, walkers and families with strollers. Well maintained. Many locations to park. Only recommendation would be I wish they had public restrooms at some of the parking lots.
Written July 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mel
1 contribution
Jul 2019 • Family
Today was my first time biking the Farmington River Trail. I parked at Red Oak Hill Road parking. The first stretch of this ride was stunningly beautiful but this ride was not clearly marked and terribly confusing, particularly through Canton, Avon, and Simsbury. Too often we had to cross roads with heavy traffic and had no idea which way to turn. If this trail was clearly marked, the ride would have been much more enjoyable.
Written July 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thymiannek
Stamford, CT1 contribution
Jul 2016 • Couples
It is a great trail in the woods and thanks to lots of shade it is a very pleasant place even on a hot summer day. It seems like a perfect place for a walk or bike ride.
Last Sunday I went on about 22 mile afternoon bike ride with my husband which we really enjoyed. We started at the beginning of the Farmington River Trail in Farmington and rode almost all the way to Simsbury. Unfortunately on our way back, while I was riding as a second rider, I’ve heard some noise and turned my head in anticipation of seeing a squirrel jumping on a fence, but in reality it was a mature black bear leaning on the wooden fence and looking at me! A few seconds later as I passed it and turned back the bear was already on the other side of the fence on the asphalt path. Regardless of what it’s intentions were I got very lucky – I’m afraid to guess what could have happened if I would arrive there just 2 seconds later!
After I got back home I googled information on black bears sightings in Connecticut and it appears that both Farmington and Avon have one of the Connecticut’s biggest black bear populations with more than 900 reported black bear sightings according to the Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. But what is the most upsetting to me is that in my 22 mile long bike ride I haven’t noticed any single sign of warning that would let people know of black bears seen in the area! As much as I loved the ride and the sights I’m never coming back there again!
Last Sunday I went on about 22 mile afternoon bike ride with my husband which we really enjoyed. We started at the beginning of the Farmington River Trail in Farmington and rode almost all the way to Simsbury. Unfortunately on our way back, while I was riding as a second rider, I’ve heard some noise and turned my head in anticipation of seeing a squirrel jumping on a fence, but in reality it was a mature black bear leaning on the wooden fence and looking at me! A few seconds later as I passed it and turned back the bear was already on the other side of the fence on the asphalt path. Regardless of what it’s intentions were I got very lucky – I’m afraid to guess what could have happened if I would arrive there just 2 seconds later!
After I got back home I googled information on black bears sightings in Connecticut and it appears that both Farmington and Avon have one of the Connecticut’s biggest black bear populations with more than 900 reported black bear sightings according to the Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. But what is the most upsetting to me is that in my 22 mile long bike ride I haven’t noticed any single sign of warning that would let people know of black bears seen in the area! As much as I loved the ride and the sights I’m never coming back there again!
Written July 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandy P
East Longmeadow, MA337 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
10 miles of smooth paved trail. We parked at new Britain Ave & Red Oak Hill, south end. Beware lots of traffic crossings, some dangerous. The first 2.5 miles has 5 road crossings, then 5 miles of GREAT riding along river. The last 2.5 miles through Collinsville to Canton has 7 road crossings. So if you have kids, park in the middle at the 5 mile marker and avoid the ends!
Written September 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave B
Durham, CT32 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Our first time on this trail on a recent Saturday morning. We parked at the lot located at the junction of Red Oak Hill Rd and New Britain Rd. Get there early (8:15am for us) on a Saturday as the lot fills up quickly. We headed north from the lot on a beautifully paved and wide trail that very soon hugged the Farmington River. Very scenic and peaceful in spite of a lot walkers, runners, bikers, and dog walkers. There was plenty of room for everyone. The trail ends for a while while it travels on Arch Street just before the railroad bridge in Collinsville. Nice passage over the river. In Collinsville we crossed Bridge St and continued on the trail along the other side of the river before we crossed River Road on a sharp right hand turn. The trail then headed into the woods and got a bit narrower, but still very passable and scenic passing along wooded sections behind houses and condo.
You quickly approach Rt 44 and this is where things get interesting as you must ride the roads for a while. This is my best recollection of the roads. Cross 44 to Lawton Rd - there is paved trail for about 100 meters then you are on the road. Stay on Lawton until you turn slightly right on to Dry Bridge Rd. You will go down a decent size hill. Look for a left turn on to Notch Rd. Stay on Notch for a short time and then veer to the left on a no-named short piece of road that takes you on to West Mountain Rd. You will ride on this for about a mile and then be on the look out for small signs on the right guiding you to turn into the woods for Stratton Brook and the Farmington River Trail. Here the trail becomes narrow and the surface is processed stone/stone dust. Some rocks and a lot of pine cones will make this section very difficult for road bikes. Eventually you come out to a park and next pavement which is Town Forest Rd. You will cross Stratton Brook Rd and then pick up the trail again for about 3/4 of a mile where the trail ends as you intersect Bushy Hill Rd. Turn left and cross Farms Village Rd/Rt 309. Ride along the road or the sidewalk for about a mile until you intersect Hopmeadow Rd in Simsbury. This is the trail terminus. Cross Hopmeadow if you want to hook up to the Farmington Canal Trail, which we did.
The road part is not bad if you carefully follow directions and look for the bike symbols painted on the road - there are no other signs in this area that we saw.
This is an excellent ride and we had a great time. There are port-o-potties along the way and they are even cleaned once a week! As you approach and go through Collinsville,Canton, and Simsbury there are a lot places to get eats and drinks.
Ride across Hopmeadow to visit the Bridge of Flowers on Drake Hill Rd. Beautiful!
You quickly approach Rt 44 and this is where things get interesting as you must ride the roads for a while. This is my best recollection of the roads. Cross 44 to Lawton Rd - there is paved trail for about 100 meters then you are on the road. Stay on Lawton until you turn slightly right on to Dry Bridge Rd. You will go down a decent size hill. Look for a left turn on to Notch Rd. Stay on Notch for a short time and then veer to the left on a no-named short piece of road that takes you on to West Mountain Rd. You will ride on this for about a mile and then be on the look out for small signs on the right guiding you to turn into the woods for Stratton Brook and the Farmington River Trail. Here the trail becomes narrow and the surface is processed stone/stone dust. Some rocks and a lot of pine cones will make this section very difficult for road bikes. Eventually you come out to a park and next pavement which is Town Forest Rd. You will cross Stratton Brook Rd and then pick up the trail again for about 3/4 of a mile where the trail ends as you intersect Bushy Hill Rd. Turn left and cross Farms Village Rd/Rt 309. Ride along the road or the sidewalk for about a mile until you intersect Hopmeadow Rd in Simsbury. This is the trail terminus. Cross Hopmeadow if you want to hook up to the Farmington Canal Trail, which we did.
The road part is not bad if you carefully follow directions and look for the bike symbols painted on the road - there are no other signs in this area that we saw.
This is an excellent ride and we had a great time. There are port-o-potties along the way and they are even cleaned once a week! As you approach and go through Collinsville,Canton, and Simsbury there are a lot places to get eats and drinks.
Ride across Hopmeadow to visit the Bridge of Flowers on Drake Hill Rd. Beautiful!
Written July 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
srjac
Canton, CT12 contributions
Oct 2016
Love walking, and bike riding, on the Farmington River Trail. I am out there 2, or 3, times per week. The trail is varied, interesting and well maintained. I generally ride in the towns of Collinsville, Burlington, Unionville, Farmington and Avon. I am never bored, with so many choices and easy parking. I have ridden the trail every month of the year!
Written December 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
0libbyt
Nanuet, NY128 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
We absolutely love the rail trail system that has taken off in so many states. This trail is especially lovely as it connects to the longer Farmington Canal Heritage trail as well. The River Trail is shorter and I think more scenic. It is mostly paved and off road except for a few sections that have you on the roads for a bit. Make sure to stop in scenic Collinsville for a lunch. You travel over wooden bridges and beautiful wooded paths. We had some difficulty finding the extension that would hook us up to the Heritage trail as we wanted to do the loop but the roads were a bit scary with drivers exceeding the 30 mph, so we just back tracked on the trail to our starting point. We parked at Tolcott Meade Park which is close to the start of the trail. A lovely day!
Written October 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MMouseMD
Niantic, CT587 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
This is an excellent bike trail; totally paved, no cars, can ride from Plainville CT to Southwick Mass and beyond. You can actually start in New Haven but there is still a portion that goes on city roads in Southington. Marked, flashing lights at the street crossings. Beautiful varied scenery, especially nice in the Fall and Spring. Some areas near shops and food stops. Red Riding Hood cafe in Southwick caters to cyclists. A true gem of a trail.
Written July 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connecticutguy
Canton, CT750 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
The Farmington River Trail is a great trail for walking, running, biking, roller-blading, walking a baby in a carriage, etc. I have been on this trail probably fifty times in the last year or two. This trail is 25 miles long. I usually get on the trail in the Collinsville/Burlington area on Route 179. In this area, the trail is immediately adjacent to the Farmington River, and the views are really beautiful.
The trail itself is paved, and flat. I have walked the trail from Collinsville down to Farmington (about 6 miles or so) and at no point do I recall that there is any incline. The trail is in really good condition with very few cracks in the pavement which might hinder bicyclists.
The trail in Collinsville and Burlington is somewhat shaded which is great in the summer. As you get into Unionville and Farmington the trail has less shade and the trail veers away from the river so the view becomes somewhat bland.
In Collinsville and Burlington there are several areas where in the river people are fishing or tubing. The river has some rapids in several parts which is very pretty, although I haven't been in the river so I don't know how fast or exciting or dangerous it is.
As you'd expect, there are no concessions or vendors along the trail, but in several spots the trail goes near commercial areas where you can get things.
The trail never gets really crowded. Sometimes the trail is somewhat deserted but sometimes there is a buzz of activity.
The Farmington River Trail is a great resource and I have used it many times and will continue to do so.
The trail itself is paved, and flat. I have walked the trail from Collinsville down to Farmington (about 6 miles or so) and at no point do I recall that there is any incline. The trail is in really good condition with very few cracks in the pavement which might hinder bicyclists.
The trail in Collinsville and Burlington is somewhat shaded which is great in the summer. As you get into Unionville and Farmington the trail has less shade and the trail veers away from the river so the view becomes somewhat bland.
In Collinsville and Burlington there are several areas where in the river people are fishing or tubing. The river has some rapids in several parts which is very pretty, although I haven't been in the river so I don't know how fast or exciting or dangerous it is.
As you'd expect, there are no concessions or vendors along the trail, but in several spots the trail goes near commercial areas where you can get things.
The trail never gets really crowded. Sometimes the trail is somewhat deserted but sometimes there is a buzz of activity.
The Farmington River Trail is a great resource and I have used it many times and will continue to do so.
Written July 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there any part of the bike trail that is accessible to the ocean?
Thank you!
Written June 11, 2018
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