The Route
Start: Simsbury, CT
Routes: Using the “trail town” of Simsbury as your base, enjoy multiple days of riding on off-road greenways with some stretches on quieter local roads. The 28-Mile “Loop Ride” on the East Coast Greenway’s Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and Farmington River Trail is one of the best rides you can find in New England: flat, scenic, and historic. It connects five towns and has multiple opportunities to stop and enjoy the unique variety of communities.
The northern loop is a great day ride through pristine woods and swamps, then around Lake Congamond in Massachusetts. It can be 50 or 62 miles, and uses much of the trail system along with on-road routing. The southern ride to as far as Yale University is a down-and-back (a robust century ride) on the FCHT, allowing for customization of your mileage to welcoming communities like Southington or Cheshire.
Lodging, Provisions
Stay in luxurious style at the Simsbury Inn or the Simsbury 1820 House, an historic New England B&B. A number of other lodging options are also available.
You’ll find plenty of dining options close to the trail, including the 200-year-old Abigail's Grille, originally a stagecoach stop on the Boston to Albany Turnpike. Also popular are Little City Pizza and Plan-B Burger Bar, along with many other options.
Abigail's Grille
Bruce Donald serves as the East Coast Greenway Alliance’s Tri-State Coordinator (CT, NY, NJ). He lives in Farmington, CT.
