Imagine walking or cycling without constantly wondering which motorist texting behind the wheel is going to veer into your path. It will be awhile before we have more responsible drivers and adequate designated bike lanes, but in the meantime, there are trails galore in Suffield, East Granby, Granby, Avon, Farmington, Simsbury, Unionville, Burlington, and Canton. Most of us can not cover all this distance on one day, but a smaller loop is possible without relaxation turning into the Race Across America.
There is decent parking at various spots along the paths. Let’s assume you begin in Avon, because that seems to be the closest entry to the paths if you are coming from Hartford. Getting on the trail at Sperry Park and heading north means a jaunt without much effort. There is access to the Nod Brook State Wildlife Area. You will pass Weatogue Park, where there are several playing fields and a playground. Arriving in Simsbury Center, you can take a one minute detour down Drake Hill Road, which will bring you to the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge. The truss bridge — closed to motor vehicles — has been decorated with flowers. There are picnic tables in this spot.
Heading back to the path means going along Iron Horse Boulevard, behind shopping plazas. Peaberry’s Cafe is in the first plaza, along with a a frozen yogurt shop that is due to open soon. The Bicycle Cellar is accessible from the Farmington Valley Rail Trail; if you decide this is where to start the ride and you are without bike, you can rent one from them. You can also take advantage of the free bike rental program in Simsbury, which has several locations. They require ID, the signing of a waiver, and a $10 deposit, which will be refunded when you return the bicycle.
Riding (or walking) behind a strip mall might seem like something you would try to avoid, but this provides safer access to shopping, should you want to do that. And there are actually several small excursions that take you away from the plazas. The Riverwalk Nature Trail is one. It’s part of the Simsbury Land Trust, which has trails all over town. The Simsbury Wildlife Management Area is 223 acres and accessible from the path, but hunting is permitted here, so wear bright colors and be alert.
You can continue riding north or backtrack and ride on West Street for about one mile. This will take you to Stratton Brook State Park where there is picnicking and swimming.
From here, continue through the Massacoe State Forest. With its white pines, this is one of the loveliest spots along the ride.
The Farmington Valley Trails Council provides maps that can direct you toward Collinsville, a village of Canton.
Collinsville has a few places to get a meal. La Salle Market & Deli is a popular choice. ABC Pizza and the Crown & Hammer Restaurant & Pub are other options. Bridge Street Live, a music venue, has a limited menu during concerts; there is brunch on Sundays.
The old factory buildings and river are draws to the area.
You can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards in town to get closer to the water.
The village can be easily explored on foot in little time.
The bike path picks up again and continues south through Farmington. It eventually meets up with another path, where you switch directions. This will bring you back to Sperry Park.
That’s one long ride. Nobody will make you ride the entire loop at once.
You might want to check these event listings so that you know what you are getting into on any given day. The trails are never abandoned during nice weather, but if you do not want crowds, avoid them on days when there is programming.