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Connecticut

Enjoy a series of rail trails — including the Air Line Trail, Hop River Trail, and Farmington Canal Heritage Trail — connecting historic mill towns and charming communities.

Total Miles, Spine Route

199

Miles of Protected Greenway

104

ct state map 2019

Click the map for an interactive version

Current Progress

The nearly 200 miles of the East Coast Greenway that run through Connecticut showcase the state’s diversity, from coast to inland, city to country. The eastern part of the state is the most rural area in the corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C. A series of rail trails, including the Air Line Trail and the Hop River Trail, run through this region, connecting historic mill towns such as Willimantic and passing through forests and farmlands.

In central Connecticut, the 47 miles of East Coast Greenway along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail are nearing completion and are a favorite of many Greenway users. Southwest of New Haven along Long Island Sound, the interim on-road route hugs the shore through the suburbs to the Sound Shore communities at the New York line — while we advocate for the development of the 37.5-mile Merritt Parkway Trail.

Thanks to strong local advocacy, Connecticut has made terrific progress, with many projects in development.

Learn more in our recently published “Guide to the East Coast Greenway," which covers the route in detail from New Haven to Providence.

Traveling by train? 

Quick tips when using Amtrak with your bike: Do your research in advance; each train line features different bike rack equipment and loading procedures. Check Amtrak for the latest and when in doubt: call the station if you have questions. Click for more: https://www.amtrak.com/bike

Connecticut Contacts

East Coast Greenway | Connecting Connecticut's East Coast Greenway

Designated Trails in Connecticut

Mileage counts reflect the portion of each trail that is part of East Coast Greenway.

  • Moosup Valley Trail, Plainfield; 1.5 mi

  • Quinebaug River Trail, Killingly; 3.8 mi

  • Tracy Road Smart Parks Trail, Killingly/Putnam; 2.3 mi

  • Air Line State Park Trail, Windham County; 20.5 mi

  • Veterans Memorial Greenway, Willimantic; 1.8 mi

  • Willimantic River Trail, 3 mi

  • Hop River Trail, Tolland County; 12 mi - Detailed local map

  • Charter Oak Greenway, Manchester-East Hartford; 10.2 mi - Detailed local map

  • Great River Park Trail, East Hartford; 1.5 mi

  • Founders Bridge Path, Hartford – East Hartford; 0.35 mi

  • Phoenix Plaza, Hartford; 0.13 mi

  • Travelers Plaza, Hartford; 0.2 mi

  • Bushnell Park Path, Hartford; 0.5 mi

  • Farmington Canal Greenway, Simsbury-Avon-Farmington-Southington-Cheshire-Hamden-New Haven; 35.6 mi - Detailed local map

  • Savin Rock Trail, West Haven; 1.7 mi

  • Vision Trail. 0.6 mi

  • Long Wharf Nature Preserve trail, New Haven; 0.3 mi

  • Silver Sands State Park path, Milford; 0.6 mi
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State, city, local advocates and Greenway notables ground breaking in the fall of 2021 for the last piece of the FCHT in New Haven, to be completed in 2022

Greenway Guidance

While the East Coast Greenway Alliance is constantly improving the safety of the Greenway route through its advocacy efforts, many of the current on-road connections, including those on the Greenway’s interim routes, have little or no special provisions for bicyclists or pedestrians. Long-distance travel via on-road sections of the Greenway is recommended for experienced cyclists only. Many lengthy traffic-free segments of the Greenway are suitable for families and cyclists, walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. 

The current on-road routing is housed on low-traffic roads whenever possible. We aim to be as clear as we are able about the conditions riders can expect by including alerts for known stressful sections on our online mapping tool at map.greenway.org. Directional signage may or may not be present along the route. Users are advised to review state traffic laws, research current road conditions and discuss plans with people familiar with area roadways.

This website provides information for the public about trails and roads for traveling the interim route of the East Coast Greenway and their general suitability for long-distance cycling and walking. The East Coast Greenway Alliance and those involved with the development and publication of this website do not assume any liability for injuries, damage or loss to persons using this information or the routes suggested. People using this information are responsible for their own safety and should take appropriate precautions. 

Trips of Interest

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Itinerary • New Haven, CT to Providence, RI

Southern New England Ride

Visitors to the East Coast Greenway in Connecticut and Rhode Island will enjoy a number of the Greenway’s earliest and most beloved stretches of protected
 paths on this mostly on-trail route.

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Itinerary • Bolton, Connecticut

A Trail for All Seasons: Hop River Trail

Enjoy a fat-tire ride or cross-country ski in winter, bike or hikein warmer weather. As recommended by Barbara Amodio.

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Itinerary • Simsbury, CT

Tour of Connecticut's Farmington Valley

3-4 day bike tour recommended by Bruce Donald

View All Itineraries

Our Partners in Connecticut

Partners include but are not limited to:

News and features of interest

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June 21, 2024

Annual Ride the State: Connecticut set for Saturday on the East Coast Greenway

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June 20, 2024

Summer Plans? Explore New Haven to Boston on the East Coast Greenway.

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July 13, 2023

New England East Coast Greenway growth supported by $2.8 million in state grants

Greenway Ambassadors

Greenway Ambassadors are our super-volunteers, folks who love the East Coast Greenway and offer to pitch in on events, trail stewardship, social media, and more. Interested in pitching in? Write to Bruce Donald, our Tri-State Greenway Coordinator.

Many thanks to our Connecticut Ambassadors, who include:

  • Barbara Amodio, Bolton
  • Rob Dexter, West Hartford
  • Beverly Duncan, Vernon
  • Kate Gosselin, West Hartford
  • Steven Mitchell, Mitchell Auto Group
  • Stuart Popper, Andover
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A number of Connecticut's Greenway Ambassadors came out to support the River Relay: Beverly Duncan, Barbara Amodio, Bill O'Neill (former board member), and Rob Dexter.

Want to see the Greenway grow in Connecticut?

Together, let's grow the Greenway

Recent record-setting funding for design and construction goes directly to building the East Coast Greenway - as it should. The East Coast Greenway Alliance needs your support to continue our advocacy work that is fueling completion of the Greenway. The Alliance has a sustained track record of turning every dollar donated to our nonprofit into $100 in public infrastructure investment. Invest today and support the growth of the East Coast Greenway from Maine to Florida.