Experienced mountain bikers know Connecticut as a state with rough riding trails, rocks, and roots to challenge their skills. But did you know that Connecticut also has much to offer intermediate and beginning bike riders as well? Check out the wide variety of biking trails available for bike riders of all levels in the Constitution State.
Not far from Colchester, inexperienced bikers can get a feel for biking and develop basic skills on the ten miles of trails in Salmon River State Forest. This area is predominantly flat and features dirt trails, plus there are a few additional "trails" locals have blazed that you may want to check out as you build your confidence level. If you get too easily bored with the flat terrain, you can try out some more technical areas on trails located on the other side of the bridge and up the hill. The scenery is gorgeous.
The Old Mine Park in Trumbul is packed full of trails for all experience levels. Theres a flat abandoned railroad bed that is perfect for the biker looking for something easy and leisurely. The more advanced trails tend to follow the river. Here you will find lots of roots, water crossings, climbs, great downhill sections, drops, and a mud hole. Lots of fun for just a few hours or even an entire day!
Intermediate bikers will be right at home on the Blue Trail located not far from Thomaston. With hilly terrain and lots of interesting things to view along the 6-mile route (going out and coming back)-like railroad bridges, campgrounds, rivers, and even an old drive-in movie theater-it is a truly enjoyable trail to travel. It can be challenging in places with obstacles like fallen trees, rocks, sand, and gravel, but the biggest challenge would be right after a rain, as it can be slippery in some spots under the right conditions.
Near Tyler Mill in Wallingford, you can choose from all kinds of tracks and trails for bike riding. These same trails are also used for hiking, hunting (during season), and horseback riding, and they include easy paved trails and wet, muddy trails with creek crossings and other technical difficulties. The variety makes it fun for everyone!
Patchaug State Forest is the home to some quiet, relaxing trails utilized by hikers, horse riders, and bikers. Its mostly rugged trails feature loose rocks, large roots, and 14 miles of peaceful riding. Not far from Voluntown, this is an excellent area bike riders of all levels can enjoy.
For advanced riders who have conquered all the other trails, it's time to head toward Manchester and Glastonbuy to the Case Mountain trails. Twenty miles of technical riding terrain features steep climbs and drops both small and large, bridges, rocky sections, and lots of loose gravel. You'll definitely appreciate a bike with suspension for these trails. While the trails are well kept, the difficulty of the trails promises a challenging ride!
Though a small state, Connecticut has a great deal to offer bikers. From forests and fields to coasts and mountains, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And once you get a chance to enjoy some of these trails, you'll definitely want to come back for more!
Not far from Colchester, inexperienced bikers can get a feel for biking and develop basic skills on the ten miles of trails in Salmon River State Forest. This area is predominantly flat and features dirt trails, plus there are a few additional "trails" locals have blazed that you may want to check out as you build your confidence level. If you get too easily bored with the flat terrain, you can try out some more technical areas on trails located on the other side of the bridge and up the hill. The scenery is gorgeous.
The Old Mine Park in Trumbul is packed full of trails for all experience levels. Theres a flat abandoned railroad bed that is perfect for the biker looking for something easy and leisurely. The more advanced trails tend to follow the river. Here you will find lots of roots, water crossings, climbs, great downhill sections, drops, and a mud hole. Lots of fun for just a few hours or even an entire day!
Intermediate bikers will be right at home on the Blue Trail located not far from Thomaston. With hilly terrain and lots of interesting things to view along the 6-mile route (going out and coming back)-like railroad bridges, campgrounds, rivers, and even an old drive-in movie theater-it is a truly enjoyable trail to travel. It can be challenging in places with obstacles like fallen trees, rocks, sand, and gravel, but the biggest challenge would be right after a rain, as it can be slippery in some spots under the right conditions.
Near Tyler Mill in Wallingford, you can choose from all kinds of tracks and trails for bike riding. These same trails are also used for hiking, hunting (during season), and horseback riding, and they include easy paved trails and wet, muddy trails with creek crossings and other technical difficulties. The variety makes it fun for everyone!
Patchaug State Forest is the home to some quiet, relaxing trails utilized by hikers, horse riders, and bikers. Its mostly rugged trails feature loose rocks, large roots, and 14 miles of peaceful riding. Not far from Voluntown, this is an excellent area bike riders of all levels can enjoy.
For advanced riders who have conquered all the other trails, it's time to head toward Manchester and Glastonbuy to the Case Mountain trails. Twenty miles of technical riding terrain features steep climbs and drops both small and large, bridges, rocky sections, and lots of loose gravel. You'll definitely appreciate a bike with suspension for these trails. While the trails are well kept, the difficulty of the trails promises a challenging ride!
Though a small state, Connecticut has a great deal to offer bikers. From forests and fields to coasts and mountains, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And once you get a chance to enjoy some of these trails, you'll definitely want to come back for more!
About the Author:
PJ can be found riding her women's comfort bike on the greenways of Charlotte, NC. Of course she will be closely followed by her husband and 2 boys, all on their cruiser bikes. Drop her a line and say hello in TheComfortBikeShop.com.
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