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Places for a Family Bike Ride in Fairfield County, CT

10/12/15 - By Katie McKnight

For years, my husband and I have been saying that we need to get bikes.  So today, after a quick coffee stop (much needed) we drove to a nearby bike shop.  Now, the last time I got a new bike, the only decisions to be made were which color (blue or pink) and basket or no basket.  Well…things have changed!  Mountain bike, hybrid bike, street bike, racing bike, suspension, no suspension, road tires – my head is still swimming.  Somehow me managed to leave with two bikes ordered, ready for pick up in a mere 7 days.  So tonight I’m looking into bike trails that the five of us can tackle together before the cold weather sets in.  Listed are some nice places in Fairfield County. Hope to see you out there…I’ll be the one on the pink bike with the basket, no bell.

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Irwin Park, New Canaan
Most suited for the littlest of bike riders, this .75 mile paved loop is flat and easy – perfect for little kids just getting comfortable.  The park also has lovely fields for playing and wandering – and a small gazebo that serves as a mid way pit stop for walkers or bikers. 

Weed Street (and Wahackme), New Canaan, CT 06840

Ridgefield Recreation Center Trails, Ridgefield
Another great option for little riders is the trails at the Ridgefield Recreation Center.  There are three paved trails to choose from (.19, .24, and 1.17), and the rec center’s fantastic playground is right there as well.

195 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877

Housatonic Rail Trail, Trumbull
With slightly older and more experienced bikers, you may want to check out the Housatonic Rail Trail in Trumbull – I’m thinking this will be perfect for my 7 and 9 year olds.  The trail is 5 miles, mostly asphalt with some crushed stone, and is relatively flat and easy to manage.  Be sure to park on a street where a resident sticker is not required. 

Tait Road (NOT Tait Mill Road), Trumbull, CT, 06611

Mianus Maze, Greenwich/Stamford
For a more ambitious – but still family friendly – bike outing, visit Mianus Maze in Greenwich.  Various loops offer a combined 14+ miles of trails with differing degrees of difficulty.  The old carriage paths are easiest for beginners, and more rugged trails are available for more experienced riders.  

Old Mill Lane, Stamford, CT, 06902

Shelton Lakes Recreation Path, Shelton
The newly completed Shelton Lakes Recreation Path offers 4.1 miles of pre-dominantly crushed stone.  Suitable for a variety of biking levels, the trail can be accessed at Pine Lake, where you find a parking lot.   

Shelton Avenue, east of Meadow Street, Shelton, CT, 06484

Another bike possibility I'm keeping in mind: the Norwalk River Valley Trail.  There's a movement afoot to create/connect existing trails running from Norwalk all the way up to Danbury - how fun would that be?  If you're interested in learning more about the project, or in becoming involved, check out their website.

Happy trails!

Originally published 10/12/12.

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