Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is a ten-foot wide, paved, multi-use trail that extends from New Haven to the Massachusetts border. A popular, kid-friendly section in Simsbury accesses the trail from the Rotary Park Playground on Iron Horse Boulevard (which happens to be a wonderful, boundless playground, making it a great combined trip). Wherever you access the trail, you will need to turn back when little legs get tired, unless you want to hitch a ride back from Massachusetts.

22 Iron Horse Boulevard, Simsbury

MDC West Hartford Reservoirs
The three mile paved loop circles the West Hartford reservoirs through beautiful, wooded surroundings and offers both long flat stretches and small, rolling hills. A bike lane is demarcated on the main path, although not all walkers are aware of this designation and you may need to announce your approach. There are also mountain bike trails if you wish to veer from the main path and lengthen your ride. Along the way are places to stop and take in the view. There is ample parking right at the reservoir. This is a very popular destination for walkers, bikers, people pushing strollers, and (leashed) dog walkers. 

1420 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford

Westlake Area Bikeway
Located in Middletown, this eight-foot wide, 2.2 mile trail is level, paved, and street-lit. A grass buffer separates it from the road. You can access the trail from Cucia park, which has ample parking, a small pond, picnic tables, and playground equipment. The trail begins on Middle Street, winds through commercial and residential areas, and ends on Westlake Drive near Route 217.

Cucia Park, Access via Smith Street at Intersection of Industrial Park Road, Middletown 


Center Springs Park Trail

This 1 1/4 mile loop trail, paved with slight hills, begins on the northern side of the Center Springs Pond. Parking is available in the Center Springs lot. The trail passes the pavilion, portable bathrooms, and fishing docks, then follows Bigelow Brook. Complete the loop by crossing a bridge over the brook and heading left.

Center Springs Park, 39 Lodge Drive, Manchester

Windsor Locks Canal Trail
This trail has a flat, paved surface but please be cautioned that it does have steep drop-offs in places along both sides of the trail without rails and is therefore more suitable for experienced, older children. The 4-1/2 mile trail follows both the CT River and Windsor Locks Canal, providing scenic views of both.

Canal Road (follow to end), Suffield