What is the Longest Biking Trail in Connecticut?
The longest biking trail in Connecticut is the Air Line State Park Trail. It runs for 49.6 miles from East Thompson to East Hampton, winding through the counties of Middlesex, New London, Tolland, and Windham. The southern end of the trail lies in East Hampton at Main Street between Summit Street and Walnut Avenue. The northern trail end lies in East Thompson at the Connecticut-Massachusetts state line near E. Thompson Road (0.7 miles east of New Road). The trail came into being as a railway line in the late 1860s running from New York to Boston. Once a popular train route for wealthy passengers, it fell into decline at the turn of the century when technological advancements made train cars too heavy for the line. It continued as a transport route for freight and local passengers until 1955 when flooding destroyed bridge construction in Putnam. It never recovered from this blow. Later, however, it would go on to become one of Connecticut’s best-loved trails. Today, construction continues to make the trail even longer and better.
The Air Line State Park Trail
The Air Line State Park Trail gained its name from its shape. The trail itself is a level line through Connecticut, representing a straight line “drawn in the air” from New York to Boston. Its surface composition varies from ballast and crushed stone to dirt and gravel. The trail currently divides into 3 sections: the south section from East Hampton to Windham, the north section from Windham to Pomfret, and the Thompson addition.
South Section: East Hampton to Windham
The south section of the Air Line State Park Trail runs for 22 miles. This part of the trail is in better condition than any other with incredible opportunities to view nature and wildlife along the way. In addition to this, several towns provide places to rest and refuel before continuing on the journey. For cyclists hoping to make their trip a multi-day excursion, there are accommodation options along the route. This part of the route features two massive viaducts built up from the original railway construction. It also winds through state forests and wildlife management areas. Town parks and other local destinations add a touristy touch to the experience.
North Section: Windham to Putnam
The north section of the Air Line State Park Trail runs for 21 miles. This part of the trail varies from complete to under development. Areas under development may be more or less difficult to navigate by road bikes, making mountain bikes more feasible. The trail ends in Putnam and resumes nearby in southern Thompson.
Thompson Addition
The Thompson addition, currently under construction, runs for 6.6 miles. The trail ends in East Thompson after picking up in southern Thompson near the border of Putnam. The original rail ballast is still in place along parts of this section. This section continues the Air Line State Park Trail to the Massachusetts border where cyclists have the option to continue on into the state or turn back. As parts of this section remain uncompleted, cyclists should expect possible delays and diversions.
Navigating the Route
The Air Line State Park Trail is fairly easy with a level grade. Due to ongoing construction, some sections may be difficult to navigate with just a road bike, making a mountain bike the better choice overall. Though much of the route is rural, it passes through several communities including East Hampton, Windham, and Putnam. Cyclists may choose to complete the trail over several days for a more leisurely experience. Practicing courtesy when cycling on the Air Line State Park Trail is important. Other forms of traffic utilize the trail from hikers to joggers to equestrians. Generally, cyclists must give way to both foot traffic and horseback riders. Horses spook easily and may bolt if frightened, so it’s vital to give them plenty of warning and space to pass. In the winter, cross-country skiers also use the route.
Wildlife on the Air Line State Park Trail
Connecticut is a state thriving with animals, and the Air Line State Park Trail allows cyclists the opportunity to see many of them in their natural habitats. Forests, coasts, and wetlands all nurture a variety of life across this small state. The state animal, perhaps surprisingly, is the sperm whale. Though trail users may not have the chance to see it on their way through, this massive marine mammal has played a vital role in Connecticut’s history. Whalers in the state hunted it more than any other species, contributing to its sharp decline over the years. Today, sperm whales are an endangered species, numbering only about 300,000 individuals worldwide. Before the whaling era, this number may have been as high as 1.1 million. Connecticut has a number of predators roaming its various habitats. Cyclists would do well to watch out for the likes of black bears, coyotes, bobcats, weasels, badgers, and red foxes. Grey seals, harbor seals, and porpoises hunt in the state’s coastal waters. Likewise, Connecticut has its share of reptiles in the form of snakes, turtles, and salamanders. The timber rattlesnake and the copperhead are both venomous but not widespread; most other snakes in this state are harmless. Turtle sightings may include the common snapping turtle and the painted turtle. Many different species of lizards and salamanders roam the state including the mole salamander and the marbled salamander. The Connecticut state bird is the American robin, though other avian species may be visible in the skies. Bald eagles and barn owls are both endangered species in the state while blue jays, northern cardinals, and thrushes are more common. If you’re an avid cyclist with plans to travel to the Constitution State, don’t miss out on the longest biking trail in Connecticut, the Air Line State Park Trail.
