30 Mile Bike Loop Through Northern CT
tags: bikingBest Bike Ride of the Season?
Yesterday, June 12th, I went with a friend on a beautiful 30 mile bike ride through northern Connecticut.
Farmington River Trail (Miles 0-18)
We started in Farmington at the start of the Farmington River Trail and rode north for 16 miles, passing through Unionville, Burlington, Collinsville, Canton, and Simsbury. Traveling alongside the Farmington River provided plenty of picturesque scenery as we passed by the various dams, bridges, and town centers. Around miles 10-13, there is an on-road portion with one major road crossing at CT-44, but this section quickly transitions to quiet back roads afterwards. Around mile 13, we traveled through Massacoe State Forest and Simsbury Town Forest. Just before the end of the trail, we took a short ~2 mile extension through West Simsbury and then stopped for a Clif Bar break in the beautiful Stratton Brook State Park.
Farmington Canal Heritage Trail (Miles (18-30)
The ride back on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail was significantly less exciting, though still enjoyable. After picking it up at the FRT’s northern terminus in Simsbury Center, we rode south for 12 miles along this mostly straight path down through Avon and back into Farmington. This trail was also noticably less shaded at parts which was less than ideal in the day’s peak 87°F heat. All in all, it was a great day for a ride and probably my favorite bike route in Connecticut.
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