Travel, Leisure and Recreation

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.

For the inexperienced biker, Salmon River State Forest near Colchester is a great place to ride and work on your skills. This 10-mile dirt road is mostly flat and leads to an old railroad bed. Locals have even added? a few trails of their own for variety. You will get to experience some incredible scenery on the way. However, if youre up for more of a challenge, go across the bridge and up the hill. There are some technical sections to experiment with over there.

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!

The Blue Trail near Thomaston is a great trail for intermediate bikers. Its about 6 miles riding out and back. The rolling terrain and interesting scenery (rivers, railroad bridges, campgrounds, etc.) make for a pleasant ride. Theres just enough sand, gravel, rocks, and trees to make it challenging. Be careful if you plan to ride just after a rainfall. The trail can get very slick in places. Look forward to a great downhill section near an old drive-in theater.

Wallingford, Connecticut, offers lots of different trails by Tyler Mill-with trails perfect for riders of all experience levels. From paved routes for beginners to technical trails with creek crossings and mud and everything in between, you’ll find the perfect trail for the adventure you desire. Stay alert, though, as this area is open to the public and is also used for horseback riding, hiking, and hunting.

If you’re looking for rugged terrain, head over toward Voluntown to the Patchaug State Forest and explore 14 miles of biking trails with big roots and loose rocks. Some of the fire roads used for trails are also used for horseback riding and hiking, but overall it is a very quiet area.

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!

One of the most interesting things about the biking trails in Connecticut is that they are so diverse. Whether they follow rivers or coastline, blaze through forests or fields, or challenge riders with hills and mountains, there is something to offer everyone at every skill level. Try out some of Connecticut’s biking trails and enjoy all the variety this state has to offer.