Welcome to our trails
Dear Friends,
You’re seeing it happen-exciting new sections of trail opened up this year, connecting a growing network of bikeped trails across our region. Thank you for standing with us to turn what was a dream back in the 1980s, into the beloved greenway we cherish today. With your generous support, trail champions protected and advanced the trail this year — just like we have for nearly 40 years.
For example …
• Finally, the tunnel beneath Temple Street and Whitney Avenue in New Haven opened for good, with a ribbon cutting last May.
• Advocating for New Haven to re-commit to a master plan for greenways, which the City has now done. It is meant to be implemented by 2030.
• Mile Zero of our trail is now agreed to be located at Canal Dock Boat House on the Long Island Sound in New Haven. The mouth of the original canal was at historic Long Wharf, and the Boat House is right off current Long Wharf.
• Supporting the future installation of markers every half mile on the trail, all the way to the Massachusetts border.
We stand together because we share a bold vision: to make clean transportation and recreation more accessible and safe. We know we’re successful, because the trail is ever more popular. The latest Connecticut trail census numbers tell the story: 184,000 trips were recorded over last year. Your gift will support our essential work in 2026 to:
• Grow our network of trail champions through partnerships with towns and other advocacy groups
• Equip our partners and friends with physical and communication tools to help maintain what’s built and advocate to close the remaining gaps
• Support hands-on volunteerism up and down the 54 miles of trail in CT
• Influence progressive transportation conversation at the town, regional and state level through outreach
• Steward the trail in all its seasons and appreciate all users
Please contribute using our website or click here to read the entire newsletter and more donation options.
Thank you for being on “team trail.”
Lisa Fernandez, President
Farmington Canal Rail-to-Trail Association
Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.
Are You Wearing a Helmet?
Did you know? Helmets are required by law for children on skates and scooters too!
“Conor’s Law” was passed in 2018, requiring children under 16 to wear a helmet when skateboarding, scootering, roller skating and in-line skating. The new statute adds on to the existing law requiring that children under age 16 wear protective headgear when riding a bicycle on a public road or in a park.
This law was championed by Ledyard mother Holly Irwin in memory of her son Conor, an accomplished student-athlete who died at the age of 14 following an accidental fall from his skateboard in 2016.
This law is important because it reminds us all that a crash can be just as devastating from skates as it is from a bicycle. Everyone should wear a helmet, but especially our most vulnerable, our children. Make sure your child has a helmet, and be a good example by wearing one yourself. The smart thing to do is always protect your head with a helmet, no matter your age or which wheels you’re rockin’!
Please Be Parking Lot Smart and Secure
Cars have been broken into in Trail parking lots. Please leave nothing visible in your car to tempt thieves.
Have you ever wondered if your bike helmet fits properly? Click here and be sure.
Be a Safe Trail User
Trail users have reported encounters with coyotes, bears and other wildlife on the trail. Following the rules of the trail, including keeping your pet leashed and close to your person, will help you avoid unwelcome attention from wild animals, whose presence in our midst we respect, at a distance.
Click on each animal’s name for information specifically relating to coyotes and black bears.
FEATURED NEWS
Our mission is to build, maintain, beautify and connect off-road multi-use trails throughout central Connecticut communities.
The trail is a linear park or greenway that begins in New Haven and wends its way 54 miles north to the Massachusetts border and beyond. It is championed by two groups: the Farmington Valley Trails Council, based in the Farmington Valley, and the Farmington Canal Rail-to-Trail Association, based in Hamden. This website represents both groups. Generally, the FVTC advocates for the northern half, and FCRTTA for the southern section in the state. The gaps in the trail have shrunk to the point that the trail is truly a single entity and so it seems fitting to merge our websites as our groups increasingly work together.
If you are not a member, please consider becoming one.
The Farmington Canal Rail-to-Trail Association and the Farmington Valley Trails Council. Inc. are CT 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporations advocating for multi-use “rails-to-trails” in central Connecticut. We work tirelessly to “close the gaps” in the 81-mile Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, the 18-mile Farmington River Trail, and the designated CT East Coast Greenway system. We help area towns fund trail construction, enhancements and ongoing maintenance. We also provide educational materials, 20,000 folding maps a year, and events that promote safety and proper etiquette on the trail system. We are only as strong as our members and volunteers…please get in touch and join us out on the trails!
