Welcome to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
Safety Alert for Cyclists in Plantsville
Please be mindful of the fact that you are required to stop and look at all trail crossings. There is major road work on Summer Street and West Main Street and some bikers have been seen crossing this intersection without even looking. There has been some near misses even with police officers being nearby directing traffic.
Two Scenic and Easy Rides in Cheshire and Hamden
These cycling and walking routes are on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail (FCHT), as out and back trips from the Lock 12 parking lot in Cheshire. The trail here closely follows the route of the original canal and rail line. Mileage is from the Lock 12 parking lot, assuming no side trips. Turning back at any point can shorten the route. The trail is mostly level, all paved, and considered easy to bike and walk on, and, except during midday, is usually partially shaded. For a history of the canal-railroad-trail see: https://fchtrail.org/history. More about the FCHT and a map is at: https://www.cttrailfinder.com/trails/trail/farmington-canal-heritage-trail For directions to the parking lot, search online for “lock 12 historic park cheshire ct”; the parking entrance is on N Brooksvale Rd (Rt 42).
Click this link for directions: Two Scenic and Easy Rides in Cheshire and Hamden
42nd Canton Lobster Fest and Farmington Valley Trails Council Bicycle Ride
The Farmington Valley Trails Council once again partnered with the Canton Volunteer Fire Department, Canton Street Station as they celebrated their 42nd Lobster Fest on Friday and Saturday, August 16th and 17th. This was a fundraising event that benefited both of these non-profit organizations with a fully supported bicycle ride and lobster meal.
With the weather ideal for riding, on Saturday, August 17th FVTC hosted a 30-mile trail ride. The ride started and ended at Canton Volunteer Fire Department on Canton Springs Road. Thirty-eight bicyclists rode the “Loop,” following the scenic Farmington River Trail and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail through the towns of Simsbury, Avon, Farmington, Burlington and back to Canton. Upon their return, riders enjoyed a delicious lobster meal. A great time was had by all.
We would like to give a big shout out to all of the volunteers that came out to assist us (route marshals, SAG support, registration sign-in, lead and sweep riders). Our members, volunteers, and participants are what make these events a success.
If you were not able to join us this year as a ride participant or as a volunteer, we will hope to see you next August 2025.
Photos courtesy of Gail Seaman
Events
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!
