Back in November 2015, Peter Marteka (Hartford Courant columnist) wrote, “By next spring, two popular multiuse trails ... the Hop River and Air Line trails—will link together along a series of asphalt paths snaking along the Willimantic River.”
The greater part of both trails is compact stone dust, which makes for a fairly good bike ride and is good for equestrian travel (although I wish the horses would have their own path). This new section is paved.
I went out to Willimantic today (Thursday, March 10, 2016) to see what these trails look like. I wish I had my bike with me! It was a humid mid-70s and perfect for a ride. All I was able to observe was the beginning and end of the Hop River section.
In May, I will start at Mackey’s on Columbia Ave. and ride toward the terminus at Bridge St. Now that’s not going to be a very long ride, but along the way the trail splits (I’m told) where it joins the Air Line Trail. Who knows how far I’ll go? Truth be told…not far. It won’t be more than a 20-mile round trip.
The ride will be significant, however. I will be celebrating my 80th birthday.
Here are the photos I took today:
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Nice parking area next to this business, 249 Columbia Ave., Willimantic.
Best place to start your ride. |
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| This is the beginning of the new section. |
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| A view of the Willimantic River. The trail parallels the river. |
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| Another view of the river. |
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| How's this for a bike path? The new wood smells so good. |
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| I hope it holds! |
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| Good to know! |
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| This is the Bridge Street end which, basically, is the end...of the new section at least. |
