Cycling with the Family
Check out some great spots to ride with all ages!
April showers bring May flowers! With warmer weather beginning to take hold here in Southern Connecticut, lets dive into several great rides for families with kids of all ages.
Housatonic Rail Trail
Stretching from Trumbull up through Monroe, this trail consists of paved sections as well as compacted crush stone sections. With mild elevation changes and scenic views this trail runs along the old train bed through the valley. The best place to park is Tait Road right outside of Trumbull center and head North if you want to do a prolonged loop. If your goal is shorter distance than parking in Monroe at the intersection of Cutlers Farm and Pepper St allows you to head in either direction on the trail.
Farmington Canal/River Valley Trail
This trail is by far one of the longest in Connecticut spanning from mere steps off Yale's campus in New Haven up to the northern terminus along the Massachusetts border. Currently one section requires on road action so maybe skip this part with the kids, it still offers over 25 miles on the southern section and over 40 miles on the northern of continuous paved trail. Additionally this section is already under construction and should complete the riding trail into one continuous stretch soon. Check out a map in Farmington that offers the river trail as an alternate route or loop here.
Other Favorites:
Airline Trail, Moosup Valley Trail, Hop River Trail, Larkin Trail
All of these trails are built along the base of former railroad beds that offer easy riding and great views. Check out this interactive map.
Short rides in parks near us:
- Sherwood Island (Westport)
- Pine Creek Trail (Fairfield)
- Shelton Lakes Greenway (Shelton)
If you need a bike rack or any bikes to get you or your family out on the trails be sure to shop our wide selection online or in store!