My Favorite MTB Trails
Take a ride down some of my favorite Fairfield County trails!
Need a quick loop for that after work mid week fix? The perfect weekend adventure? Perhaps just a new weekly ride with friends. Well if that is the case you have come to the right spot because I have you covered.
First, if you're new to Mountain Biking or new to the community here in CT welcome! I like to start with a few tips to planning a ride that may help you avoid some minor mishaps before you leave the trail head. First, familiarize yourself with the location you plan on riding. The best way to do this is look at trail maps, plan a route and understand the blazing system that these trails utilize. In addition to this if at all possible locate a few landmarks along the route that may help you find your bearings in the event you get turned around or lose your place on the trail (info boards, scenic viewpoints, trail intersections, etc). I like to have checklist of basic items that I bring to the trail including; Helmet, Gloves, Glasses, Floor pump, Shock Pump, Hydration and Nutrition, MTB Shoes, tubeless repair kit and spare tube, and a basic multi tool. Nobody wants to be the one holding up your group at a trail head because they forgot the basics so always double check! As were almost ready to head out on our ride I usually like to set some goals and if I with other riders especially ones I have not ridden with before discuss what we want to tackle. Everyone goes at their own pace and that is totally fine, it makes for a more enjoyable ride for all when this is discussed prior and not found out that two riders are a mile back!
We have our plan, set our goals, and are ready to ride. Where to now?
Here are some of my personal favorites:
Trumbull: Pequonnock River Valley- From basic XC routes down low in the valley, to a freeride paradise featuring large rock rolls and jumps, Trumbull has something for everyone. My usual loop includes starting from the either the state park and ride off of route 25 (Daniels Farm) then heading up Park St to go into the white trail for more mellow riding or up white then quickly over to the red trail before taking a long loop back around. The best part of this is it allows you to ride as little or much as you want with over 9 trails looping into each other. If you have conquered all this and are still hungry for more head up the rail trail to Old Mine park that offers some nice punchy climbs and a smooth fast downhill section. The possibilities are truly endless here and the well traveled area has a great group of local riders almost always out on trail. Check out a map here!
Collis P Huntington (Redding/Bethel)- An easy 20 minute drive from Westport or Fairfield is another great spot to ride. Huntington features levels for all abilities with wide double track gravel roads, technical singletrack and scenic outlooks over the different lakes and ponds. With a few options to park at, I like to head down Sunset Hill Rd onto Old Dogdington Rd and park at the first lot. This gives you the ability to head down Rock n' Roll or even further into the Chimney trail. You can also head North and link up with the Lollipop trail and its many smaller spurs. Huntington offers something for everyone and endless loop options. Check out a map here!
Trout Brook Valley (Easton)- Again a quick car ride away from Westport and Fairfield is Trout Brook which offers some of the best singletrack in Fairfield County. Trout brook has some of the steepest and most technical climbs around. I personally prefer to park at the Bradley Road Lot then head up either direction into the park. It is important to note that TBV has certain trails that are hiker only. Additionally, TBV is only open May 1st - December 31st and closed for 24 Hours after heavy rain. Check out a map here!
Keep your eyes out for my other CT favorites coming soon as well as the perfect weekend getaway for Mountain Bikers in the coming weeks!