Travel by bike along these CT trails

Connecticut offers a wide range of bike trails that take bike lovers to scenic forests, city suburbs or along the shoreline. But some might want to bike more across state lines or experience the combination of paved and non-paved roads.

If this sounds like you, here are five bike trails in Connecticut that will take you on a journey around the state and out of it.

East Coast Greenway’s CT trail, R.I. and N.Y.

Passing through forests and farmlands to historic mill towns, this trail allows bikers to cross the whole state; Connecticut’s section of the East Coast Greenway offers bike riders a path from Rhode Island’s state line all the way down to New York state. In fact, the East Coast Greenway spans from Maine to Florida. In Connecticut, it connects with the Air Line and Hop River trails (read below). The Connecticut portion of the trail starts in Plainfield and offers both on and off-road miles. Distance: 200 miles

Experience level: Advanced

Farmington Canal Heritage Greenway, New Haven to Northampton, Mass.

The Farmington Canal Heritage Greenway follows the Canal Railroad trail, which was built in 1835, according to the Famirngton Canal to Trail Association. Stretching from New Haven to Massachusetts, this trail runs through urban and suburban areas of southern Connecticut. Riders will bike along historic buildings, canal locks and abandoned rail corridors. Fifty-eight miles of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail are paved.

Distance: 84 miles

Experience level: Intermediate

Airline Rail Trail, East Hampton to North Windham

The Airline State Park Trail is located in eastern Connecticut and follows the old rail path of the New York and New England Air Line Railroad. This multi-use trail offers riders views of the Blackledge and Jeremy rivers and goes over several bridges, such as the Salmon River State Forest and Comstock Covered Bridge. Among the surfaces of the ride are crushed stone, gravel and ballast.

Distance: 22 miles

Experience level: Beginner

Barkhamsted Reservoir loop, Barkhamsted

Located in Litchfield County, the Barkhamsted Reservoir loop offers bikers a hilly ride through the forest near the Massachusetts border. The entire ride is paved and offers a view of the Saville Dam at the beginning of the ride.

Distance: 22 miles

Experience level: Advanced

Hop River State Park, Hartford

Located in the eastern part of the state, the Hop River State Park Trail follows an old railroad. The trail starts in Manchester and ends in Willimantic. This trail is partially paved, with crushed stone in some parts, and offers riders the opportunity to sight see a river and go through covered bridges while they pass through the forests of eastern Connecticut.

Distance: 20 miles

Experience level: Intermediate