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Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 142 Google reviews · Running trail in Farmington, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Farmington Canal Heritage Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Paved trail suitable for biking and walking, with scenic views.
What runners say about Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
“This is a very well kept trail, that currently stretches over 30 miles in one direction (didn't get a chance to ride it all, website says near 50 miles one way).”
“I loved hiking at this trail it Stretches through scenic New England towns, the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail follows the path of a historic 1800s canal and railroad.”
“The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is a scenic, easygoing path stretching over 80 miles through charming towns, peaceful woodlands, and historic canal routes.”
Next section is just as nice. So well maintained Love this walk any time of the year. Lots to see and do. Be sure to see the art work along the trail. Very well kept with lots of friendly people Make sure you walk all of the trail and you will not be disappointed 2023 Update.
In its entirety the north and south portions of the trail total to approx. 47 miles. They still have to connect a stretch in between. This is an amazing trail, well maintained and traverses through some of the most beautiful sections of CT. Whenever we are here we try to do as much of the trail as possible.
One of THE best trails I've been on. Mostly shaded trail which makes for an enjoyable ride on the hotter days. Simsbury, Avon, Collinsville, Unionville, Plainville and Southington are great starting points from wherever you live. There is a Connector Trail all the way down to New Haven.
Great biking goes 80 mikes I hear. All paved with beautiful views!! We stopped at a great little place for dinner, picture included
Trail conditions & character
“I loved hiking at this trail it Stretches through scenic New England towns, the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail follows the path of a historic 1800s canal and railroad.”
“Completely paved throughout with slight inclines and declines, not enough to tire you out.”
“The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is a scenic, easygoing path stretching over 80 miles through charming towns, peaceful woodlands, and historic canal routes.”
“One of the best features is that with the foliage, the trail is well shaded, so you're not in complete sun and allow for a nice breeze as you take the scenery in.”
“The only complaint I have is that the parking areas are so hard to find.”
“I also noticed water fountains and plenty of benches along the route.”
Plan your run at Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefchtrail.org
- Social Facebook
Running trails near Farmington
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The John McManama Nature Trail
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Farmington Memorial Forest
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Nancy Conklin Nature Trail
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Farmington Reservoir Metacomet Trail
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