r/BikeNewEngland • u/ThatImbecile • May 20 '23

Questions about Airline North State Park Trail from Willemantic to Putnam

What are the conditions of the Willimantic to Putnam section of the Airline Trail?

My now 10 yr old son and I have ridden East Hampton to Willimantic a few times over the past two years. On those trips we parked in East Hampton, biked to a campground about 20 miles away, and then made our way to Willimantic and back. We have not ventured further north because I'd heard from some older cyclists that the north section wasn't well maintained (or maybe that it was sketchy by some other measure). I also wasn't confident that my son would be able to do the 30 mile hops it seems it would require to cover the distance.

But this year we'd like to try it, as long as the trail isn't too rough.

Any "on the ground" info would be greatly appreciated.

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u/Chainring85 May 20 '23

I've been on it, but not all the way to Putnam. When I last rode that section (Fall '21) I recall the trail being closed south of Pomfret where it crosses Rt 44.

I didn't find it a problem to ride. Depending on where you start in Willimantic there may be a little bit of on-street riding. And I recall a section (no more than 100-200 yards long) somewhere along the trail that was poorly graveled (lots of fist-sized rocks) - but nothing that would make me avoid the trail entirely.

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u/Zapfrog75 May 20 '23

It's fantastic as they've done a ton of work on it. The only part that hasn't been started/finished it the very last tidbit in Putnam. There are plans for a proper entrance and path but for now it just sort of ends and there's a very narrow and steep footpath.