Explore
the Trail

The Hop River State Park Trail stretches 21.5 miles through Windham, Columbia, Coventry, Andover, Bolton, Vernon, and Manchester. Once a railroad corridor, today it serves as a scenic greenway for recreation, transportation, history, and connection.

A forest trail during autumn with trees on either side, fallen leaves on the ground, and sunlight filtering through the yellow and green foliage.
A deer standing in a forest with green leaves and trees, with a ground covered in dry leaves.

Trail Overview

  • The Hop River State Park Trail follows a historic rail corridor that once connected communities across eastern Connecticut. Today, the trail is used by walkers, runners, cyclists, equestrians, families, nature lovers, and winter recreation users.

    Quick Facts:

    • Official name: Hop River State Park Trail

    • Length: 21.5 miles

    • Surface: Mostly stone dust

    • Paved section: About half a mile near Mile Marker 0 in Willimantic

    • Trail towns: Windham, Columbia, Coventry, Andover, Bolton, Vernon, and Manchester

    • Open: Sunrise to sunset

Maps

Use the maps and resources below to plan your route, find parking, explore connected trails, and learn more about the trail system.

Three corgi dogs sitting on a park bench surrounded by tall trees.

Current Trail Conditions

Please be aware of the following trail conditions and upcoming improvements:

  • Mile 1 | Columbia
    A ½-mile road bypass follows a quiet secondary road. Signs guide trail users safely between the two trail sections. Bridge and trail reconstruction project is scheduled to start in 2028 (as of August 2026).

  • Mile 14 | Bolton
    A rocky section extends for approximately ⅛ mile just west of Bolton Notch. Cyclists should use extra caution. A project to repair this section is currently in permitting stage and hopefully will be completed in the Spring of 2027.

  • Mile 20 | Manchester
    A new 1-mile trail extension is scheduled to open in Spring 2027. For more information see the Town web site here https://www.manchesterct.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering-GIS/Project-Info/2015143

A dirt trail running through a lush green forest with tall trees on both sides.

Parking information

The locations below offer convenient parking with direct or nearby access to the Hop River Trail.

A brown wooden fence with a sign attached. The sign has a yellow arrow pointing upward and the word 'PORTAPOTY' written in yellow capital letters.

Trail Amenities

  • Three self-service bike repair stations are available along the Hop River State Park Trail:

    • Mile 8 | Andover
      Center Street parking lot

    • Mile 14 | Bolton
      Bolton Notch State Park parking lot

    • Mile 18 | Vernon
      Church Street parking lot

    Nearby Bike Shop:

    Loom City Cycles is located along the Rockville Spur Trail, approximately 1 mile from the Hop River Trail at mile marker 14.

    Address: 520 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT
    Phone: 860-858-6350
    Website: loomcitycycles.com

  • Picnic tables are available at the following locations along the Hop River Trail:

    • Mile 8 | Andover
      Lake Road, Andover, CT

    • Mile 18 | Vernon
      Church Street, Vernon, CT

    • Mile 20 | Manchester
      Colonial Road, Manchester, CT

  • Portable restrooms are available at four locations along the Hop River State Park Trail:

    • Mile 8 | Andover
      Andover Museum, located just east of the covered bridge over Route 316

    • Mile 14 | Bolton
      Bolton Notch State Park parking lot

    • Mile 18 | Vernon
      Church Street parking lot

    • Mile 20 | Manchester
      Colonial Road parking lot

  • For a long, uninterrupted run, park at 51 Church Street in Vernon and head east on the trail. This route offers approximately 6 miles of trail without any road crossings.

A dirt trail through a lush, green forest with trees on both sides and a canopy of leaves overhead.

Trail Rules & Etiquette

Please follow these rules to help keep the Hop River State Park Trail safe and enjoyable for everyone:

  • Travel at a moderate speed and slow down when approaching other trail users.

  • Keep right except when passing.

  • Give an audible warning before passing someone on a bicycle.

  • Class 1 and Class 2 pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted.

  • Children under age 16 are required to wear a helmet. Helmets are recommended for all cyclists.

  • Leashed pets are welcome.

  • Clean up after your pet and properly dispose of waste.

  • All trail users must yield to horses.

  • Respect private property located next to the trail.

  • Carry out everything you bring onto the trail.

  • Motorcycles and ATVs are prohibited. Report violations to Connecticut DEEP Enforcement at 860-424-3333.

  • Hunting is prohibited.

  • The trail is open from sunrise to sunset.

A signpost with multiple directional signs is placed near a wooden fence, set against a backdrop of leafless trees during winter.

Connected Trails & Regional Links

Large, multi-story house with a brown exterior, white trim, multiple gabled roofs, and several windows, surrounded by trees and a gravel driveway.

Places to Stay Near the Trail

Planning a longer trail visit? These nearby accommodations offer convenient options in Willimantic, Vernon, and Manchester.

Willimantic

  • Inn on Storrs

Vernon

  • Holiday Inn

Manchester

  • Wedgeway Bed and Breakfast

  • Fairfield Inn by Marriott

  • Best Western

Distances, hours, and availability may change. Please confirm directions and business hours before visiting.

The exterior of a brick building with a sign that reads 'charhaude' at the top. There are people standing and talking near the entrance, which has large windows and a glass door. The building has a white roof with support columns and a small overhang. Some people are dressed formally and casually, and there are trees visible in the background.

Food and Drink Near the Trail

The Hop River State Park Trail travels mainly through rural areas, so food and drink options directly along the trail are limited. However, several restaurants, cafés, and convenience stores can be reached from the trail or found nearby.

Mile 0 | Willimantic

The following businesses are approximately 1 mile from mile marker 0 via the Air Line Trail toward downtown Willimantic.

  • Dairy Queen. Stop for ice cream and quick-service food.

  • Silk City Coffee. A local coffee shop offering coffee, baked goods, and light bites.

  • Willimantic Brewing Company. A restaurant and brewery serving meals and locally brewed beer.

Mile 7 | Andover

  • Dollar General. Pick up drinks, snacks, and basic supplies.

Getting there: Located approximately 100 yards from the trail via Lake Road.

Mile 14 | Bolton

The following businesses are approximately 1 mile from the Hop River Trail via the Charter Oak Greenway.

  • Charhause Cookie. A local stop for coffee, cookies, baked goods, and light food options. All gluten-free.

  • Georgina’s Restaurant. An Italian restaurant serving pizza, grinders, pasta, and other meals.

  • Subway. Made-to-order sandwiches, grinders, and quick-service food.

Additional Off-Trail Options

These businesses are located farther from the trail but may be convenient for visitors traveling by car or planning a longer visit.

Coventry

  • Bidwell Tavern: Historic bar and restaurant

Andover

  • Andover Pizza Restaurant: Pizza and casual dining

  • Oriental Wok: Chinese food and takeout

Bolton

  • Fish Family Farm Creamery: Farm-fresh ice cream

Vernon

  • Rein’s New York Style Deli: Deli and restaurant

  • Coffee Roasters: Coffee shop

  • Vernon Diner: Traditional diner

Manchester

  • Shady Glen Restaurant: Restaurant and ice cream

  • Silk City Coffee: Coffee shop and bakery

  • Urban Lodge Brewing Company: Brewery

  • 2nd Bridge Brewing Company: Brewery

  • Elicit Brewing Company: Brewery and entertainment destination

Adjacent Hiking Trails

A rushing river with water cascading over rocks surrounded by green foliage.

Points of Interest Along the Trail

  • What it is: A park in the center of Willimantic along the Willimantic River.

    Getting there: From Hop River Trail mile marker 0, travel 1 mile east on the Air Line Trail. This route requires crossing busy Bridge Street.

    Address: 28 Bridge Street, Willimantic, CT

  • What it is: A railroad museum featuring locomotives, rolling stock, vintage railroad buildings, and a six-stall roundhouse reconstructed on its original foundation.

    Getting there: From Hop River Trail mile marker 0, travel approximately ¼ mile east on the Air Line Trail.

    Address: 555 Bridge Street, Willimantic, CT

  • What it is: A former mill site with historical interpretive signage, a dam, and a raceway.

    Getting there: Near mile marker 4, at the Hop River Road crossing, travel toward the road bridge. The preserve is approximately 200 yards from the Hop River Trail.

    Address: 24 Hop River Road, Columbia, CT

  • What it is: A museum dedicated to the history of the Town of Andover. Its collection includes photographs, maps, documents, paintings, antiques, and a large mural covering major events in Andover’s past.

    Getting there: Between mile markers 7 and 8, on the east side of the covered bridge.

    Address: 1 Hebron Road, Andover, CT

  • What it is: An outdoor site featuring memorials honoring past military conflicts, including an Agent Orange Memorial.

    Getting there: Between mile markers 7 and 8, on the east side of the covered bridge.

    Address: Monument Lane, Andover, CT

  • What it is: A state park with hiking trails, including the Garnet Trail, which provides a scenic view of the Bolton Notch area.

    Getting there: Between mile markers 13 and 14. The Hop River Trail runs directly through Bolton Notch State Park.

    Address: Bolton Notch State Park Access Road, Bolton, CT

  • What it is: A 21-acre Town of Bolton park with two hiking trails, including a section of the 50-mile Shenipsit Trail.

    Getting there: Near mile marker 14, cross the pedestrian bridge on the south side of the Hop River to access the park.

    Address: Route 44 Park & Ride, Bolton, CT

  • What it is: A scenic 196-acre outdoor recreation area and nature preserve with hiking, fishing, a Braille trail, and picnic areas.

    Getting there: Near mile marker 16, park your bike at the bike rack and walk approximately 300 yards down to the park. The access route is not bikeable.

    Address: 300 Valley Falls Road, Vernon, CT

  • What it is: An exceptionally well-preserved example of a 19th-century factory village.

    Getting there: Between mile markers 18 and 19. At the Elm Hill Road crossing, travel approximately 1,000 feet down the hill.

    Address: Near 56 Main Street, Vernon, CT

  • What it is: A 175-acre National Historic Landmark containing more than 275 preserved mill buildings, mansions, workers’ homes, and parks. The site was a center of the American silk industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

    Getting there: Future access is planned at mile marker 21.5 via the 2-mile Cheney Rail Trail.

    Address: Near 177 Hartford Road, Manchester, CT

Trail sign for Hop River Trail in Connecticut State Park, with directional markers and a greenway pathway indicated on the post, surrounded by leafless trees and a dirt trail.

Additional Information

  • Approximately 95% of the Hop River State Park Trail has a compacted stone-dust surface. A ½-mile section in Willimantic is paved.

    • Mile 1 | Columbia
      A ½-mile road bypass follows a quiet secondary road. Signs guide trail users between the two trail sections.

    • Mile 14 | Bolton
      A rocky section extends for approximately ⅛ mile just west of Bolton Notch. Cyclists should use extra caution.

  • The Hop River State Park Trail can be enjoyed throughout the year. During the warmer months, it is a great place for walking, running, and biking. When snow conditions allow, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the winter.

  • A ½-mile paved section begins at mile marker 0 and can be accessed from the parking lot at 249 Columbia Road in Willimantic. This section connects to more than 1 additional mile of paved trail along the Air Line Trail.

    Additional accessible trail access is available at:

    • Center Street parking lot | Andover

    • 51 Church Street parking lot | Vernon

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The official name is the Hop River State Park Trail.

  • The trail is approximately 21.5 miles long. A new 1-mile extension from mile marker 20 is scheduled to open in fall 2026.

  • Most of the trail is not paved. Approximately 95% of the trail has a compacted stone-dust surface. A ½-mile paved section begins at mile marker 0 in Willimantic and connects to more than 1 additional mile of paved trail along the Air Line Trail.

  • Yes. Class 1 and Class 2 pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted. Motorcycles, ATVs, and other unauthorized motorized vehicles are prohibited.

  • Recommended parking areas are available near mile markers 0, 4, 7, 12, 14, 18, and 20. Several lots provide direct trail access, including locations in Willimantic, Coventry, Andover, Bolton, Vernon, and Manchester.

    More Parking Information

  • Portable restrooms are available at four locations:

    • Mile 8 at the Andover Museum

    • Mile 14 at the Bolton Notch State Park parking lot

    • Mile 18 at the Church Street parking lot in Vernon

    • Mile 20 at the Colonial Road parking lot in Manchester

  • 51 Church St Vernon is a popular starting point for short or long runs. Head east towards Bolton Notch. From Church St its 6 miles to the first road crossing so you can keep your stride.

  • 4 Starting points are recommended. All are scenic, have minimal road crossings and have the slight uphill section first. 900 Hop River Rd Coventry, 600 Lake Rd Andover, 32 Steeles Crossing Rd Bolton and 51 Church St Vernon. Head west from the starting points except for Church St Vernon where you should head east.

  • Several sections and access points may be suitable for visitors with limited mobility. A ½-mile paved section begins at mile marker 0 and can be accessed from the parking lot at 249 Columbia Road in Willimantic. Additional accessible access points include the Center Street parking lot in Andover and the 51 Church Street parking lot in Vernon.

  • Yes. Dogs and other pets are welcome but must remain leashed. Pet owners are responsible for picking up and properly disposing of pet waste.

  • Yes. The Hop River State Park Trail is open throughout the year. Popular warm-weather activities include walking, running, and biking. When conditions allow, the trail can also be used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

  • Yes. Horses may use the trail, and all other trail users must yield to them. Approach slowly and follow the rider’s instructions when passing.

  • No. Hunting is prohibited along the Hop River State Park Trail.

  • No. Motorcycles and ATVs are prohibited. Violations may be reported to Connecticut DEEP Enforcement at 860-424-3333.

  • Visitors should bring water, weather-appropriate clothing, and any food or supplies they may need. Cyclists should carry a basic repair kit even though three self-service repair stations are available. The trail follows a carry-in, carry-out policy, so take all trash and belongings with you when you leave.

Map showing a route from East Hampton to Putnam in Connecticut, passing through towns like East Hartford, Willimantic, and Killingly.

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