ALERT: The Windsor Locks Canal Trail is closed seasonally from November 16th through March 31st. See the park website for more details.
Windsor Locks Canal Trail is a longer trail with an easy terrain to travel on. It is fully paved and has gravel portion towards the south entrance. The trail follows alongside the Connecticut River, casting a beautiful view of the water all season. The Windsor Locks Canal Trail crosses from Windsor Locks into Suffield.
The Windsor Locks Canal was constructed between June, 1827 and November, 1829 to skirt the Enfield rapids in the Connecticut River. The continuous water connection from the Connecticut River valley farmlands above the rapids through to Hartford and points south provided farmers with expanded markets and investors with freight fees in this business venture. Today’s paved surface lies atop the towpath, the actual walkway which animals, often mules, hauled the freight barges by rope north and south along the water way. Author Charles Dickens was a notable visitor who passed through the canal on February 7, 1842.
As with all of Connecticut’s canals, the coming of the railroads in the late 1840s spelled doom to the waterways for freighting. However, with a captive and consistent water source, the canal was well-positioned to supply water for mill power, and factories sprang up along the canal banks. But as time, progress, and efficiencies of business marched on, even this use ultimately met its match. In recent decades the recreating public is the largest user of this historic remnant of Connecticut’s commercial and industrial past.
This trail has a wide variety of wildlife and excellent examples of 19th century stonework in the stream crossing aqueducts and bridges.
This park is managed by the following CT DEEP Park Headquarters:
From I-91 take Exit 47 in Enfield to Route 190. Follow 190 west across Connecticut River to Route 159 (East Street). Turn left, then take immediate left onto Canal Road. Park at end of road on left.
From I-91 take Exit 42 in Windsor Locks to Route 159. Take Route 159 north to Route 140 east (Bridge Street). Turn right, cross canal bridge, then take immediate left onto roadway between canal and factory. Parking is at north end of apartment complex.
Canal Road, Suffield, CT
25 Canal Bank Road, Windsor Locks, CT
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