Valley Railroad State Park Scenic Corridor Study

Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) and are part of its well-known statewide Blue Blaze Trail System. The newly created Quinimay Trail extends north-tosouth across the length of the Menunketesuck–Cockaponset Greenway (see map on page 20). Close to the study area, several state park properties have hiking trails (see local recreation map at right).

Local State Parks, Boat Launches, and Hiking Trails

,03/,&$7,216 A new trail could: ŀ Link into the statewide bike network, including the East Coast Greenway (however, more information is needed RQ ELNH WUDI¿F DQG ZKHUH WKHUH LV D QHHG for connectivity). ŀ Provide more public river access (e.g., to beaches, for paddling). ŀ Link river recreation to inshore greenways, including hiking trails. ŀ Serve to connect the New England Scenic Trail to the Long Island Sound by way of the Quinimay Trail (more information is needed on potential trail demand).

Gillette Castle State Park, near Hadlyme south of the study area, has several hiking trails leading up to the mansion and a bluff overlooking the Connecticut River.

Photo by RiverQuest

Gateway Conservation Zone

Data sources: CT DEEP, Connecticut Forest & Parks Association (CFSA), RiverCOG, Trevor Buckley

Analysis I: Regional Context

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Valley Railroad State Park Scenic Corridor Study

Published on Jun 20, 2014

The Conway School

The Valley Railroad State Park Scenic Corridor Study, commissioned by the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments (RiverCOG), examines the potential for a multiuse trail along the northern nine miles of the Valley Railroad corridor in south-central Connecticut. Approximately eight miles of the corridor between Tylerville and Maromas, Connecticut, have not been used for rail service since 1968. This report analyzes the regional context and existing conditions along the corridor, and provides conceptual designs and design guidelines for developing a trail, including for a trail that could replace the existing rail and also for a trail that could be built along the rail. This study is one of several to be commissioned by the RiverCOG that will examine the Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park’s role as a regional asset, and how it factors into regional planning efforts related to transportation, conservation, and economic development.