Air Line South State Park Trail - East Hampton
About the Business
Located at 69 Smith Street in East Hampton, Connecticut, the Air Line South State Park Trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Stretching fifty miles across eastern Connecticut from Thompson to Portland, this multi-use trail attracts walkers, hikers, bikers, horseback riders, roller bladers, skaters, and more from the region and beyond.
Originally used as a fashionable, rapid transit route from New York to Boston, the trail gets its name from the imaginary line between the two cities that takes the shortest possible path through the "air". Despite facing obstacles such as ridges, valleys, and political challenges in Connecticut's eastern highlands, the Air Line provided travelers with inspiring panoramas and solitude when it was constructed in the 1870s.
Today, the trail passes through state parks and forests, town parks, wildlife preserves, and more. It includes a segment of the East Coast Greenway and connects to the Hop River Trail in Columbia and the Southern New England Trunkline Trail at the Massachusetts state line.
A fun fact about the trail is that in the 1890s, the rail cars were painted white with gold trim highlights, leading to the creation of the legendary "Ghost Train" as the cars appeared luminescent, especially at twilight.
With different segments ranging from 3.6 miles to 31 miles, visitors can explore the beauty of Eastern Connecticut while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities along the Air Line South State Park Trail.
Photos
Location & Phone number
69 Smith St, East Hampton, CT 06424, United States
Hours open
Monday:
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday:
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday:
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Reviews
"It is flat and broad. Easy for dog walking, biking, running, etc.. Beautiful woods, water falls, stone walls, rock outcroppings, couldn't ask for better: a leasurely stroll or a long hike. Not crowded and hopefully will remain so....it is a long trail many can enjoy."
"Great nature trail through the woods along the path of the old railroad - the path is wide and packed so minimal mud. Easy access from town but feels very natural, with waterfalls and flowers and woods, yet has occasional picnic tables and benches. I love these walks."
"This is the old Airline rail trail -- really spectacular on this gorgeous October day. We parked at the Smith St. entrance in East Hampton."
"Nice trail/bike ride over an old rail system. Be sure to stop and read the fascinating history of the viaduct."
"Beautiful and shaded trail with views kf the bogs, the stream, and plenty of butterflies. If you're biking from the east Hampton spot, be advised that you're starting off with the descent, so the return will be that gradual 8 to 12 degree incline back"
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