1.
Air Line Trail โ Air Line State Park trail loop from Airline State Park Trail (Southern Section)
49.9km
03:22
270m
270m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best traffic-free bike rides in Day Pond State Park
By Fede from komoot
ยท
Updated May 29, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan gravel biking in Day Pond State Park, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many trails, it's hard to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in: our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, so we've curated a shortlist of the very best to save you the guesswork.
Gravel biking in Day Pond State Park feels like stepping into classic Connecticut woodland, with trails winding through diverse forest and around the tranquil Day Pond. You'll find everything from packed dirt paths to old logging roads and former railroad beds, often bearing the marks of glacial activity with interesting rock formations. The network extends into the Salmon River State Forest, offering a good mix of easy paths and more challenging moderate routes.
If you only do one ride, we'd start with the Air Line Trail โ Air Line State Park trail loop from Airline State Park Trail (Southern Section). At 31.0 miles (49.9 km), itโs a fantastic moderate route that truly showcases the varied woodland scenery. For a slightly shorter, equally rewarding option, the Air Line State Park Trail โ Former Lyman Viaduct loop from Chittenden Road Open Space South, at 14.3 miles (23.0 km), offers a great mix of forest roads and scenic views. More than 60 gravel bikers have already explored Day Pond State Park with komoot โ now it's your turn!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Line Trail โ Air Line State Park trail loop from Airline State Park Trail (Southern Section) | 49.9ย km | 270ย m | Moderate |
| Air Line State Park Trail โ Former Lyman Viaduct loop from Chittenden Road Open Space South | 23.0ย km | 220ย m | Moderate |
| Former Lyman Viaduct โ Hop River State Trail loop from East Hampton | 86.4ย km | 810ย m | Hard |
| Former Lyman Viaduct โ Air Line State Park Trail loop from East Hampton | 18.6ย km | 170ย m | Moderate |
| Skungamaug Fish and Game Club โ Colchester Spur Trail junction loop from Colchester | 29.8ย km | 120ย m | Easy |
2.
Air Line State Park Trail โ Former Lyman Viaduct loop from Chittenden Road Open Space South
23.0km
01:48
220m
220m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
3.
Former Lyman Viaduct โ Hop River State Trail loop from East Hampton
86.4km
05:47
810m
810m
The Former Lyman Viaduct โ Hop River State Trail loop from East Hampton offers a truly epic gravel biking experience, combining two of Connecticut's most notable rail-trails. You'll traverse varied terrain, from smooth, hard-packed sections to rougher stretches with loose stones, winding through dense forests, open fields, and along the Hop River. The route's centerpiece is the historic Lyman Viaduct, a massive gravel embankment that provides stunning panoramic views of the Salmon River Valley, making this a rewarding journey for experienced riders.
This is a challenging 53.7-mile (86.4 km) ride with 2667 feet (813 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 47 minutes. While individual sections of the Hop River State Trail are easier, the full loop is rated difficult and demands very good fitness. Ensure your bike is equipped with good tires to handle the varied surfaces, especially if you venture east of Andover.
Both the Hop River State Trail and the Air Line State Park Trail are successful rail-trail conversions, offering relatively flat grades characteristic of former railway lines. The Lyman Viaduct itself is a fascinating piece of engineering history, originally an iron trestle that was later filled in to support heavier trains. This loop provides an extensive exploration of Connecticut's scenic and historic rail-trail network, perfect for those seeking advanced gravel biking routes in Connecticut.
View route
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.
Sign up for free
4.
Former Lyman Viaduct โ Air Line State Park Trail loop from East Hampton
18.6km
01:38
170m
170m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
5.
Skungamaug Fish and Game Club โ Colchester Spur Trail junction loop from Colchester
29.8km
01:40
120m
120m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
See every route on the map
Tips from the Community
Jamie S.
September 3, 2024, View of the River from Air Line State Park Trail (Southern Section)
The Air Line State Park Trail in Connecticut is a rail trail and linear state park that is a part of the East Coast Greenway. There are several sections including: South (25 miles from East Hampton to Windham), North (21 miles from Windham to Putnam), Thompson addition (6.6 miles from Thompson to the Massachusetts state line), and an additional 3.6-mile spur to Colchester. Recognized as a national recreation trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2002, it offers scenic routes for hiking and biking. This southern section of the trail near East Hampton is a gravel crushed trail that is great to ride on its own, or to access singeltrack in the nearby Salmon River Forest.
0
0
Tyler Sanders
February 22, 2024, Air Line & Hop River State Park Trail โ Train Station
This park runs alongside the Willimantic River, providing scenic views of the water. On the opposite side, there are train tracks where you can occasionally observe interesting carts passing by.
0
0
Scott
January 26, 2024, Colchester Spur Trail junction
From here you can take the Colchester Spur Trail. The area surrounding the trail played a small but fascinating role in the American Revolution. Look for markers mentioning skirmish sites and troop movements.
1
0
AverieOutside
January 20, 2024, Air Line Trail
The Air Line Trail is a paved 50-mile multi-use trail that connects the cities of Thompson and Portland. This trail is open to walkers, bikes, and even horses.
0
0
Lisa
December 31, 2023, Skungamaug Fish and Game Club
The green space to the north of this trail is the grounds of the Skungamaug Fish and Game Club, a group devoted to hunting and fishing.
0
0
Tyler Sanders
December 28, 2023, Hop River State Trail
This former railroad trail is now highly popular among hikers, runners, and bikers. Stretching over 20 miles, it passes through several towns. This section features a well-maintained hard packed dirt trail surrounded by lush green forest.
0
0
Sue
December 18, 2023, Birch Hill Road Open Space West
Birch Hill Road Open Space West is a nature reserve southeast of Grayville Falls, situated right next to the Air Line State Park Trail. Undeveloped, forested land covers the area between the town's many residential developments, adding to the rural character of this beautiful area.
0
0
Tyler Sanders
November 22, 2023, Air Line & Hop River State Park Trail
This park runs alongside the Willimantic River, providing scenic views of the water. On the opposite side, there are train tracks where you can occasionally observe interesting carts passing by.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic gravel bike trails in Day Pond State Park?
The trails in and around Day Pond State Park offer a diverse gravel biking experience. You'll encounter non-motorized multi-use trails, dirt forest roads, woods roads, and sections of old railroad beds, particularly within the adjacent Salmon River State Forest. These surfaces are ideal for gravel bikes, providing a mix of packed dirt and some potentially rocky sections.
Are there any waterfalls or scenic natural features to see while gravel biking?
Yes, a significant natural attraction is the Day Pond Brook Falls, a multi-drop waterfall system with a total descent of 40 feet. A dedicated spur trail provides easy access, making it a rewarding stop during your ride. The central feature of the park, Day Pond itself, also offers a peaceful setting.
How many no-traffic gravel bike routes are available in Day Pond State Park and the surrounding area?
There are several no-traffic gravel bike routes available, with komoot featuring 7 tours in this guide. These range from easy to moderate difficulty, offering options for various skill levels.
What is the difficulty level of the gravel bike trails?
The routes in this guide are primarily rated as easy to moderate. For example, the Skungamaug Fish and Game Club โ Colchester Spur Trail junction loop from Colchester is an easy option, while routes like the Air Line Trail โ Air Line State Park trail loop from Airline State Park Trail (Southern Section) are moderate, offering longer distances and varied terrain.
Are there any long-distance gravel biking options for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For those looking for a longer ride, the Air Line Trail โ Air Line State Park trail loop from Airline State Park Trail (Southern Section) covers nearly 50 km (31 miles) and offers a moderate challenge. Another substantial option is the Former Lyman Viaduct โ Air Line Trail loop from East Hampton, which is over 40 km (25 miles).
Can I find circular gravel bike routes in the area?
Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Air Line State Park Trail โ Former Lyman Viaduct loop from Chittenden Road Open Space South and the Former Lyman Viaduct โ Air Line State Park Trail loop from East Hampton.
What historical elements can I discover along the trails?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can observe historical elements such as the foundation stones of the pioneering Day family's sawmill near Day Pond. The restored Day Pond dam also showcases the handiwork of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), offering a glimpse into the area's past.
Is Day Pond State Park suitable for family-friendly gravel biking?
Yes, the park's multi-use trails and connection to the Salmon River State Forest offer various options. The easier, less technical dirt roads and old railroad beds can be suitable for families, especially those with some biking experience. Always check the specific route details for elevation and distance to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails in Day Pond State Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet woodlands, varied terrain suitable for gravel bikes, and the opportunity to explore both natural features like Day Pond Brook Falls and historical elements.
Are there any geological formations or interesting rocks to look out for?
The trails reveal interesting geological history. You can observe glacial till, the unsorted material left by ancient glaciers, and discover rock formations like Brimfield Schist, characterized by its rusty weathering, and pegmatite, composed of coarse-grained quartz, feldspar, and mica. Rounded outcrops shaped by glacial movement are also visible.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Day Pond State Park?
The typical Connecticut woodland scenery is beautiful throughout the seasons. Spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, making them ideal for gravel biking. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter riding is possible, but trail conditions may vary with snow and ice.
Where can I find a map of Day Pond State Park's trails?
For a detailed map of Day Pond State Park, you can refer to the official park map available online from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: Day Pond State Park Map. This can help you plan your gravel biking routes.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
With aย free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.
Explore more
Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.
