You Can Stand In Three Different States At Once On This Trail In Connecticut
The Air Line Trail is one of the coolest trails in Connecticut. This 46-mile rail-to-trail project is built over an abandoned rail line. Rail-to-trails are great projects: they take land that would otherwise be left unused and allow it to be utilized by the community. Since rail lines are almost entirely flat, these lengthy trails make for wonderful and easy hikes that the entire family can enjoy. Their extensive length and multiple access points means that they’re perfect for just about any type of hiker. You can divide them up into very short segments, or take a lengthy trek across several legs for an hours-long adventure. Like most rail-to-trail projects, the Air Line Trail travels through several great little cities and landmarks. One of the coolest sights you’ll see on the Air Line Trail is a tri-state marker where you can stand in three different states at once!
The Air Line State Park trail travels through a good chunk of eastern Connecticut. The path touches East Hampton, Colchester, Pomfret, Putnam, and several other towns.
The trail is popular with mountain bikers, horseback riders, and point-to-point hikers, but because there's so much space to spread out, it rarely feels crowded.
Your experience can differ greatly depending on what area of the trail you're on. Some sections trek through fields, some through shaded paths, and some through woods.
One of the neatest landmarks on the trail is the tri-state marker. It's right at the northern tip of the trail and marks the spot where the borders of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut meet.
The spot is marked with a small pointed monument with each state's name on the respective sides. Interestingly, the Connecticut side is not dated because the Connecticut government did not agree with the state borders as they were drawn.
Whether you hike past the point where you can touch all three states or just stick to the southern or middle portion of the trail, the Air Line Trail is one of the most interesting trails in Connecticut that every hiker should explore.
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. Practically all of her free time is spent trapping and fixing stray cats. She also likes reading, playing Pokemon Go, and going to concerts. Her dog Cece is the best dog in the whole world. You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
