Town of Wethersfield Trail Guide

Town of Wethersfield
Trail Guide
Heritage Trail Day
April 25 th 2009
Central Connecticut Health District
505 Silas Deane Highway (860) 721-2822 Phone
Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860) 721-2823 Fax
Presented by
The Central Connecticut Health District
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Town of Wethersfield
Metropolitan District Commission
Wethersfield Health Care Center
Prepared by
Jessica P. McMullin
1 Table of Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Map Legend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Heritage Way Bike Path. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1860 Reservoir Trail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Mill Woods Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Wintergreen Woods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Broad Street Green Loop. . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Old Wethersfield/Historic District. . . . . . .21
NHTSA Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Smart Dining Restaurants. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Thank Yous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
2 Introduction
Thank you for attending Wethersfield’s First Annual Heritage
Trail day, and congratulations on taking steps to pursue a
healthier lifestyle. This guide includes all of the marked
walking and biking trails in Wethersfield, Connecticut.
Each of the trails was assessed based on criteria from the
National Traffic Highway Safety Administration 1 , in an effort
to make local communities more walker and biker friendly.
The scores are presented after the trail name and are shown
in total points out of a possible 30, and also as a percentage.
After the trail descriptions, there are suggestions about what
you can do on a local level to make your community or
neighborhood more walkable and bikeable.
A list of our Smart Dining in the District Restaurants is also
included in the guide. These are restaurants that have taken
steps to make their menu choices healthier without
sacrificing the tastes you enjoy while dining out.
Thank you for your participation and
have a great walk or bike ride!
3 Map Legend
- - - - - - = Walking Trail
- - - - - = Heritage Bike Path
Ρ = Parking Area
= Biking Allowed
= Walking Allowed
= Pets Allowed
= Sites to See
= Boat Launch Available
Note:
All distances noted in the assessment are
approximations only!
4 5 6 Heritage Way Bike Path
Bike-ability Score: 27/30 = 90%
Many portions are appropriate for walking also. Please see individual
trail assessments that are part of the Heritage Way Bike Path.
Distance: Just under 10 miles.
Parking: Parking is available along the trail at Mill Woods Park,
Wintergreen Woods, and William J. Pitkin Community Center. The trail
goes through most of Wethersfield; if possible, try to safely ride to
the trail from home.
Sites to see: Highlights of the Heritage Trail include peaceful forests
along the Folly Brook portion of the trail, as well as a beautiful water
view as the trail approaches Cove Park. Also, please see individual trail
assessments for more sites to see along paths that are part of
Heritage Trail.
Traffic / Crosswalks: Overall, the crosswalks are easy to use along
Heritage Trail. Two areas are of note:
1) When leaving Mill Woods Park heading north, it is easier to stay in the
crosswalk, because if you follow traffic, you turn left and then have
to take a quick right.
2) Along the Folly Brook portion of the trail, there are several areas
where the trail crosses road traffic. There are crosswalks available,
but crossing traffic does not have a stop sign, so please use caution.
The path turns frequently in the portion after Greenfield Street. First,
you have to turn left on Park Street, but it is one way going right.
Bikers can go around the circle to continue left. Then pay close
7 attention to the map because the trail follows some paths that are not
always marked. Keep your eyes open!
After Nott Street, use caution and the traffic signal to cross the busy
Silas Deane Highway.
Most of the turns in the trail are marked with green “Bike Route” signs,
but not all of them are. Please follow the map!
Terrain:
The trail starts at the 1860 Reservoir (see separate trail assessment).
It then follows street roads until you read Mill Woods Park. This
portion of the trail is gravel and travels between the park’s sports
fields. The Folly Brook portion of the trail is relatively flat and covered
with gravel. Much of the trail is flat with some slight hills. There is
usually no marked bike lane on the road, but in many areas the road was
smoother and easier to use than the sidewalks.
The last part of the trail goes through the area in Wethersfield known
as the Meadows. It is a wide unpaved path, appropriate for mountain
bikes. There is little to no car traffic at this point of the biking trail.
Special Considerations: This trail is nearly 10 miles long. If you are a
beginner biker, take frequent stops and do not try to bike it all at once.
It can be enjoyed just as well in portions.
Park Hours: See individual parks throughout the guide.
8 9 1860 Reservoir Trail
Walk-ability Score: 28/30 = 90%
Bike-ability Score: 27/30 = 93%
Distance: 1850 feet or 0.35 miles
Parking: Difficult. There is one small area off the side of Thornbush
Road, so limited parking on the public road is available. If you drive
your car through the gates, there is one small parking area on the left,
but driving there takes up a good portion of the short walk.
Traffic / Crosswalks: Please be aware of traffic on Thornbush Road
when entering the trail because there is a moderate amount of traffic.
Terrain: This is a rather rugged trail. The entrance near the main road
is a short steep slope. After the slope, most of the road is clear and
even, but there are areas that are quite rocky. A mountain bike or light
hiking shoes are appropriate.
Special Considerations: No handicap accessibility.
Park Hours: The gate is open from 8:00AM until sunset.
Other: A boat launch is available for canoes or other non-motorized
boats. Quiet electric fishing boat motors are allowed.
Many consider this peaceful corner of Wethersfield a hidden gem!
10 11 Mill Woods Park
Walk-ability Score: 27/30 = 90%
Bike-ability Score: See Heritage Trail. A portion of Heritage Trail
travels through Mill Woods Park.
Distance: 4210 feet of walking paths or 0.8 mile.
Parking: Ample parking in several different lots.
Sites to see: There is a pretty waterfall on the portion of the trail
closest to Bell Pond.
Traffic / Crosswalks: There is a considerable amount of automobile
traffic around the entrance to the parks, especially in the summertime
when Mill Woods Pond is open as one of Wethersfield’s public pools.
To access the walking trails, park near the skate-park or playground.
The entrance to the trails is behind the southern most ball field. It is
not obvious and one might have to search for it a bit.
After about 75 yards, the trail divides. You can head west which takes
you by Mill Woods Pond and onto a wider gravel trail, or east will take
you to the trail near Bell Pond. To do the whole trail, one must
backtrack and redo the eastern portion of the trail.
Terrain: The walking trails through the woods are relatively flat. One
portion near Bell Pond has a steeper incline. In the early spring the
terrain can get muddy. Light hiking boots or at least sturdy sneakers
are recommended.
12 Toward the western most end of the walk, it is difficult to distinguish
where the trail goes. It is a particularly muddy portion of the trail, and
one has to walk over a log to stay on the trail.
Special Considerations: In addition to the walking trails, Mill Woods
offers a dog park, skate park, pond for swimming, soccer fields and a
playground.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed. Vehicles must stay off the grass.
Dogs must be on a leash, except in the dog park. Please clean up after
pets. No golfing, dumping or snowmobiles allowed.
The park is handicap accessible, but the trails are not.
Park Hours: The park is open from 8AM until sunset.
Other: This is an easy trail and would be appropriate for school aged
children, especially because of its short length and other activities
available.
13 Notes:
14 15 Wintergreen Woods
Walk-ability Score: 28/30 = 93%
Bikes are allowed on the trail, but it is mostly used by walkers and
people with pets.
Distance: Blue Trail: 3550 ft or 2/3 mile; Red Trail: 1970 ft or 1/3 mile;
Total Walk Around: 4080 ft or 8/10 mile
Parking: Ample parking available at the trailhead.
Sites to see: The western most portion of the trail juts out to an
overlook of a pond with lots of wildlife.
Traffic / Crosswalks: None
Terrain: This is a beautiful nature hike in the middle of a New England
Forest. The terrain is relatively easy, but it is considered a hike. There
are slight slopes and muddy areas. The trails are very well maintained
with wood chips and wooden bridges in the wettest areas. Light hiking
boots or sneakers are appropriate.
Special Considerations: It is not uncommon to encounter unleashed
dogs on this trail.
Other: The trail would not be considered handicap accessible.
16 17 Broad Street Green Loop
Walk-ability Score: 25/30 = 83%
Bike-ability Score: 27/30 = 90%
Distance: Just under 1 mile loop (approximately 5230 feet), and can be
connected to the Old Wethersfield Walks included in this guide.
Parking: Ample parking is available all around the Green and at designated
parking spots at cross streets through the Green.
Sites to see: This is a beautiful, residential loop around Old
Wethersfield’s Historic Broad Street Green. There are many historic
homes to admire, including the recently renovated Silas W. Robbins
House. Originally built in 1873, this house stands on 2 acres of land
and now serves as a bed and breakfast after it was almost destroyed by
a fire in 1996.2 It is marked by the tack on the map.
Traffic: This area, which has light automobile traffic (hardly any
during the work week), is a great spot for families with different needs.
Older children can even play on the large open green in the center of the
loop while other family members walk or bike along the borders.
The southern most point of the loop has a bit of a difficult spot to
cross at a fork intersection, since there are potentially four lanes of
slow traffic to check before crossing, depending on where on the Green
you want to cross.
Some people choose to use the available sidewalks, but they are older
with several uneven spots along the route. Others walk right on the
road, which is smoother and more appropriate for any bikes, rollerblades, strollers, or anything with wheels.
18 Terrain: In general, the terrain is all paved and relatively flat through
residential areas.
19 Notes:
20 21 Old Wethersfield / Historic District
Distance: .92 miles for the Historic District Walk
Parking: Available all along Main Street. There is also a large public
parking lot behind Keeney Cultural Center and is clearly marked from the
main road.
**The Historic Commission will be running three guided tours for
FREE today to promote Heritage Trail Day.**
10 am Wethersfield Burying Ground
The tour meets in the parking lot of the First Church at the Red Barn.
This tour highlights the oldest stones in the Burying Ground and
addresses stone carvers and iconography. Stories of people who are
buried there are highlighted.
This walk lasts about 1 hour. There is some light climbing and uneven
ground. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and the tour is
not handicapped accessible. The usual fee is $5.00 but is waived
today. Tours are free for members of the Historic Commission.
1 pm
Walk through Old Wethersfield
This tour meets in front of Keeney Memorial. It travels down Main,
Marsh, Broad, and Garden Streets. This tour highlights the earliest and
finest examples of Wethersfield architecture in the center of the
village. It covers the more colorful stories of Wethersfield’s past.
The open houses on this tour are the Webb Deane Stevens house and
Keeney Memorial.
22 This tour also lasts about 1 hour. The terrain is relatively flat and
mostly paved, some of it cobblestone.
3 pm Colonial Revival Tour
This interesting guided tour also meets in front of the Keeney Cultural
Center and highlights the 20th century architecture of the village. The
Colonial Revival Tour will give walkers a look at early 20th century
architecture that was inspired by 17th and 18th century original homes in
the area. It travels through the Hubbard Neighborhoods that are
designated by unique street signs.
Traffic / Crosswalks: Crosswalks are clearly marked. There is
automobile traffic, especially on the weekends; also a lot of bike
traffic.
Special Considerations: Admission Fee is waived today April 25, 2009.
The tours are pet-friendly. Babies and children are welcome too, but
parents: please be aware that the tours last a full hour and there are
several stops to describe the history of Wethersfield.
Park Hours: See individual sites. Tours usually run April through
mid-October.
Tours Dates Throughout the Year:3
Cost for all tours is $5.00; members are free.
Burying Ground Tours
Thursdays May 14, Sept 17 @ 1 – 2:30pm
Thursday July 16 @ 6 – 7:30pm
Saturdays May 16, July 18, Sept 19 @ 10 – 11:30am
Meet at the red barn in the First church parking lot.
23 Walk Around Wethersfield
Thursdays April 16, Oct 15 @ 1 – 2:30pm
Thursday June 18 @ 6 – 7:30pm
Saturdays April 18, June 20, Oct 17 @ 10 – 11:30am
Meet in front of Keeney Memorial Cultural Center.
Colonial Revival Walking Tour
Fridays April 17, May 15, June 19, Sept 18, Oct 16 @ 1 – 2:30pm
Meet in front of Keeney Memorial Cultural Center.
Other: Tours are closed in August due to the heat. The tours will
run in damp weather, but not in soaking rain.
24 The following are tips from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
on how to make your neighborhood more walkable or bikeable. 1
Things you can do immediately:
*Tell local traffic engineering or public works department about
specific problems.
*Trim your trees or bushes that block the street and ask your
neighbors to do the same.
*Leave nice notes on problem cars asking owners not to park there.
*Set an example – slow down and be considerate of others.
Over time you can:
*Attend and speak up at town meetings – push for crosswalks/
signals/ parking changes/ curb ramps.
*Write or petition the town for walkways/bikeways and gather
neighborhood signatures.
*Make media aware of the problem.
*Work with a local transportation engineer to develop a plan for a safe
walking/biking route.
*Report illegally parked cars or unsafe drivers to the police.
*Request that the public works department trim trees or plants.
25 Smart Dining in the District
The Smart Dining in the District program brings healthier food options
to you without sacrificing the tastes you enjoy at your favorite
restaurants. The restaurants listed here have agreed to provide you
with healthier foods, serving options, and food preparation to help you
get and stay healthy. Check out their menus and ask for their healthier
options.
Wethersfield
Angellino’s Restaurant
Athens Pizza & Restaurant
1115 Silas Deane Hwy
804 Silas Dane Hwy
721-6945
513-4131
Elaine’s Restaurant
Giovanni’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
1841 Berlin Tpke
1279 Silas Deane Hwy
257-4191
529-7126
Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse
Mangia Pizzeria
2138 Berlin Tpke
620 Silas Deane Hwy
666-7888
563-7079
Max Bibo’s
Puket Café
691 Silas Deane Hwy
1030 Silas Deane Hwy
529-1209
529-6590
26 Wethersfield Diner
Wethersfield Pizza House
718 Silas Deane Hwy
955 Silas Deane Hwy
529-9690
529-2112
Berlin
Auggies on the Avenue
Gourmet Kitchen
4 Lower Lane
278 New Britain Rd
356-0058
827-8849
TJD’s Subway
1224 Farmington Ave
829-0095
Newington
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Newington Pizza
3017 Berlin Tpke
75 Market Square
667-9063
666-8421
Steve’s Place Newington
Stew Leonard’s
84 Market Square
3475 Berlin Tpke
666-5975
748-4864
27 Rocky Hill
Allie’s American Grille
Dakota of Rocky Hill
100 Capitol Blvd
1489 Silas Deane Hwy
257-6000
257-7752
Mitchell’s Coffee House
New York Pickle Deli
2010 Silas Deane Hwy
397 Cromwell Ave
563-4700
257-9465l
Pazzo Italian Café
Pizza Place
377 Cromwell Ave
346 Cromwell Ave
721-8888
721-0400
Saybrook Fish House
Subway of Rocky Hill
2165 Silas Deane Hwy
632 Cromwell Ave
721-9188
882-1654
Town Line Diner
Subway of Rocky Hill
80 Town Line Rd
2229 Silas Deane Hwy
563-7643
257-3238
Steve’s Place
366 Cromwell Ave
721-8545
28 Thank you!
Thank you to all the residents who participated in the First Annual
Heritage Trail Day.
We hope you enjoyed your day and learned ways
to be more active.
Please try out all the trails in the guide and
use them frequently.
This trail guide was made possible by grants from The Connecticut
Department of Public Health, with support from The Metropolitan
District Commission (MDC), Wethersfield Health Care Center, and
our participating vendors.
Special Thanks to…
The Town of Wethersfield and its exceptional employees who took
part in all aspects of Heritage Trail Day.
The Boy Scout Troop 85 for maintaining the trailhead kiosks.
GIS Coordinator Bill Holler for all the map work in the guide.
Design, Assessments and Trail Information prepared by
Jessica P. McMullin, Intern from the University of Connecticut’s
Master in Public Health Program under the supervision of
Hilary A. Norcia, MPH: Community Health Coordinator for the
Central Connecticut Health District and
Natalie Morrison, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator for the
Wethersfield Parks and Recreation Department.
The assessment guides used to rate these trails were designed by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and are available
at www.nhtsa.dot.gov
29 References
1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. www.nhtsa.dot.gov
2. Silas W. Robbins House website. www.silaswrobbins.com
3. Wethersfield Historic Society. www.wethhist.org
4. Town of Wethersfield, Connecticut ~ Official Website.
www.wethersfieldct.com or www.wethersfieldct.com/visitorinformation/historic-attractions.
5. MapInfo GIS, Version 9.0.
30