Windsor Locks Canal view during fall (Flickr@Jennifer-Yakey-Ault)

Windsor Locks Canal State Park

Windsor Locks, CT

The 4.5-mile Windsor Locks State Park Canal Trail follows the historic towpath of this 170-plus-year-old historic waterway. The canal’s many vantage points offer scenic vistas of both the Connecticut River and the old canal. Today’s paved surface lies atop the towpath, the actual walkway which animals, often mules, hauled the freight barges by rope north and south along the water way.

As with all of Connecticut’s canals, the coming of the railroads in the late 1840s spelled doom to the waterways for freighting. However, with a captive and consistent water source, the canal was well positioned to supply water for mill power, and factories sprang up along the canal banks. But as time, progress, and efficiencies of business marched on, even this use ultimately met its match. In recent decades, the recreating public is the largest user of this historic remnant of Connecticut’s commercial and industrial past.

Views from the Park
Location

Jct. Rtes. 140 & 159
Windsor Locks, CT 06096

Details

Open April 1 – November 15
(½ hr. before sunrise – ½ hr. after sunset)
 

Contact

Main (860) 424-3200

Team of riders biking on canal (Instagram@andy_pidgeon_rides)
Activities

Overview

Body

Know Before You Go

Fishing

Hiking

Historic

Nature

Winter

Additional Park Info

Fees

Free

Accessibility

Parking

Pets

Yes, on leash