Ridgefield Rail Trail facts for kids
|
Ridgefield Rail Trail
|
|
|---|---|
| Location | Ridgefield, CT to Branchville, CT |
| Length | 2.3 mi (3.7 km) |
| Trailheads | Ridgefield Branchville |
| Use | Walking, Running, Cross Country Skiing |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Surface | Cinder (with asphalt at all trailheads and street crossings) |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk, year-around |
| Amenities | Benches, Mile markers |
| Bathrooms | None |
The Ridgefield Rail Trail is a fun path in Ridgefield, Connecticut. It's built on an old train track! This trail stretches for about 2.3 miles (3.7 km) (that's almost 4 kilometers). It connects downtown Ridgefield to the Branchville part of town.
You can use the trail for walking, jogging, or even cross-country skiing in winter. It's open every day, all year round, from when the sun comes up until it sets. Many native New England trees grow along the path, making it a beautiful place. The trail's motto is displayed at the Ridgefield Trailhead. It says, "Take only photographs, leave only footprints, keep only memories". This reminds everyone to protect the trail.
Contents
The Trail's Story: From Trains to Trails
How the Rail Line Started
Branchville got its name because it was a "branch" line for trains. This train line connected to the Danbury and Norwalk Railroad and went to Ridgefield. It was built way back in 1870.
Trains carried people on this line until 1925. Freight trains, which carried goods, used the line until 1964. Before the railroad, the area was mostly farms and a few mills. But when the train line was announced, new things started to appear. More mills, stores, a hotel, and even a factory were built. There was also a special mineral quarry, a post office, and a school. That school is still standing today!
How the Trail Was Built
The Ridgefield Rail Trail was created by a company called Connecticut Light and Power. It officially opened on December 11, 2000. Connecticut Light and Power owned the old train corridor. They built the trail for the town of Ridgefield at no cost.
The idea for the trail came from First Selectman Rudy Marconi. He wanted to add more open spaces for the town. This trail became Ridgefield's very first off-road path.
Exploring the Trail: What to See and Do
Trail Design and Materials
The trail was designed by Bill O'Neill from the engineering company Fuss & O'Neill. Most of the trail is made from crushed cinder. This is a type of gravel that comes from coal.
At the entrances, exits, and where the trail crosses streets, it's covered in asphalt. The trail's width changes in different spots. It can be anywhere from six feet (1.8 m) to ten feet (3.0 m) wide.
Helpful Things on the Trail
If you want to visit, you can park at the Ridgefield trailhead on Halpin Lane. Another parking spot is near the Ridgefield Playhouse.
As you walk or run, you'll find benches along the trail where you can rest. There are also markers every 1⁄5 mile (320 m) to show you how far you've gone.
Community and Events
Who Helps with the Trail?
The Ridgefield Rail Trail is managed and kept in good shape by Connecticut Light and Power. Sometimes, people who live in Ridgefield also volunteer to help. For example, they have helped paint over graffiti on electrical poles.
Fun Events on the Trail
Every year, the Ridgefield Rail Trail hosts many hikes. These hikes are organized by The Ridgefield Discovery Center. In recent years, some popular events have included the "Fall for Ridgefield Weekend Hike" and the "Hike off the Turkey." These events are a great way to enjoy the trail with others!
