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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 20 th century architecture of the village. The Colonial Revival Tour will give walkers a look at early 20 th century architecture that was inspired by 17 th and 18 th 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