Ridgefield Rail Trail: Difference between revisions
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<big>'''Special events'''</big><br /> |
<big>'''Special events'''</big><br /> |
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[[File:Ivy Hill Road Crossing.jpg|thumb|The Ivy Hill Road street crossing, the first of two street crossings. Both street crossings are well marked]] |
[[File:Ivy Hill Road Crossing.jpg|thumb|The Ivy Hill Road street crossing, the first of two street crossings. Both street crossings are well marked]] |
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for Ridgefield at . is free but donations are appreciated. . |
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• [http://www.ridgefielddiscovery.org/Calendar.php} Discovery Center at Ridgefield] (hike) |
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• [www.ridgefielddiscovery.org] (walk) |
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== References == |
== References == |
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Revision as of 16:57, 30 October 2011
Ridgefield Trail Rail Rail Trail
| |
|---|---|
| Location | Ridgefield, CT to Branchville, CT |
| Length | 2.3 miles |
| Trailheads | Ridgefield Branchville Halpin Lane |
| Use | Walking, Running, Cross Country Skiing |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Surface | Cinder (with asphalt at Ridgefield and Branchville Trailheads and street crossings) |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk, year-around |
| Amenities | Benches, Mile markers |
| Bathrooms | None |
The Ridgefield Trail Rail (RTR) is a rail trail that follows the old Branchville Connecticut rail corridor for 2.3 miles, from Ridgefield to Branchville, through Fairfield County in south-central Connecticut.
Trail enthusiasts can enjoy walking, jogging, and cross-country skiing from dawn to dusk, seven days a week throughout the year. Nearly every mile of the trail offers fantastic landscapes which are lined with beautiful native New England trees. The trail's motto, which is displayed at the Ridgefield Trail Head is, "Take only photographs, leave only footprints, keep only memories."
Historical development
Historical significance
Branchville was named for the “branch” rail line from the Danbury and Norwalk Railroad to Ridgefield. The line was built in 1870. Passenger service on the branch line was available into town until 1925 and freight service lasted until 1964. While this area had been mostly farmland with a mill or two, the announcement of the railroad encouraged development. It included mills, stores, a hotel, a machinery factory, a noted mineral quarry, a post office, and a school (the schoolhouse, still standing on Old Branchville Road).
Trail’s history and evolution
The Ridgefield Rail Trail was built by Connecticut Light & Power Company. It opened in 2000. CL&P are the owners of this abandoned rail corridor and built the rail trail at no cost to the town of Ridgefield. The project was spearheaded by First Selectman Rudy Marconi as an enhancement to open space and the town’s first ever off-road trail.
Trail development
Design and construction
The trail was designed by Bill O’Neill from the engineering firm Fuss & O’Neil. The majority of the trail consists crushed cinder. The trail is asphalt at the entrance, exit and at all street crossings. The trail width varies throughout, ranging from about six feet to ten feet,
Trail amenities
Parking is available at the Ridgefield and Halpin Lane Trailheads on Halpin Lane. There is also parking at the Ridgefield Playhouse. There are five benches located conveniently throughout the rail. There are also markers ever .2 miles across the trail giving visitors the ability to know how far they have traveled.
Community
Trail supporters
The Ridgefield Rail Trail is managed and maintained by Connecticut Light and Power. In certain situations however, local Ridgefield residents have volunteered in coordination with CL&P particularly in an effort to paint over graffiti .[1]
Special events
Each fall the RTR hosts a hike which is a part of “Fall for Ridgefield Weekend.” It is organized by the Discovery Center at Ridgefield. The hike is free but donations are appreciated. The hike is open to all ages. • Discovery Center at Ridgefield (hike)