City: Windsor Locks/Suffield, CT

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (860) 242-1158

Description: Built in the 1800s, this canal is really a bypass of the Enfield Rapids, and is still used occasionally for boats today and for water power. But the old towpath that follows it is the marvel for visitors and locals. The path hovers between the canal and the river, seemingly magical in its continued existence. As you walk, or skate, or bike the length, trees give an illusion of solidity, and then the view opens and the water on either side makes you feel like you’re heading off the edge of the earth. This trail along the towpath is almost 5 miles long, and you can park at either end. At the northern end you can take a spur and head up to the Route 190 bridge across the Connecticut River, with great views south and north. Across the bridge is historic Enfield, which you can explore, or bike down Enfield Street paralleling the river.