Ride the Pequonnock
Rocky creek crossings, steep climbs, and a smooth old railroad path. Trumbull has some of the best mountain biking in Connecticut, and it's right in our town.
See the Trails Ride SafeThe Trails
The main riding area is Pequonnock River Valley State Park. Four color-marked trails run through it, plus a rail trail that goes up one side. The rail trail is the easy one. Click a trail to see its color, map and elevation.
Rail Trail
An old railroad path with gentle hills. The first 3 miles are dirt and the next 3 are paved. Riders say it's a good place to go with kids.
White Trail
Runs down the center of the valley. A good first step up from the rail trail.
Blue Trail
Follows the Pequonnock River, with creek crossings and a rocky technical section.
Yellow Trail
Winds along the hillside about halfway up the ridge.
Red Trail
Runs along the top of the ridge and has the toughest climbs and rocky water crossings. Save it for when you're ready.
Gut Buster Hill
A short carriage road with a big uphill. The name says it all!
Trail lengths are approximate. They come from rider-made maps (MTB Project and Trailforks), and different maps measure a little differently. Check the posted trail maps at the park too.
Man-Made Trails
Besides the marked trails, riders have worn in a tangle of unmarked side trails and given names to special spots around the valley. Nobody marks or looks after these, so they're easy to get lost on. Only go there with a grown-up who knows the way.
Green Monster
One of the tallest rollers in Connecticut, about 30 feet high. A roller is a big smooth bump in the trail.
Natural Drops
Rocky drops are scattered around the park. Riders talk about spots like Picnic Tables and Lover's Leap. Big drops are for expert riders only, and it's always okay to walk around them.
Cliff Trails
Trails along the cliffs have a good view. Stay well back from the edge and keep your eyes on the trail.
Side Trails
Lots of little trails branch off the marked ones. With no colors to follow, it's easy to take a wrong turn, so stick with your group.
Other names on the local rider guide: Bat Cave (Crevice), Copper Creek, Picnic Table Rock, Slick Rock East and Serengeti. These don't have exact map spots yet, so they aren't pinned on the maps. Info comes from the Fairfield County NEMBA trail guide and Singletracks.
Before It Was a Bike Park
The Pequonnock Valley was once a busy place for factories. Today you can still find clues from the past while you ride and hike.
Things to Spot
- Ruins of old mills from the 1800s
- A railroad ice house
- Parlor Rock, once the site of an amusement park
- Remains of an old tungsten mine near Old Mine Park
The Parks
- Pequonnock River Valley Park 382 acres
- Indian Ledge Park 104.6 acres
- Old Mine Park 72.1 acres
The town and the state bought the valley from the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company in 1989 to protect it.
Ride Safe
Good riders are smart riders. Here's the checklist before every ride.
Before You Go
- Wear a helmet that fits, and buckle it
- Check your tires, brakes and chain
- Bring water and a small snack
- Tell a grown-up where you're riding and when you'll be back
- Ride with a buddy or an adult, especially on harder trails
On the Trail
- Stay on the marked trails
- Slow down and say hello when you pass hikers
- Pick trails that match your skill, and skip anything that feels too scary
- Take your trash with you
- Walk your bike over tricky spots. Everybody does!
Fall tip: from mid-October to mid-December, hunters with permits can use part of the valley (the Pequonnock Valley Wildlife Management Area) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Wear bright colors, look for posted signs, and check the state hunting rules before you ride. Always ride with an adult.
Getting There
The main trailhead is easy to find.
Main Trailhead
Most riders start at the Park Street commuter lot in Trumbull, also called the Daniels Farm lot. Ask a grown-up to look it up on a map before you go.
Rail Trail
Take Route 25 north to Route 127 (White Plains Road). The trailhead is on Taits Mill Road, a few hundred yards up from Route 127. Rider guides say the trail may be extended toward the Monroe town line, so check the posted signs.
Local riders: the Fairfield County chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association (FCNEMBA) keeps a trail guide. Ask a grown-up to help you look it up.