Popular Southington Hiking Trail Gets Some TLC

SOUTHINGTON, CT — With the weather seemingly getting better and better by the day, folks might soon notice improvements at the town's popular "Rails to Trails" walking/hiking/jogging area.

And for that, they can thank the town.

The Town of Southington Public Works Department has been out in full force this week fixing various features at the 4.6-mile Southington Linear Trail, including work on a much-traveled bridge.

The trails originated out of unused rail lines and, when the railroad tracks were taken out years ago, they became a popular place of passive recreation locally.

Southington Town Manager Alex Ricciardone gave the highway crew props for their work on Tuesday.

"Huge shoutout to the highway crew working hard on the Southington 'Rails to Trails' this week," he wrote on social media.

"Their dedication, skill, and hustle are making the trail safer, smoother, and better for everyone. Awesome job…keep up the great work."

The trail starts on the Southington/Cheshire line and continues north to Lazy Lane in Southington, according to the town's website.

Southington's trail is, actually, a part of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, which the town says is still a work in progress.

"When completed, the trail will span over 80 continuous miles from Long Wharf Pier in New Haven, CT to Northampton, Mass..," wrote the town.

For more information on the Southington Linearl Trail ('Rails to Trails'), click on this link.