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Clyde's Windsor Locks
Canal/Newgate Prison Ride
Total Distance: 31.67 miles Elevation
Gain: 1129 feet
Degree of Difficulty Index: 1129 ft / 31.67 mi = 35.65 ft/mi Terrain: Rolling
Killer Hills: One serious climb up to Newgate Prison
Geographical Region:
North Central Connecticut
City/Town:
Windsor Locks
Starting Location:
I-91 Exit 42, at the RR platform parking area on S. Main St. (Rt.
159), just south of the I-91 overpass. Alternatively, use the CPL a little
farther north on S. Main St. (Rt. 159), just north of the I-91 overpass.
Ride Description:
This is a mostly flat ride with one seriously hilly section on the way
up to Newgate Prison. The ride
visits the Windsor Locks Canal Trail, a neat paved bike path between the old
canal and the Connecticut River, after which it travels to Old Newgate Prison
(suggested lunch/snack stop) with its marvelous western views over a nearby
valley to the ridge lines beyond.
Facilities and Points of Interest:
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Mile
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Facilities
- Points of Interest
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1.0
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Start
4.5-mile ride along the paved Windsor Locks Canal Trail, a paved multi-use
path.
This is a flat, paved
trail that takes you along a former tow path with the historic Windsor
Locks Canal on one side and the Enfield Rapids and the Connecticut River on
the other.
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3.3
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Interesting
aqueduct bridge
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5.5
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Enfield
Locks and Connecticut River rapids (views)
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18.7
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Start
of ~ 1.7-mile (mostly) uphill stretch to Newgate Prison
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20.4
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Old
Newgate Prison; suggested lunch/snack stop (views); bathrooms & water
available inside if visitor center is open.
Mining operations began
at the Old New-Gate location in 1705. However, mining was not
profitable, and in 1773 the Colony of Connecticut began to use the
abandoned tunnels as a prison. It was used to house prisoners during
the American Revolution, and in 1790 became the state prison. Closed
as a prison in 1827, Old New-Gate has primarily been used as a tourist
attraction since the 1860's.
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24.9
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New England Air Museum; may be a fee if
you decide to use the facilities inside the museum.
The Museum is situated
in two large display buildings consisting of more than 75,000 square feet
of exhibit space. In fair weather, the outside storage yard is available
for touring as well.
It is recommended that
you allow at least 1 1/2 hours for your visit, though hard-core aviation
enthusiasts will want to spend several hours viewing not only our aircraft
and engine displays, but our many fascinating exhibits on such diverse
topics as the History of Sikorsky Aircraft, Early French Aviation, a
History of Air Mail, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Flying Mollisons, and many
others.
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25.3
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Bradley
International Airport Control Tower on right; Connecticut Fire Academy on
left
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29.7
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Start
of last portion of the ridegoes through Windsor Locks (somewhat busy; take
care)
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www.ctbikeroutes.org
Wu-IL069 abb DLB99143
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