CONNECTICUT RIVER BIKEWAY:
AGAWAM-SPRINGFIELD-WEST SPRINGFIELD-CHICOPEE, MASSACHUSETTS
-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-
Last Updated: August 27, 2023
Length: Connecticut River Bikeway; Springfield Section; 3.8 miles
Connecticut River Bikeway; Chicopee Section; 2.5 miles
Connecticut River Bikeway; Agawam Section; 1.9 miles
Connecticut River Bikeway; West Springfield Section; 1.5 miles
School Street Park Loop; 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy. Flat, paved trail.
Directions:
Connecticut River Bikeway; Springfield Section:
From I-91 northbound; Take exit 7B to Route 20 W. Just before you cross over the river turn left into North Riverfront Park [Central Section].
From I-91 southbound; Take exit 8 to Birnie Ave. Turn right onto Route 20 W. Just before you cross over the river turn left into North Riverfront Park [Central Section].
To start from the Medina Boat Launch for the Connecticut River Bikeway; Chicopee Section [Southern End]: From I-391, take exit 3 to Route 116 N. Turn left on Wilson Ave after 1.5 miles. Turn left on Old Field Rd, right on Paderewski St, left on Grange St and right on Medina St. Follow to the parking lot.
To start from the Borgatti Field parking lot for the Connecticut River Bikeway; Agawam Section [Southern End]; From I-91, take exit 3 to Agawam, Routes 5 & 57. After crossing over the South End Bridge, take the first exit, Route 57, to a rotary. Take the first right off the rotary to River Rd. Travel 2.5 miles south on River Rd to Borgatti Field on your right.
To start from the Thomas Lagodich Riverfront Park parking lot for the Connecticut River Bikeway; West Springfield Section [Southern End]; From I-91, take exit 10B to Route 5 S. Travel 1.2 miles and turn left into the parking lot which is accessed from a gas station.
You can rent bikes in Springfield. See; VALLEY BIKE SHARE for locations.
The Connecticut River Bikeway is a planned linear park along both sides of the Connecticut River. The Springfield Section travels North along the Eastern Side of the river with a gap to the Chicopee Section. The Agawam Section travels North along the Western Side of the river with a gap to the West Springfield Section. For more information visit; CT RIVER BIKEWAY .
Connecticut River Bikeway; Springfield Section:
Starting from the North Riverfront Park parking lot [Central Section]; Picnic pavilion and Porto-Potty located here. Informational signs located along the trail.
Heading North; The paved Connecticut River Bikeway comes to a cross-light over Route 20. A Map Board is located here. The trail continues North atop the dyke. Pass by an exercise area. This section is more open with better views of the river. It currently ends after 1.3 miles next to Plainfield St.
Note; Continuing North, a gap currently exists, between the Connecticut River Bikeway; Chicopee Section as of 2023.
Heading South; The paved Connecticut River Bikeway travels atop the dyke with the Connecticut River down along your right, partially obscured by the floodplain. After 0.6 miles you'll briefly share the road along Clinton St before ascending a long ramp up to a bridge over active RR tracks that cross the river. As you descend from the bridge you'll have another set of RR tracks follow along your left. Travel underneath Memorial Bridge and come to Riverfront Park after 1.3 miles.
Note; Just before the park a tunnel on your left takes you underneath the RR tracks to Hall of Fame Ave. From here you can explore downtown Springfield or visit the MGM SPRINGFIELD CASINO a short ride south.
The trail travels through the park (play area, Splash Park, 911 Memorial & promenade overlooking the river) bringing you to an intersection. After 1.6 miles you'll come to a pedestrian bridge on your left.
Note; A ramp will take you up and over the railroad tracks to an elevator. If you go up it brings you to an observation platform. Good views of Springfield and the river. Down brings you to the old Basketball Hall of Fame. The new BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME is just next door.
Continuing south the trail is more isolated as it follows the RR tracks. After passing two benches overlooking the river on your right the trail currently ends after 2.5 miles.
Connecticut River Bikeway; Chicopee Section:
Starting from the Medina Boat Launch parking lot [Southern End]; The wide, paved Connecticut River Bikeway heads North traveling underneath I-90.
Note; Heading South a gap currently exists between the Connecticut River Bikeway; Springfield Section as of 2023.
The trail crosses a small bridge by a pump station bringing you to a spur trail on your right.
Note; The spur trail leads to the top of the dyke where you'll find a gravel path (No biking allowed) that follows atop the dyke. This also takes you out to Paderewski St.
The open bikeway travels below the dyke on your right and the Connecticut River on your left. After 1.4 miles pass another spur trail on your right.
Note; This spur trail leads to the top of the dyke and access to Jones Ferry Rd.
After 2.3 miles the paved trail continues north atop the dyke bringing you to Ferry St after 2.5 miles. Nash Field parking lot located here. Porto-Potty and picnic pavilion.
Connecticut River Bikeway; West Springfield Section:
Starting from the Thomas Lagodich Riverfront Park parking lot [Southern End]; Head past the gate to an intersection.
Note; Straight a gravel road leads to a Canoe/kayak Launch with picnic tables.
The paved Connecticut River Bikeway travels left below the dyke to the wood line. Here you travel North between the dyke and the Connecticut River floodplain. Travel underneath I-91 after 0.9 miles. The trail then travels closer to the river, giving you a view. After 1.5 miles the trail currently ends at an overlook of the river. Here you'll find the Wayside/Ashley Ave parking lot.
Connecticut River Bikeway; Agawam Section:
Starting from the Borgatti Field parking lot [Southern End]; Exit the park to River Rd and head left along a paved path. A cross-walk will take you right over River Rd to the paved Connecticut River Bikeway. The trail travels North between the road and the Connecticut River. You'll travel past a Pumping Station and a river overlook at 0.3 miles. There are more benches located along the trail overlooking the river. Come to Pumping Station # 4 after 1.7 miles and use the cross-light over River Rd, then head right to a cross-walk over School St where the paved trail now follows School St West. After 1.9 miles the trail turns right into School Street Park.
Note; From here you can access the School Street Park Loop. Head into the park past an old red barn and parking lot and you'll come to an intersection. Head left across a pedestrian bridge to the West Side of the park and you'll come to sports fields. Head North (right) for a 0.5 mile Loop and you'll come to another intersection.
Note; Right takes you back to the East Side of the park.
Continue straight and you'll travel between a Splash Park and picnic pavilion. Parking lot located here. The trail then heads South to another intersection. Continue right Looping around the sports fields returning to the intersection for the pedestrian bridge. Head right back to School St for a total Loop of 0.7 miles.
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BIKE IT OR HIKE IT