Length:                  Putnam River Trail; Northern Section; 1.8 miles

                                River Mills Heritage Trail; 1.1 miles

                                Technology Park Drive Trail; 0.4 miles

                                Putnam River Trail Loop (Includes the River Mills Heritage Trail); 4 mile Loop                             

Difficulty:             Putnam River Trail; Northern Section; Easy. Flat, paved trail.

                                River Mills Heritage Trail; Easy. Paved trail w/a slight hill. Some on-road.

From I-395 take exit 45 to Kennedy Drive and travel right (north). Take your first left to the Kennedy Drive parking lot #1 [Southern End]. There are 5 more parking lots located north along Kennedy Drive.

The Putnam River Trail; Northern Section travels North-South through the town of Putnam, following along the Eastern Side of the Quinebaug River. Interpretive signs are located along the trail, commemorating Putnam’s railroad history, textile mills, and founding citizens. The river’s natural resources and The Great Flood of 1955 are highlighted as well. The River Mills Heritage Trail threads its way along the Western Side of the Quinebaug River, between Pomfret St and Providence St - linking together historic mills and buildings. Together both trails create a Loop. A Gap exists between the Putnam River Trails Northern & Southern Sections. The Putnam River Trail; Southern Section travels South, alongside Park Rd, before crossing into Dayville, where it continues alongside Tracy Rd.

The Putnam River Trail is part of the EAST COAST GREENWAY , a planned biking & hiking route stretching 3,000 miles from Maine South, to Florida. When complete it will traverse 15 states with a mostly off-road path.

Note; Funds were allocated in 2025, to extend the Putnam River Trail North, to connect to the Putnam River Trail; Northern Section.

Starting from the Kennedy Drive parking lot #1 [Southern End]; The parking lot is located next to the Quinebaug River and contains a Map Board for the Quinebaug River Water Trail and a canoe launch.

Note; Heading left, West, over an old bridge across the Quinebaug River, the paved Technology Park Drive Trail travels South, to out to Technology Park Drive, across from the YMCA. The trail continues right, alongside the road and up a slight hill before ending after 0.4 miles. Construction is planned for 2025, to connect West, to the Airline SP Trail North .

Note; Funds were allocated in 2025, to extend the Putnam River Trail South, to connect to the Putnam River Trail; Southern Section.

The paved Putnam River Trail; Northern Section travels North, alongside the Quinebaug River. Pass by a "Dog Park" before passing by the Farmers Market parking lot #2 after 0.25 miles. BIKE STATION and Map Board here. A Porto-Potty located here as well. Informational signs & a Story Walk located along the trail, along with artwork & statues.  You'll come to a pedestrian bridge over the river on your left after 0.5 miles. 

Note; If you cross this bridge it will bring you to an informational sign about the Flood of 55. Up the hill is the former Air Line RR bed. The pedestrian bridge is built where the old Airline RR trestle used to cross the river before being wiped out by the Flood of 55. You can still see the stone abutments and the pedestrian bridge utilizes the old center pier. 

Continuing North, along the trail will bring you to the Kennedy Drive parking lot #3. Another Porto-Potty, picnic tables and Map Board for the Quinebaug River Water Trail along the river are located here in Simonzi Park. Heading North, between the river and Kennedy Drive you'll pass by Kennedy Drive parking lots #4 & 5 before coming to the Route 44 Bridge at 1.2 miles. A cross-light takes you to an overlook of Cargill Falls. The trail splits, right simply heading alongside the road, so head left along the river. Caution, the trail is narrow here. This takes you past some monuments and an amphitheater in Rotary Park. Spot the fire cauldrons in the river that are used for River Fire. See; DISCOVER PUTNAM for more information. A cross-light takes you over Bridge St where the paved trail turns into a wide sidewalk at 1.5 miles. Pass by Kennedy Drive parking lot #6. After passing by some old mills you'll come to tiny Miller Park and Map Board at 1.8 miles where the trail ends next to *Providence Street.

[Continuing Mileage] Starting from *Providence Street, turn left, West, down Providence St, utilizing the sidewalk and cross over the river. Turn left, South, along Church St where you may ride on-road (low traffic) or utilize a narrow sidewalk. You'll come to the Putnam Sports Complex at 2.1 miles. Basketball courts and Skate Park. Pick up the narrow paved trail on your left and follow it back to the river. Here you'll enjoy good views of a dam. Follow the trail, South, alongside the river to Bridge St. 

Note; You may head left, East, over Bridge Street bridge, to rejoin the Putnam River Trail, in order to avoid a short hill, Otherwise;

Cross over Bridge St and follow the paved trail through Veterans Park, back out to Church St. Head left, South, on-road past the old Putnam High School, now Town Hall. Spot a magnificent Cooper Beach tree towering over the road. Head up a short, but steep hill where you'll be rewarded with great views of the river and town of Putnam at 2.6 miles. Head back downhill and you'll come to Route 44. Hang a left, East, past the Cargill Mills, cross back over the river and rejoin the Putnam River Trail at 2.8 miles. Turn right, South and return to the Kennedy Drive parking lot #1 after a 4 mile Loop.