Rockville Spur

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The Rockville Spur is multi-use greenway that connects to the Hop River State Park Trail and travels through railroad history, Tankerhoosen Pond and footbridge, Rockville neighborhoods, and forests.
Trail Activity
Accessible Experience Walking Bicycling Mountain biking Cross-country skiing Horseback riding
Length
4.1 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Easy
Town
Vernon
Surface
Gravel/Crushed Stone
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

The Rockville Spur is a multi-use path along an abandoned railway, which splits from the Hop River State Park Trail and leads to Vernon's town center of Rockville. The former railway was constructed in 1862 to supply an already industrialized Rockville. The trail includes features such as a footbridge across the Tankerhoosen River, signs of the old train depot near the Church Street parking, mural art, and both residential and forest views.

At the footbridge on Tankerhoosen River, travelers can look west for a scenic view of Tankerhoosen Lake. The Tankerhoosen River footbridge funding was obtained by the Vernon Hockanum River Linear Park Committee from the State of Connecticut via Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) funding and grants.

North of the river, the trail enters an underpass below I-84, with murals by local artists and community. Further north, the trail crosses Hartford Turnpike - users are advised to be careful here and watch for fast moving vehicles. Then it heads back into the forest. Across West Street, the trail begins to narrow and surroundings alternate between residential and wooded. 

Trail Manager

Town of Vernon, Parks & Recreation
120 South Street
Vernon, CT 06066
(860) 870-3520
https://vernonct.myrec.com/info/default.aspx

Trail Tips

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stick to established trails and campsites. If there's no trail, try to walk on rock, gravel, or snow and spread out so that your group doesn't create a trail.

Trailhead Information

From hartford Turnpike in Vernon

Follow Hartford Turnpike/CT-30 to Dobson Road.

To Church Street Parking

Take Dobson Road south for 0.4 miles. Then make a slight left onto Church Street. In 0.2 miles, the parking lot is on the left.

To Tankerhoosen Road Parking

Take Dobson Road south for 0.2 miles. Then turn left onto Campbell Avenue. In half a mile, turn left onto Phoenix Street, then right onto Tankerhoosen Road. Parking is at the end of the road.

From Tunnel Road in Vernon

Follow Tunnel Road to its intersection with Warren Avenue and Valley Falls Road, near the tunnel.

To Church Street Parking

Take Warren Avenue west for 0.9 miles. Turn left onto Phoenix Street, then right onto Church Street. In 0.1 miles, the parking lot is on the right.

To Tankerhoosen Road Parking

Take Warren Avenue west for 0.5 miles. Make a slight right onto Maple Avenue. In 0.4 miles, turn right onto Phoenix Street, then right onto Tankerhoosen Road. Parking is at the end of the road.

 

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