Connect with the Connecticut River on East Hartford's beautiful Riverwalk. The Riverwalk follows the east bank of the Connecticut River and is ideal for a casual stroll, a morning jog, or riding a bike. The mostly flat, 8- to 12-foot-wide, accessible paved path winds through scenic riverfront areas with views of the Hartford skyline, the iconic Colt Dome, and abundant wildlife. The Riverwalk is approximately 1.5 miles long between the Bulkeley Bridge and the Charter Oak Bridge.
The trail is part of Great River Park, which also features a 350-seat amphitheater, a public boat launch, port-o-lets, bike racks, and picnic areas with charcoal grills. Along the trail are fishing piers, wooden and stone benches, and several installations of sculpture art that are part of the Lincoln Sculpture Walk. Fishing is permitted from the riverbank with a valid license. The trail can also be accessed from Hartford's Mortensen Riverfront Plaza via the Founders Bridge Promenade.
Heading north from Great River Park area, the trail passes under Founders Bridge and leads to the Bulkeley Bridge, offering city views and access to picnic tables, an overlook, and an outdoor fitness station. A staircase north of the picnic area leads to the Founders Bridge Walkway and connects to the Hartford Riverwalk and Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.
Heading south past the amphitheater, the path becomes more tree-lined, with quieter views of the river. The trail passes a hand-carry boat launch ideal for paddlers, and just south of there, it intersects with the Hockanum River Linear Trail. After a sharp right turn over a pedestrian bridge spanning the Hockanum River, the Riverwalk splits from the East Coast Greenway near the Charter Oak Bridge. A nearby staircase connects to Charter Oak Landing and the Hartford Riverwalk.
Please note that portions of the trail may be subject to seasonal flooding.
This trail is a section of the East Coast Greenway.
Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Take Exit 53 toward East Hartford. Keep right onto the East River Drive exit. At the stop sign, turn right onto East River Drive. Follow for 0.6 miles and then turn right into the park.
Use the second from the left lane to take Exit 57 for CT-15 South toward I-91 S/Charter Oak Bridge/NY City. Continue onto CT-15 S. Take Exit 90 for East River Drive toward US-5 N/Main Street. Use the middle lane to turn left onto East River Drive Extension. Continue onto East River Drive. Turn left into the park.
Parking is available from sunrise to sunset at Great River Park lot.
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