This 3.4-mile roundtrip, accessible path is suitable for walking, running, biking, mobility devices and strollers. Parking is available at both the northern end of the Riverwalk in Riverside Park and southern end at Charter Oak Landing. The trail can also be accessed via Mortenson Riverfront Plaza and from Great River Park via the Founders Bridge Promenade.
The mostly flat Hartford Riverwalk runs along the west banks of the Connecticut River. The 8 to 12 foot wide path takes you beneath the Bulkeley and Founders Bridges and features spectacular views of the city skyline, Colt Dome, wildlife, and public art. There is plenty of room for picnicking. Fishing with a permit is allowed from the riverbank.
The northern end of the Riverwalk starts in historic Riverside Park. Just north of downtown, this Victorian-era park is home to the Greater Hartford Jaycees Community Boathouse, Riverfront Recapture's community rowing program, the Riverfront Adventure Challenge Course, and miles of unpaved trails through floodplain forest north of the park.
Park amenities include a boat launch, picnic tables and charcoal grills, sand volleyball court, cricket and football fields, playground, fishing access, sculpture installations, drinking fountain, port-o-lets, charcoal grills (these are the only grills allowed to be used in the parks – no personal grills are allowed), and bike racks.
The southern end of the Riverwalk starts at Charter Oak Landing. Just south of Downtown Hartford, this park is home to a pair of nesting eagles, and features an excursion boat dock and public boat launch, along with access to the Charter Oak Bridge pedestrian walkway, linking to Great River Park.
Park amenities include boat launch, fishing access, playground, picnic tables, port-o-lets, charcoal grills (these are the only grills allowed to be used in the parks – no personal grills are allowed), and bike racks.
Along the Riverwalk is the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, the centerpiece for the Riverfront Recapture park system. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza is accessible via stairs and an elevator that runs May 1 thru October 30. This plaza also has a stage at the river’s edge and seating for 2,500 people on a grassy terrace. The Founders Bridge promenade connects Hartford with East Hartford, linking directly to Great River Park.
Park amenities include performance facilities, public boat cruises, fishing access, public art, drinking fountain, port-o-lets, charcoal grills (these are the only grills allowed to be used in the parks – no personal grills are allowed), and bike racks.
Riverside is served by CTtransit (Route 38).
Driving from points north: Take I-91 South. Take Jennings Road exit (Exit 33). Turn left onto Jennings Road, then take the next right onto Leibert Road. Turn left into Riverside Park.
Driving from points south: Take I-91 North. Take Jennings Road exit (Exit 33). Turn right onto Jennings Road, then take the next right onto Leibert Road. Turn left into Riverside Park.
Driving from points East and West: Take I-84 to exit 51, merging onto I-91 North. Follow directions for I-91 North.
Parking is available in the Riverside Park parking lots.
Charter Oak Landing is served by CTtransit (Route 59).
Driving from points north: Take I-91 South to Airport Road exit (Exit 27). Turn left onto Airport Road, left onto Brainard Road, and then left onto Reserve Road. Park entrance is on right.
Driving from points south: Take I-91 North to Brainard Road exit (Exit 27). Turn left onto Brainard Road, then left onto Reserve Road. Park entrance is on right.
Driving from points east: Take I-84 to Hartford, then Charter Oak Bridge exit (Exit 57). Continue on US-5/CT-15 South to Brainard Road exit (Exit 87). Turn left onto Brainard Road, then left onto Reserve Road. Park entrance is on right.
Driving from points west: Take I-84 East. Take exit 52 to merge onto I-91 South. Take Airport Road exit (Exit 27). Turn left onto Brainard Road, then left onto Reserve Road. Park entrance is on right.
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