The full Shoreline Greenway Trail takes cyclists and walkers between New Haven and the Farmington Canal Trail in the west to Madison and Hammonasset State Park in the east. It reaches 30 miles at its full length and includes a mixture of off-road trails, sidewalks, and on-road sharrows. The trail connects the key towns and cities of New Haven, East Haven, Branford, Guilford and Madison, providing opportunities for recreation along the beautiful shoreline. Key features include beaches, marshes, woodland, two state parks, historic districts and a variety of local cafes, shops and eateries.
Managed by the volunteers at Shoreline Greenway Trail, this full route is a work in progress, with 4.7 miles of trail fully developed, and another 3 miles currently under construction. For the fully developed off-road sections, please see more information in the linked trails: Shoreline Greenway Trail: D.C. Moore & Farm River State Park, Shoreline Greenway Trail: Branford and Shoreline Greenway Trail: Hammonasset. These three sections are a mix of paved or gravel paths, with the majority being relatively flat and well shaded by woodland. Parking is available at each of the three sections.
In New Haven, a short path along Water Street links the Shoreline Greenway to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. For more connections, there are almost 10 additional miles in the works. Eventually, the Greenway will reach West Haven via Long Wharf and City Point, and connect to the West River Greenway at Kimberley Avenue.
CAUTION! Some sections of the trail route follow Route 1 and Route 146 where sidewalks have not yet been developed, but the routes are frequented by cyclists. Use caution especially where there is a narrow shoulder.
Some sections follow roadways with or without sidewalks and require multiple road crossings. Use caution.
Take Exit 62 towards Hammonasset State Park. Follow the Hammonasset Connector south, and then turn left onto Route 1. The trail parking lot is then on the right.
Bus 641A and 641B stop at the parking lot coming from Madison in the west to Old Saybrook in the east.
From the Clinton train station, turn onto Route 1 heading west. Continue over the bridge into Madison and past the businesses near Hammonasset. The trailhead is then on the left.
Starting at New Haven Union Station, travel north along Union Avenue, turn right onto Water Street. The trail route begins at the intersection of Brewery Street and Water Street, where there is also a connection to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. To begin the trail, follow Route 1 over the bridge. Please note that there is no parking or developed trail at this point.
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