Winding Trails

Review: Yes it's private but there are plenty of easy ways to "sneak" into the massive ~400 acres property. Around the perimeter is the main XC skiing route known as "Skaters Loop" which is 5k long. Inside it are too many trails to count with a decent variety of terrain, including some wicked steeps. What's esp great about WT is how empty it usually is, I've spent hours and not crossed paths with one other biker.

Similar Trail: Tunxis Mead Park

Review: Winding Trails is for the most part a membership only recreation area. Thus, you cannot visit this area through the main road unless you are a member. However, that doesn't mean you can't set foot here by law, just that you can't enter this way, can't park there, can't make use of any of the facilities there, and should certainly be respectful of patrons or members you come across. To enter you just have to get here externally. The best way to do that is off the Farmington Canal Trail, north of Brickyard Lane where fairly obvious trails lead into the area. Once in there, you'll find a myriad of intricate trails that lives up to the park's name. Not much of it is that technical, and there are no big hills, but you could certainly work on your cornering skills there. Each spring an XC race is held here, where you can actually park and make use of the facilities. In winter they have cross country skiing where you can pay for a day pass to park and visit as well.

Review: Decent enough for an after work quickie. Good for training and doing some laps.