Rollerblading has become a very popular sport not only in America but in many first-world countries. The rollerblader who is new to the sport is sometimes in a quandary as to where to go to practice. Connecticut is just one state where you'll find plenty of participants, and you will find a number of places where it is both safe and legal to carry out the sport. Generally speaking, bicycle paths can also safely be used for rollerblading, and it is the state's aim to make as much of the state accessible to pedestrians as possible.
Bridgeport
One of the better places to rollerblade in Bridgeport is at the Seaside Park on Park Avenue. The park has lots of amenities, and you can spend the whole day in the park rollerblading on its paved trails that meander through the park's 370 acres. You'll find that one of the paved bike trails runs alongside the beach for more than a mile and is relatively low in traffic. Be prepared to pay a $10 entrance fee to enter the park.
Hartford
Many people run, walk, hike and rollerblade on the trails of the West Hartford Reservoir. Rollerblade rentals are available at Play it Again Sports in West Hartford Center. Hartford's Riverfront Recapture along the Connecticut River also offers a number of multi-use hard-top trails that can be used for rollerblading. A pedestrian promenade on the Founders Bridge connects the riverside parks in Hartford and East Hartford on the other side of the river.
East Granby
The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail by East Granby is a section of the trail that runs from New Haven, north to the Massachusetts border. The trail, which is recommended for rollerblading, starts at Simsbury, runs north across Floydville Road and then across Salmon Brook. It crosses Route 189, Route 20 and Copper Hill Road--a total of almost five miles. Interesting places to visit while on this trail are the Old Newgate Prison and Copper Mine, which are located on Newgate Road.
New London
The New London Vista Walkway is well worth a visit if you are a rollerblader living in the New London region. The trail, which has a bituminous surface and is more than three miles long, runs from Connecticut College, where it connects with the Coast Guard Academy, the Science Center, the Union Railroad Station, the waterfront including ferry service to Fisher's Island and Block Island, and the city pier, for a total of three and a half miles.
Cheshire
The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail passes through several counties and will eventually run from New Haven to the Massachusetts border. This three-mile section of the trail starts at the Hampden town line and runs past a fully restored lock-keeper's house at the Lock 12 Historical Park, crosses North Brooksvale Road and continues northward to Cornwall Avenue. It will eventually connect up with further sections in Farmington and Avon counties. This is a recommended trail for rollerbladers.
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