FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hartford, CT, August 5, 2025 – The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is pleased to announce the release of the Capitol Region East Coast Greenway (ECG) Study Draft Plan and invites the public to provide feedback during the official comment period, which is open through August 15, 2025.
This draft plan identifies a 17-mile preferred route for the final gap of the East Coast Greenway within the Capitol Region, specifically through the towns of Bloomfield, Hartford, and East Hartford (with a preferred route for Simsbury identified as well but completed earlier in the study process). Completing this gap is a critical step in fully connecting the Connecticut section of the Greenway with an off-road option, supporting active transportation, local tourism, and community wellness.
The East Coast Greenway is a multi-state effort to create a safe, accessible, and connected trail system from Maine to Florida. The Greenway emphasizes off-road connections as much as possible to ensure that all users – regardless of age or ability – can feel comfortable and safe using the trail but in these three communities, much of the designated route is currently on-road.
“The ‘easier’ sections have been designed and built but this final gap was challenging due to multiple natural and man-made challenges like rivers and highways,” said Caitlin Palmer, CRCOG’s Director of Regional Planning and Development. “We’re excited to have identified a route that is almost entirely off-road. This final stretch represents a powerful opportunity to connect neighborhoods and destinations, boost local economies, and give residents in our region more ways to move through their communities safely whether their goal is recreation or transportation utility.”
Spanning over 3,000 miles, the East Coast Greenway is the nation’s longest connected biking and walking route. In Connecticut, the Greenway spans approximately 200 miles, incorporating scenic, off-road trails such as the Air Line Trail, Hop River Trail, Charter Oak Greenway, and Farmington
Heritage Canal Trail. Once this link is complete, users will be able to walk, ride, or roll from New Haven to Rhode Island and beyond.
CRCOG encourages residents, bicyclists, walkers, advocates, and community members to review the draft plan and share their thoughts. Public input is vital to ensuring the alignment reflects community needs, values, and future vision.
To view the draft plan and submit comments by the August 15 deadline, visit: https://crcog.org/capitol-region-ecg-study/.
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The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is a voluntary Council of Governments formed to initiate and implement regional programs and initiatives to benefit our member towns and the region. CRCOG is guided by the chief elected officials of our 38 Metro Hartford municipalities, who recognize that the future of our individual members is tied to the future of our region. Our members have collaborated for over 50 years on a diverse range of projects, services, and initiatives.
CRCOG is the largest of Connecticut’s regional planning organizations, with a population of 976,248 and a land area of 1,047 square miles. The CRCOG region is well-situated between New York City and Boston, and is rich in history, cultural and educational amenities, and natural resources. CRCOG’s team of professional staff works to promote responsible land use, effective transportation systems, economic vitality, and quality of life. CRCOG is a proud advocate for its members and the region, providing various shared services to enhance governmental efficiency.
