It was my first time biking the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. I started my ride from Southwick, MA and began the Loop from Simsbury, CT. The first stretch is straight until Farmington, but this part of the trail was not clearly marked and confusing, particularly through Avon, CT.
From Farmington, I turned right and went to Canton, this part of the trail is immediately adjacent to the Farmington River, and the views are absolutely beautiful. The trail ends for a while just before the railroad bridge in Collinsville. Nice passage over the river. There are few sections of gravel as well, which are not that hard and very enjoyable to ride on.
This is an excellent ride and I had a great time doing it. As you approach and go through Collinsville, Canton, and Simsbury there are a lot places to get eats and drinks.