The 4.5 mile Windsor Locks State Park Canal Trail follows the historic towpath of this 170 plus year old historic waterway. The canal's many vantage points offer the trail user scenic vistas of both the Connecticut River and the old canal. Today's paved surface lies atop the towpath, the actual walkway which animals, often mules, hauled the freight barges by rope north and south along the water way. Author Charles Dickens was a notable visitor who passed through the canal on February 7, 1842.
From I-91 Southbound: Take Exit 47W in Enfield to Route 190. Follow 190 west across Connecticut River to Route 159 (East Street). Turn left, then take immediate left onto Canal Road. Park at end of road on left.
http://www.tripleblaze.com/trail.php?c=3&i=3702