Who is responsible for maintaining the trail?
Each town that the trail passes through is responsible for the section in that town, and towns may choose to work together. The NHNCGA, and the "friends of" groups are not responsible for trail upkeep, though they may assist with cleanups and repair of trail amenities. For specific trail problems, it is best to contact the town.
Are electric bikes (ebikes) allowed on the NHNCG?
These are general guidelines for the NHNCG in Connecticut and Massachusetts, subject to local regulations. The same speed limit and other laws that apply to regular pedal bikes also apply to ebikes. See the state and local laws for more detailed information and possible exceptions.
Allowed:
Class 1 and Class 2 ebikes are allowed.
Not Allowed:
Class 3 ebikes
Bikes that have been built or modified to exceed the 750 watts of power
Capable of going fast than than 20 mph using ebike assisted power
Have pedals that can't propel the bike.
Class definitions:
Class 1: ebikes have a motor that can assist in propelling the bike. The maximum assisted speed is 20 mph . Pedaling controls the assistance. There is no throttle.
Class 2: ebikes are the same as Class 1, with the addition of a throttle, which can propel the bike with or without pedaling.
Class 3: ebikes are similar to Class 1 bikes except the maximum assisted speed is 28 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed.
What is the extent of the "Farmington Canal Heritage Trail"? Does it officially exist in Massachusetts?
The multi-use path from New Haven, Connecticut to the Massachusetts border is officially promoted and signed as the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, but Massachusetts does not formally designate its in-state segments as the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. Instead, once it crosses into Massachusetts the same corridor is typically referred to under different local trail names and the NHNCG.