Facility Overview

The Coventry Greenway Parking area at Barber Hill Road serves as a dedicated, open-air trailhead parking lot situated on the eastern fringe of Moosup, Connecticut, immediately adjacent to the Rhode Island border. Nestled in a quiet rural setting, this level gravel and compacted-dirt surface lot provides convenient access to the regional rail-trail corridor, seamlessly connecting Connecticut’s Moosup Valley State Park Trail with Rhode Island’s Washington Secondary Bike Path network (commonly referred to in this section as the Coventry Greenway and Trestle Trail). Because this is an open-air surface lot without overhead barriers, height restrictions, or covered clearance envelopes, it accommodates standard passenger cars, large pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, and vehicles equipped with roof-mounted bicycle racks or cargo carriers without issue.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

This parking area is positioned directly at the junction of scenic multi-use rail trails, making it a premier staging ground for outdoor enthusiasts and local explorers:

• Coventry Greenway & Trestle Trail: Direct on-site access to the paved multi-use path heading eastward through Coventry and West Warwick toward Cranston, Rhode Island.
• Moosup Valley State Park Trail: Direct access heading west toward Moosup and Sterling, CT, offering scenic miles through tranquil woodlands, historic railroad cuts, and gentle river valleys.
• Downtown Moosup: Located approximately 2.5 miles west (a 5-minute drive), featuring local diners, convenience stores, and family-owned markets.
• Moosup River & Pachaug State Forest: Within a short drive, offering pristine hiking, fishing, and conservation land throughout Windham and New London counties.
• Carbuncle Pond: Situated just over the Rhode Island state border in Coventry (roughly 3 miles east), known for fishing and freshwater paddling.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

The lot is easily accessed via Barber Hill Road, a quiet country lane just off Route 14 (Sterling Road / Plainfield Pike), which links eastern Connecticut directly with central Rhode Island. Drivers traveling along Interstate 395 can reach the lot via Exit 32 or Exit 35 within approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Ingress and egress are straightforward via an un-gated rural driveway. Due to its rural location, there is no direct commuter rail or metropolitan transit connection serving the trailhead; private vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian travel are the standard means of arrival.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Free Trailhead Parking: Public access parking provided at no cost for daytime trail users and outdoor recreationists.
• Unobstructed Headroom: Open sky layout suitable for vehicles carrying rooftop bike mounts, kayaks, and high-clearance gear.
• Direct Trail Staging: Positioned immediately beside the trail crossing, allowing bicyclists, runners, and dog walkers to safely disembark straight onto the corridor.
• Peaceful Rural Environment: Surrounded by mature woods and agricultural vistas, providing an uncrowded staging area compared to busier urban trailheads.

Ideal For

• Bicyclists & Road Bikers: Cyclists looking for a seamless launch point onto miles of paved and packed-gravel regional trails spanning CT and RI.
• Hikers, Walkers & Dog Owners: Local residents and visitors seeking a flat, car-free walking route through scenic nature reserves.
• Cross-Border Commuters: Non-motorized travelers commuting between eastern Windham County and western Rhode Island communities.
• Nature Photographers & Birdwatchers: Enthusiasts exploring the rich birdlife and seasonal foliage of the Moosup Valley and Coventry woodlands.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Visitors are reminded that this facility operates primarily on a dawn-to-dusk schedule and lacks lighting; planning your return before sunset is strongly recommended. As an undeveloped rural trailhead lot, there are no permanent public restrooms, trash bins, or running water stations on site, so visitors should plan ahead and follow \'Leave No Trace\' principles. During spring thaws or heavy rainstorms, watch for minor mud patches or gravel ruts near the perimeter of the lot. Ensure all personal belongings and valuables are tucked securely out of sight before heading onto the trail.