By Doug McDevitt

Norfolk may not have notable historical events, such as Stratford, say, which saw the first colony in Connecticut, or Danbury, which was the target of a British invasion and where General Israel Putnam’s army endured a harsh winter that became known as Connecticut’s Valley Forge. No, our town in the past was much as it is today, a place of serenity and rejuvenation.

One luxury we have today that our ancestors did not enjoy is a four-wheeled steel chariot. Hop in, follow one of the numerous well-paved routes, and you’re here. The visitors and residents of that bygone era had a little more challenging time getting to Norfolk. Horse, wagon or . . . the train. There were quite a few railroads traversing through our area at one time or another, and the remnants of these routes can still be seen. If you close your eyes and concentrate hard enough when standing near the library you can almost hear the clang of a bell or the repeating click clack of the steel wheels.

There is a group in town that is trying to reclaim some of that history for us to enjoy on a hike or a bike ride. They are known as the Rails to Trails Committee, which is headed by Bob Gilchrest. Rails to Trails has plans to ultimately connect Winsted and North Canaan with a bike trail that would course through Norfolk. So far, the committee has been concentrating its efforts on Norfolk and now have the first named trail, called Northbrook Trail, which connects Ashpohtag Road and Route 272 near the Department of Transportation garage. 

Gilchrest says that it is very challenging to get intertown cooperation, but he is hopeful the plan will come to fruition. Norfolk, he continued, has been completely behind the project and has created the Rails to Trails Committee as a subcommittee of the Economic Development Commission. Funding has been difficult, as it always seems to be, but there is some grant money to help maintain the trail. Donations and volunteers are always welcome.

The treasurer of the committee, Dave Beers, has come up with a unique and inventive idea to help fund the project—the Tour de Forest. While on a vacation some time ago, Beers noted an event near Saratoga Springs, N.Y., called Tour de Farm, where bikers traveled from one local farm to another. Beers wondered if something like that could be done here, and since 80 percent of Norfolk is forested, he came up with Tour de Forest. The inaugural event was last year, but it was rudely interrupted by a significant nor’easter.

This year’s event, slated for October 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will begin at the Curling Club and wind for 13 miles through Great Mountain Forest, which has allowed the use of their land for the event, continue through town and then end back at the Curling Club, where there will be more activities, such as curling demonstrations. Gilchrest recommends that riders use mountain or hybrid bikes, since a portion of the route will be on gravel roads. 

The event is billed as a fundraiser for Rails to Trails and Great Mountain Forest, but it will also benefit Norfolk. The trek will be advertised on local media outlets and will promote all that Norfolk has to offer. Several way stations, or booths, will be set up along the route that will feature different activities and aspects of Norfolk. Gilchrist emphasizes that the Tour de Forest is not a race, so riders should not feel pressured and can stop and visit the booths along the way.

 So, if you enjoy the serenity of a peaceful walk or bike ride and would like to experience the distant memories of the golden age of the rails brought back to life, come enjoy a scenic ride through Great Mountain Forest and learn more about Norfolk. For more information or to volunteer, email Bob Gilchrist at railtrail@norfolkct.org or go to the committee’s Facebook page, facebook.com/norfolkrailstotrails.