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Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Connecticut
Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region

New London

The best road cycling routes around New London

4.8

(9)

348

riders

22

rides

Road cycling routes around New London offer a diverse landscape characterized by its strategic shoreline location along the Long Island Sound and the Thames River. The region features coastal paths, riverfront roads, and rolling terrain, providing varied elevation changes for cyclists. Historic sites and state parks are integrated into many routes, offering scenic views and points of interest. The area's natural beauty includes diverse plant and animal species along rivers and marshes.

Best road cycling routes around New London

  • The most popular road cycling route is Harkness Memorial State Park – Niantic River Bridge and Beach loop from New London, a 31.1 miles (50.1 km) trail that takes 2 hours 27 minutes to complete. This route offers coastal views and passes by the Niantic River.
  • Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Devil's Hopyard State Park – Nice quiet road loop from New London, a difficult 89.9 miles (144.7 km) path. This route features quiet roads and varied terrain through a state park.
  • Local road cyclists also love the Niantic River Bridge and Beach – Harkness Memorial State Park loop from New London, a 34.3 miles (55.3 km) trail leading through coastal areas and past the Niantic River, often completed in about 2 hours 41 minutes.
  • Road cycling around New London is defined by coastal paths, riverfront roads, and rolling terrain. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to more challenging long-distance rides.
  • The routes in New London are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.75 stars from more than 7 reviews. More than 200 road cyclists have used komoot to explore New London's varied terrain.

Last updated: July 12, 2026

23

riders

#1.

Harkness Memorial State Park – Niantic River Bridge and Beach loop from New London

50.5km

02:23

290m

290m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Moderate

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Popular around New London

Hiking around New London

Cycling around New London

Running Trails around New London

Tips from the Community

Alex
February 26, 2024, Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach in Connecticut is a picturesque stretch of sandy beach in a crescent shape. This small beach is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. This beach is well-maintained and has restrooms, showers, and lifeguards during peak seasons.

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Alex
February 19, 2024, Union Baptist Church

The church is an impressive sight from the roadside, with the architecture towering over the street. It is popular within the local community, and makes a great photo along your ride.

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For cyclists crossing the Mystic River Bascule Bridge, the view is nothing short of captivating. From this vantage point, you're treated to a picturesque scene of the serene Mystic River below. As you pedal across, you can admire the rhythmic motion of boats gliding through the water and the charming waterfront architecture lining the riverbanks. The bridge itself, with its impressive mechanical design, adds to the allure of the experience, providing cyclists with both a visual feast and a sense of the area's industrial heritage.

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AverieOutside
February 19, 2024, Fort Trumbull

Fort Trumbull is a historic fort on the Thames River on Long Island Sound in New London, Connecticut. It is named after Governor Jonathan Trumbull and was originally built in 1777.

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Harkness Memorial State Park, located in Waterford, Connecticut, encompasses 304 acres, featuring the Renaissance Revival mansion "Eolia" surrounded by formal gardens and greenhouses. Once the summer home of philanthropists Edward and Mary Harkness, the estate was designed by Lord & Hewlett in 1906–1907. Landscape designer Beatrix Jones Farrand enhanced the grounds from 1918 to 1929. Mary Harkness bequeathed the estate to the state in 1950, and it became a state park in 1952. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Eolia comprises a 220-acre historic district with contributing buildings and structures. The park is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

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The Emanuel Society Synagogue and Creamery Site of the New England Hebrew Farmers is a collection of artifacts that tell the story of a rural Jewish settlement. The site includes a synagogue from the late 19th century and the remaining structures of a creamery complex run by Jewish dairy farmers from the local area, one of the earliest in the state. In 2012, the site was recognized for its historical significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places.

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Alex
February 6, 2024, Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is a lovely sandy beach right next to the road. With such a short distance from the street, it makes a great spot to jump off the bike and take a break on your ride.

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The Connecticut College Arboretum is a 750-acre manicured garden paradise. It is made up of landscaped grounds and gardens that belong to the college campus but are open to the public 365 days a year. They include the Greenhouse, the Native Plant Collection, Caroline Black Garden, and the natural areas of Mamacoke Island and Bolleswood.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available around New London?

There are over 25 road cycling routes around New London, offering a diverse range of experiences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars.

What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in New London?

Road cycling in New London features a mix of coastal paths, riverfront roads, and rolling terrain. You'll find routes with picturesque water views along the Long Island Sound and Thames River, as well as paths winding through tree-lined banks and varied landscapes. The region offers options from moderate loops to more challenging long-distance rides with significant elevation changes.

Are there road cycling routes with scenic coastal views or historical landmarks?

Yes, many routes in New London offer stunning coastal views and pass by historical landmarks. For example, the Harkness Memorial State Park – Niantic River Bridge and Beach loop from New London provides coastal vistas and passes by the Niantic River. You can also explore routes that incorporate sites like Harkness Memorial State Park, known for its historical significance and beautiful grounds.

What historical sites or viewpoints can I visit while road cycling near New London?

While road cycling near New London, you can discover several interesting sites. The Harkness Memorial State Park offers both scenic beauty and history. You might also encounter the New London Harbor Lighthouse or enjoy views from the Hoxie Scenic Overlook, which provides vistas of the Mystic River.

Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in New London?

Yes, New London offers several easier road cycling routes. Out of the total routes, 5 are classified as easy, providing gentler terrain and shorter distances suitable for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. These routes often feature mostly paved surfaces and less challenging elevation gains.

What is the best season for road biking in New London?

New London's coastal climate makes spring, summer, and fall ideal for road biking. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, from blooming landscapes to colorful autumn foliage. The region's diverse natural features are particularly enjoyable during these times.

Are there any long-distance road cycling routes for experienced riders?

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, New London offers several long-distance routes. A notable option is the difficult Devil's Hopyard State Park – Nice quiet road loop from New London, which spans nearly 90 miles (144.7 km) and features quiet roads and varied terrain through a state park, including significant elevation changes.

Can I find circular road cycling routes around New London?

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around New London are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Niantic River Bridge and Beach – Harkness Memorial State Park loop from New London and the Watch Hill Point – Maschaug Pond loop from New London, which offer varied distances and scenic experiences.

What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in New London?

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in New London, with an average score of 4.75 stars. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse landscape, which includes picturesque coastal views, tranquil riverfront roads, and the integration of historical sites and state parks into routes. The variety of terrain and options for different ability levels are also highly appreciated.

Are there opportunities to see wildlife or natural preserves while cycling?

Yes, the New London area's natural beauty includes diverse plant and animal species along rivers and marshes. Routes often pass through areas like the Lieutenant River and Pattagansett Marshes, offering tranquil backdrops and opportunities for wildlife observation. The region's preserves, such as Griswold Preserve, also enhance the natural experience.

Where can I find more information about cycling initiatives or local clubs in New London?

New London has an active cycling community. Organizations like 'Bike New London' work to make the city more bicycle-friendly, and the Pequot Cyclists club organizes weekly rides. While specific details on their events are outside this guide's scope, these groups foster a supportive environment for cyclists in the region. You can also find general information about cycling in Connecticut on CTvisit.com.

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