1.
Old Daniels Dam – Brandy Hill Road loop from Killingly
38.2km
01:50
290m
290m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
The best road cycling routes around Brooklyn
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 4, 2026
If you have ever tried to plan road cycling around Brooklyn, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many routes out there, it's hard to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it — the guesswork can take the fun out of planning.
That's where komoot comes in. Our community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes, and we've distilled that collective wisdom into a curated shortlist. This guide cuts through the noise, promising to save you the endless scrolling and get you straight to the rides that deliver. Road cycling around Brooklyn is defined by rolling hills, wooded areas, and rural roads, offering a blend of open stretches and shaded sections. You'll find everything from gentle loops to more challenging long-distance routes, often passing by local parks and water features.
If you only do one ride, we'd start with the Old Daniels Dam – Brandy Hill Road loop from Killingly. At 23.7 miles (38.2 km), it's an easy route that offers a great introduction to the area's rural roads and gentle climbs. For those looking for a bigger challenge, the River Park – Kinsman Hill Stone Arch Bridge loop from Hampton is a difficult 63.4 miles (102.1 km) path with significant elevation gain, perfect for pushing your limits. With more than 30 road cyclists having explored these routes, you can trust you're in good company. Now, let's get you out there!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Daniels Dam – Brandy Hill Road loop from Killingly | 38.2 km | 290 m | Easy |
| River Park – Kinsman Hill Stone Arch Bridge loop from Hampton | 102 km | 1,000 m | Hard |
| Old Furnace State Park loop from East Brooklyn | 38.6 km | 340 m | Moderate |
| Woodstock Avenue Open Space – Blackwell Brook Covered Bridge loop from East Brooklyn | 47.9 km | 500 m | Moderate |
| Putnam River Trail – Cargill Falls Reservoir loop from East Brooklyn | 80.1 km | 530 m | Moderate |
| Cargill Falls Reservoir – Quaddick Reservoir loop from East Brooklyn | 88.4 km | 840 m | Moderate |
| Buck Hill – Prince Hill loop from East Brooklyn | 36.5 km | 360 m | Moderate |
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2.
River Park – Kinsman Hill Stone Arch Bridge loop from Hampton
102km
04:49
1,000m
1,000m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3.
Old Furnace State Park loop from East Brooklyn
38.6km
01:53
340m
340m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.
Woodstock Avenue Open Space – Blackwell Brook Covered Bridge loop from East Brooklyn
47.9km
02:21
500m
500m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
5.
Putnam River Trail – Cargill Falls Reservoir loop from East Brooklyn
80.1km
03:36
530m
530m
The Putnam River Trail – Cargill Falls Reservoir loop offers a delightful road cycling experience through Northeastern Connecticut, showcasing a mix of paved river trails and scenic country roads. You'll pedal alongside the Quinebaug River, passing the notable Cargill Falls, a dam with captivating cascades, before venturing into rolling hills and open landscapes. This route provides continuous river views and a chance to explore historic mill districts, making it a visually engaging ride for those who enjoy diverse scenery.
Planning your ride, expect a moderate challenge with 1731 feet (527 metres) of elevation gain over 49.8 miles (80.1 km), typically taking around 3 hours and 35 minutes. While the Putnam River Trail section is flat and easy, the broader loop includes rolling hills and varying road conditions, so good fitness is required. Cyclists should be prepared for potential unpaved sections on some area routes, though much of this specific loop is well-paved.
This loop is more than just a ride; it's a journey through history, with interpretive signs detailing Putnam's railroad and textile past. The Putnam River Trail itself is a segment of the extensive East Coast Greenway, offering a smooth, multi-use path. You'll find amenities like picnic tables and a bike repair station along the river trail, adding to the convenience of this popular cycling route near East Brooklyn.
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6.
Cargill Falls Reservoir – Quaddick Reservoir loop from East Brooklyn
88.4km
04:13
840m
840m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
7.
Buck Hill – Prince Hill loop from East Brooklyn
36.5km
01:50
360m
360m
The Buck Hill – Prince Hill loop from East Brooklyn offers a unique road cycling adventure through the varied landscapes of eastern Connecticut. You'll pedal through forested areas and open paths, experiencing the region's natural beauty, though be prepared for some rugged sections, particularly around Prince Hill, which features unmaintained dirt roads. This route is a moderate 22.6-mile (36.5 km) journey, promising a diverse ride for those seeking more than just smooth pavement.
Planning your ride means preparing for the unexpected; while the area is generally suitable for cycling, the presence of "Class 6 roads" on Prince Hill means you should check conditions and ensure your road bike can handle unpaved, challenging terrain. The 1178 feet (359 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes makes it a solid workout. Consider going on a dry day to make the unpaved sections more manageable.
This loop stands out for its blend of traditional road cycling with a taste of off-road adventure, setting it apart from typical paved routes in the region. While the East Brooklyn area is known for its scenic state parks and historic districts like the Brooklyn Green, this particular route offers a more untamed experience. It's a good option if you're looking to push your road cycling boundaries and explore the less-traveled paths of Northeastern Connecticut.
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Tips from the Community
Alexandra P
February 26, 2024, Brandy Hill Road
Experience breathtaking views of the Quaddick Reservoir along this scenic route. The autumn foliage accentuates the beauty, with tree-lined roads making it the quintessential New England ride!
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Alexandra P
February 26, 2024, Thompson Hill
Thompson, a charming New England town. It was named after Sir Robert Thompson, an English landholder. There are a few historic buildings and a lovely church.
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Alexandra P
February 26, 2024, Grosvenordale Mills
As you make your way across the bridge you will see Grosvenordale Mills located on the banks of the French River. It's a nice place for a stop!
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Alexandra P
February 26, 2024, Cargill Falls Reservoir
At Cargill Falls, you'll find a dam and cascades right in the heart of the city. From the Pomfret Bridge on US-44, you can see the wide dam and several flowing channels clearly. An island splits the Quinebaug River and the dam, creating a beautiful display of cascades below as the river rushes to reconnect.
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mtm05005
February 22, 2024, Putnam River Trail
The Putnam River Trail is a 1.8 mile long paved trail. It is part of the East Coast Greenway Trail. As the name suggests, it follows along the Putnam River and gives you great views of the water.
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David Howells
February 7, 2024, Danielson Main Street & Broad Street Historic District
Danielson is a beautiful borough in the town of Killingly, and it has two historic districts to its name: The Danielson Main Street Historic District and Broad Street-Davis Park Historic District. In total, there are about 135 historic buildings in one form or another, all built in Colonial Revival, Italianate, or Queen Anne style. Some of the most striking-looking buildings are the Westfield Congregational Church, Bugbee Memorial Library, and Brooklyn Savings Bank. So this is a great place for you to take a break, have a coffee, and enjoy the historic ambience you find yourself surrounded by.
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David Howells
February 7, 2024, Blackwell Brook Covered Bridge
On a quiet back road not far from Brooklyn, Connecticut, going through pristine countryside, you will find yet another beautiful covered bridge. The Blackwell Brook Bridge, also known as Levi's Mill Bridge, is built in the typical truss design, but the side is exposed so you can see through the trusses.
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David Howells
February 2, 2024, Danielson Main Street & Broad Street Historic District
Danielson is a beautiful borough in the town of Killingly, and it has two historic districts to its name. The Danielson Main Street Historic District and Broad Street-Davis Park Historic District. In total, there are about 135 historic buildings in one form or another, all built in Colonial Revival, Italianate, or Queen Anne style. Some of the most striking-looking buildings are the Westfield Congregational Church, Bugbee Memorial Library, and Brooklyn Savings Bank. So this is a great place for you to take a break, have a coffee, and enjoy the historic ambience you find yourself surrounded by.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Brooklyn?
There are over 20 road cycling routes around Brooklyn, offering a diverse range of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find everything from easy loops to challenging long-distance rides.
Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Brooklyn?
Yes, Brooklyn offers several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. One popular option is the Old Daniels Dam – Brandy Hill loop from Killingly, which is 23.7 miles (38.2 km) long and features gentle climbs and rural roads.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Brooklyn?
Road cycling routes around Brooklyn are characterized by rolling hills, wooded areas, and rural roads. You'll encounter a mix of elevation changes, including notable hills like Brandy Hill and Kinsman Hill, alongside routes that pass by local parks and water features such as Old Daniels Dam.
Are there challenging routes for advanced road cyclists in Brooklyn?
Absolutely. For advanced riders seeking a challenge, the River Park – Kinsman Hill Stone Arch Bridge loop from Hampton is a difficult 63.4 miles (102.1 km) path with significant elevation gain, passing by a river park and a historic stone arch bridge.
What are some interesting landmarks or sights I can see along the road cycling routes?
Many routes offer scenic views and pass by points of interest. You might encounter historical sites like the Brooklyn Green Historic District or the Danielson Main Street & Broad Street Historic District. Some routes also go near the Blackwell Brook Covered Bridge or the Wolf Den.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in Brooklyn?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Brooklyn are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Old Furnace State Park loop from East Brooklyn and the Woodstock Avenue Open Space – Brandy Hill loop from Dayville.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Brooklyn?
The komoot community highly rates the varied terrain and scenic beauty of Brooklyn's road cycling routes. Riders often praise the mix of open stretches and shaded sections, as well as the charming rural roads and challenging hills like Brandy Hill and Kinsman Hill.
When is the best time of year for road cycling in Brooklyn?
The best time for road cycling in Brooklyn is typically from spring through fall (April to October), when the weather is mild and the scenery is vibrant. Summer offers lush green landscapes, while autumn provides stunning foliage. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there routes that pass through state parks or natural areas?
Yes, several routes take you through or near natural areas. For instance, the Old Furnace State Park loop from East Brooklyn leads through varied terrain within a state park setting, offering a blend of natural beauty and cycling enjoyment.
Can I find routes that are suitable for families with older children?
For families with older children who are comfortable with road cycling, easy to moderate routes with less traffic and gentler inclines would be suitable. Consider routes like the Old Daniels Dam – Brandy Hill loop from Killingly, which offers a manageable distance and elevation.
Are there any routes that feature water views or pass by rivers?
Yes, some routes incorporate water features into their scenery. The River Park – Kinsman Hill Stone Arch Bridge loop from Hampton passes by a river park, offering picturesque views alongside your ride.
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