The best road cycling routes around Long Hill

The Long Hill area offers over 100 road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a diverse selection, from easier rides to more challenging long-distance tours.

Road cycling around Long Hill is characterized by rolling hills and varied terrain, providing both challenging climbs and scenic descents. Routes often traverse quiet back roads, forested areas, and pass by natural features like the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. While surfaces are predominantly paved, some routes may include unpaved sections.

Yes, Long Hill offers a good selection of easier road cycling routes. Approximately 41 routes are rated as easy, providing a gentle introduction to the area's scenic roads without overly strenuous climbs. These routes are perfect for those looking for a relaxed ride.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Long Hill provides routes with significant elevation gain. One such demanding route is the Devil's Hopyard State Park – Nice quiet road loop from New London, which covers nearly 90 miles with substantial climbing. The region's characteristics, including areas with grades up to 13% on roads like Janes Chapel Road and Millbrook Road, ensure a rigorous workout.

Many of the road cycling routes in Long Hill are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the popular Harkness Memorial State Park – Niantic River Bridge and Beach loop from New London offers coastal views on a 31-mile circuit. Another option is the Union Baptist Church – Hoxie Scenic Overlook loop from Fort Trumbull, a 26.6-mile ride through varied terrain.

While road cycling in Long Hill, you can enjoy diverse natural features. Many routes pass through or near the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Osborn Pond, offering opportunities to cycle through environments rich in wildlife. You can also visit attractions like Harkness Memorial State Park, or enjoy panoramic views from the Hoxie Scenic Overlook.

Yes, the broader region, particularly Union County, offers 'Cycling Across The Centuries' routes that allow cyclists to visit over 30 historic sites. These circuit routes, ranging from 17 to 40 miles, incorporate the varied terrain and historical landmarks of the area, providing a unique blend of cycling and history.

Parking availability varies by route. Many routes start from or pass through areas with public parking, such as state parks or designated trailheads. For specific routes, it's advisable to check the route details on komoot, as starting points often indicate parking options.

While specific cafes are not listed for every route, many road cycling routes in Long Hill pass through or near small towns and pleasant countryside areas where you can find local establishments for refreshments. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify potential stops along the way.

The Long Hill area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 7 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's rolling hills, quiet back roads, and forested areas, which offer a diverse and engaging experience for riders of all abilities.

The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road biking in Long Hill, with moderate temperatures and beautiful foliage. Early Sunday mornings are often recommended for more enjoyable rides due to less traffic. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potential icy patches.

Yes, some routes provide scenic coastal views. The Niantic River Bridge and Beach – Harkness Memorial State Park loop from New London, for instance, offers beautiful vistas of the coastline and the Niantic River, making for a picturesque ride.