The best gravel rides around New Milford

Gravel biking in New Milford offers a diverse landscape within the scenic Litchfield Hills. You'll encounter moderate hills, steep ridges, flood plains, and valleys. Many routes feature riverine trails, wooded sections, and a mix of hard-packed gravel and dirt roads, providing varied scenery and challenges.

The Litchfield Hills region, including New Milford, is particularly beautiful during the fall foliage season, making autumn an excellent time for scenic rides. Spring and summer also offer pleasant conditions, with clear waters and lush greenery. Winter riding is possible, but trail conditions may vary due to snow and ice.

Yes, there are options for beginners. For an easier ride, consider routes like the Piermont Railway Station (historic) – Old Erie Rail Trail (gravel) loop from Tappan, which is about 12.4 miles (20 km) long with minimal elevation gain. The New Milford River Trail also features hard-packed gravel sections suitable for easier rides.

For those seeking more challenging rides, New Milford and the surrounding Litchfield Hills offer routes with notable elevation gains. For example, the 9W Market – Piermont Railway Station (historic) loop from Harrington Park covers 38.0 miles (61.2 km) with over 1,380 feet (420 meters) of climbing. Another option is the Nyack River Trail – Haverstraw River Trail loop from Glenwood, which is a longer 47.8 miles (77 km) route with over 1,680 feet (514 meters) of elevation gain.

Yes, there are several longer routes available for gravel cyclists. The Nyack River Trail – Haverstraw River Trail loop from Glenwood is a challenging 47.8 miles (77 km) route. Another substantial option is the 9W Market – Piermont Railway Station (historic) loop from Harrington Park, which spans 38.0 miles (61.2 km).

The New Milford River Trail is an excellent choice for families, offering hard-packed gravel sections that are relatively flat and run alongside the Housatonic River. The northern and southern segments provide easy rides, with the northern section offering views of a pine forest and the river.

Many of the natural areas and trails in New Milford, including sections of the New Milford River Trail and paths within parks like Harrybrooke Park and Sega Meadows Park, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. Always check specific park regulations before heading out.

New Milford is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the scenic Housatonic River and Candlewood Lake, or visit state parks like Oradell Reservoir, Lover's Leap State Park, and Mount Tom State Park, which offer dramatic vistas and unique features. The Wild Duck Pond and Point Lookout are also notable natural highlights in the area.

Yes, many gravel routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the 9W Market – Piermont Railway Station (historic) loop from Oradell, a 27.6 miles (44.3 km) route, and the Van Cortlandt Greenway – Woodlands Lake loop from Glenwood, which is 27.6 miles (44.4 km) long.

Parking is generally available at key access points for popular trails. For the New Milford River Trail, you can find parking at the Boardman Road lot for the northern segment and Young's Field Road for the southern segment. State parks like Lover's Leap and Mount Tom also offer designated parking areas for visitors.

New Milford's town center, with its historic Town Green, offers various cafes and pubs that are easily accessible from many local trails. While specific establishments directly on the trails might be limited, the town provides convenient options for refreshments before or after your ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from riverine trails to moderate hills and wooded sections, which provide varied scenery and challenges for all skill levels. The natural beauty of the Litchfield Hills is a frequently highlighted aspect.