Old Daniels Dam – West Thompson Lake loop from Quaddick State Forest

Bike touring routes & trails

United States

Connecticut

Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region

Old Daniels Dam – West Thompson Lake loop from Quaddick State Forest

Hard

2.8

(23)

riders

Old Daniels Dam – West Thompson Lake loop from Quaddick State Forest

07:38

103km

1,040m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: October 14, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that goes up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 91.1 km for 32 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

5.64 km

Quaddick Reservoir

Lake

8.54 km

Munyan Road Open Space

Nature Reserve

16.1 km

Abandoned Stone House at Daniel's Village Archaeological Site

Highlight • Historical Site

The area is home to one of the earliest textile mills in Connecticut. Unfortunately, in 1861, the mill burned down, and it was never reconstructed. Numerous remnants of the mill, including a stone house situated on the corner, can still be found at the site.

Tip by

16.2 km

Old Daniels Dam

Highlight • Monument

The stone dam from the early 19th century provides a picturesque view of the Five Mile River and carries a rich history, once serving as part of a textile mill. This bridge point offers an excellent spot to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.

Tip by

17.5 km

Pineville Mill

Ruins

37.5 km

Airline State Park Trail (Northern Section)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Airline State Park Trail is divided into sections, and the northern section spans 21 miles from Windham to Putnam, making it a popular rail trail among hikers, runners, and bikers.

Tip by

37.8 km

Airline State Park Trail Northern Section

Highlight • Trail

The Airline State Park Trail is divided into sections, and the northern section spans 21 miles from Windham to Putnam, making it a popular rail trail among hikers, runners, and bikers.

Tip by

38.1 km

East Coast Greenway

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The East Coast Greenway is a paved multi-use path that passes through 15 states and is over 3,000 miles long from Maine to Florida.

Tip by

62.8 km

Nightingale Forest

Nature Reserve

89.5 km

West Thompson Lake

Highlight • Lake

Explore a 200-acre lake with 24 campsites, a boat launch, picnic shelters, a disc golf course, and plenty of trails. Join the Rangers for a guided nature walk during Walktober and take in the start of fall foliage while learning some cool trail facts!

Tip by

91.2 km

West Thompson Dam

Highlight • Monument

Spanning 239 acres, this lake is great for paddling and fishing. The dam was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1965, its capacity stands at 342 million gallons of flood water.

Tip by

92.8 km

Mechanicville Pond

Lake

93.1 km

French River

Highlight • River

A pleasant river flows through the Mechanicsville Park area. This point provides a nice pull-off spot from the road, featuring several picnic benches and a great view of the water to enjoy.

Tip by

103 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types