The best road cycling routes around New London

New London offers a diverse range of road cycling experiences. You'll find routes that hug the scenic coastline, paths that venture into more rural areas with lakes and rolling terrain, and loops around historic landmarks. The region's geography provides options for various preferences, from relatively flat coastal rides to routes with significant elevation gain.

Yes, New London has several easy road cycling routes. For instance, the Pleasant Lake loop and Elkins Beach is an easy 5.6-mile (9 km) route with minimal elevation, perfect for a relaxed ride. In total, there are 8 easy routes available, offering gentle terrain for a comfortable experience.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, New London offers routes with significant elevation and longer distances. The Lake Sunapee – Tory Hill loop from Clark Pond Natural Area is a difficult 55.4-mile (89.2 km) route featuring substantial climbs, taking approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes to complete. There are 2 difficult routes in the area for those looking to test their endurance.

Absolutely. Many routes in the New London area are designed to showcase the region's natural beauty. You can enjoy views of water bodies like Lake Sunapee and Goose Pond. The Little Lake Sunapee loop and Lake Sunapee route, for example, offers a scenic journey around two lakes.

Yes, many road cycling routes in New London are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Pleasant Lake loop and Elkins Beach, the Little Lake Sunapee loop and Lake Sunapee, and the Bucklin Beach – Elkins Beach loop from New London. These circular routes are convenient for planning your ride.

Road cycling routes in New London often pass by significant landmarks and natural features. You might encounter historic sites like the New London Harbor Lighthouse or enjoy views from the Hoxie Scenic Overlook. Routes can also lead you near natural areas such as Sutton Town Forest and Wetland or Little Sunapee Assoc. Memorial Forest, offering a blend of history and nature.

New London's coastal climate generally makes spring, summer, and fall ideal for road biking. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blooming scenery, while summer provides warm weather perfect for coastal rides. Fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, creating a beautiful backdrop for cycling. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, especially for coastal winds.

While specific cycling paths within Harkness Memorial State Park itself might be limited, the roads leading to and from this expansive park in Waterford, CT, offer pleasant cycling routes. These routes would provide varied scenery, passing by the park's beautiful grounds, including the Renaissance Revival mansion 'Eolia' and its formal gardens, making for an enjoyable ride with a historical and natural focus.

There are over 30 road cycling routes available in the New London region. This includes a variety of options, with 8 easy routes, 22 moderate routes, and 2 difficult routes, catering to different skill levels and preferences.

Road cyclists using komoot frequently praise the varied terrain and scenic beauty of the New London area. Many appreciate the mix of coastal paths and inland routes that explore lakes and rolling landscapes. The presence of historic landmarks and natural attractions along the way also adds to the overall enjoyment of the rides.

While specific crowd levels can vary, routes that venture into the more rural inland areas or those slightly off the main coastal thoroughfares tend to be less crowded. Exploring routes around the various lakes and forests, such as the Otter Pond – Philbrick Hill loop from Little Sunapee Associates Forest, might offer a more tranquil cycling experience.