Harkness Memorial State Park – New London Harbor Lighthouse loop from Harkness Memorial State Park

Bike touring routes & trails

United States

Connecticut

Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region

Harkness Memorial State Park – New London Harbor Lighthouse loop from Harkness Memorial State Park

Easy

3.0

(13)

riders

Harkness Memorial State Park – New London Harbor Lighthouse loop from Harkness Memorial State Park

01:14

19.3km

140m

Cycling

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: October 8, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

4.50 km

The Seaside Sanatorium

Highlight • Historical Site

The Seaside in Waterford, Connecticut, is a historic medical facility designed by Cass Gilbert for heliotropic treatment of children with tuberculosis. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is considered a well-preserved example of institutional Tudor Revival-style, and served various purposes including tuberculosis treatment, an elderly home, and a facility for the mentally disabled. Initially located at White Beach Hotel in Niantic, it moved to its current location in 1934. In 2014 Governor Dannel Malloy decided rebuild it as a state park. The site's significance lies in its architectural and medical history, representing the evolution of tuberculosis treatment.

Tip by

6.32 km

Harkness Memorial State Park

Highlight • Historical Site

Harkness Memorial State Park, located in Waterford, Connecticut, encompasses 304 acres, featuring the Renaissance Revival mansion "Eolia" surrounded by formal gardens and greenhouses. Once the summer home of philanthropists Edward and Mary Harkness, the estate was designed by Lord & Hewlett in 1906–1907. Landscape designer Beatrix Jones Farrand enhanced the grounds from 1918 to 1929. Mary Harkness bequeathed the estate to the state in 1950, and it became a state park in 1952. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Eolia comprises a 220-acre historic district with contributing buildings and structures. The park is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Tip by

11.0 km

Ocean Beach

Highlight • Beach

Ocean Beach and Ocean Beach Park have plenty of parking and offer public beachfront access, a boardwalk, and various events throughout the year. Events happen more often during the summer months. When the weather is nice, at least one of the few concession stands will be open.

Tip by

11.9 km

Osprey Beach

Highlight • Beach

Enjoy exploring along the sandy shores, soaking in the views of Long Island Sound and the stunning scenery. Breathe in the salty air and feel the sand between your toes. Peek into the history of the area at the Old Lighthouse Foundation, which preserves the foundation of the original 1808 lighthouse.

Tip by

12.2 km

New London Harbor Lighthouse

Highlight • Monument

New London Harbor Lighthouse is a historic landmark built in 1801 for the fishing and whaling industries. It is Connecticut's oldest and tallest beacon, and the fourth oldest in the US. The keeper's house is closed to the public; however, tours are available if you have over six people. The unique advantage is that during a tower tour on a clear day, you can see up to 7 lighthouses - two in Connecticut and five along New York in the sound. More lighthouses can be seen from this spot than any other place on earth.

Tip by

18.0 km

Rovetti Tract

Highlight • Forest

The Rovetti Tract is a small patch of protected woodland on Braman Road in Waterford, Connecticut. This spot is located in a nice, peaceful residential area, just be aware that there is no shoulder on this road.

Tip by

18.3 km

Braman Road Pond

Highlight • Lake

Braman Road Pond is a small pond on, you guessed it, Braman Road in Waterford, Connecticut. Although it's hard to see from the street due to dense foliage, there is a small stream that flows out of it and under the road.

Tip by

19.3 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

12.8 km

3.52 km

2.79 km

186 m

Surfaces

10.8 km