Housatonic River – Bulls Bridge loop from Bull's Bridge
Housatonic River – Bulls Bridge loop from Bull's Bridge
3.3
(28)
93
riders
Housatonic River – Bulls Bridge loop from Bull's Bridge
03:13
54.5km
710m
Gravel riding
Hard gravel 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: May 22, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
22.9 km
The Nature Conservancy Benton Hill Fen (Owned)
Nature Reserve
39.0 km
Class IV unmaintained fun
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
40.7 km
Housatonic River
Highlight • River
Tip by
43.1 km
Cool dirt road
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
54.5 km
Bulls Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
54.5 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
48.4 km
4.84 km
1.33 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
33.4 km
19.2 km
1.84 km
102 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (420 m)
Lowest point (100 m)
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Weather
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Tuesday 7 July
20°C
14°C
-- %
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a challenging and scenic gravel biking experience in Northwest Connecticut, the Housatonic River – Bulls Bridge loop from Bull's Bridge is definitely worth your time. This difficult 33.9-mile (54.5 km) route packs in 2331 feet (710 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 3 hours and 12 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for experienced gravel riders with very good fitness who want to tackle diverse terrain and enjoy stunning natural beauty, making it one of the more popular routes for serious cyclists in the region.
What to expect on Housatonic River – Bulls Bridge loop from Bull's Bridge
Expect a journey through varied landscapes, where the terrain constantly keeps you on your toes. You'll encounter a significant amount of unpaved surfaces, from narrow gravel roads and hard-packed dirt to stone dust paths, with some sections being quite steep and potentially rough, especially in winter. The route features rolling hills, deep wooded ravines, and both sustained climbs, like the one up Macedonia Brook Road, and thrilling descents, such as Lambert Road. Along the way, you'll be treated to expansive views of forests, farmlands, and the Housatonic River, often with rapids and waterfalls. You'll even cross the Appalachian Trail multiple times, adding a unique touch to this challenging ride.
Planning your visit
The historic Bulls Bridge itself serves as a prominent starting point and landmark for this loop. While the area is generally accessible, be aware that some of the steeper dirt road sections may be unmaintained in winter, potentially presenting rough surface conditions that could require dismounting. There's no mention of permits or fees, but it's always wise to check local conditions before heading out, especially regarding weather and potential road closures. Parking is typically available near the bridge, but arriving earlier in the day is always a good strategy for popular spots.
Trail details
- Distance: 33.9 miles (54.5 km)
- Elevation gain: 2331 feet (710 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 3 hours and 12 minutes
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