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Routes
Cycling routes
United States
Connecticut
Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region

Moodus

The best cycling routes around Moodus

5.0

(21)

172

riders

14

rides

Touring cycling around Moodus, Connecticut, offers diverse landscapes characterized by rolling terrain, scenic roads, and some challenging hilly sections. The region features several freshwater lakes, including Bashan Lake and Moodus Reservoir, providing picturesque backdrops. Major waterways like the Connecticut River and the Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed contribute to the area's natural beauty, alongside extensive forests and state parks such as Devil's Hopyard and Gillette Castle. This varied topography provides a range of experiences for touring cyclists.

Best touring…

Last updated: April 30, 2026

5.0

(1)

21

riders

#1.

Former Lyman Viaduct – Air Line Trail loop from East Hampton

64.4km

05:20

430m

430m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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5.0

(3)

11

riders

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

Hard
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Popular around Moodus

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Tips from the Community

Jamie S.
September 3, 2024, View of the River from Air Line State Park Trail (Southern Section)

The Air Line State Park Trail in Connecticut is a rail trail and linear state park that is a part of the East Coast Greenway. There are several sections including: South (25 miles from East Hampton to Windham), North (21 miles from Windham to Putnam), Thompson addition (6.6 miles from Thompson to the Massachusetts state line), and an additional 3.6-mile spur to Colchester. Recognized as a national recreation trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2002, it offers scenic routes for hiking and biking. This southern section of the trail near East Hampton is a gravel crushed trail that is great to ride on its own, or to access singeltrack in the nearby Salmon River Forest.

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From here you can take the Colchester Spur Trail. The area surrounding the trail played a small but fascinating role in the American Revolution. Look for markers mentioning skirmish sites and troop movements.

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AverieOutside
January 20, 2024, Air Line Trail

The Air Line Trail is a paved 50-mile multi-use trail that connects the cities of Thompson and Portland. This trail is open to walkers, bikes, and even horses.

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Birch Hill Road Open Space West is a nature reserve southeast of Grayville Falls, situated right next to the Air Line State Park Trail. Undeveloped, forested land covers the area between the town's many residential developments, adding to the rural character of this beautiful area.

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This park runs alongside the Willimantic River, providing scenic views of the water. On the opposite side, there are train tracks where you can occasionally observe interesting carts passing by.

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Air Line State Park Trail is a gravel crushed trail that runs on an old rail bed. It's a great trail to ride on its own or to access singeltrack in the Salmon River Forest.

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Matthew
October 24, 2023, Portland Reservoir

There is a trail loop marked with red blazes that circles around the entirety of Portland Reservoir. The trails on the property are a mixture of pavement, dirt, and cinders. Most of the trail intersections are pretty well-marked, and the main trail offers views of the lake nearly the entire time.

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Matthew
October 6, 2023, Portland Reservoir

There is a trail loop marked with red blazes that circles around the entirety of Portland Reservoir. The trails on the property are a mixture of pavement, dirt, and cinders. Most of the trail intersections are pretty well-marked, and the main trail offers views of the lake nearly the entire time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many touring cycling routes are available around Moodus?

There are over 10 touring cycling routes in the Moodus area, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from more than 20 reviews.

Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, Moodus offers several easy touring cycling routes. For instance, the Former Lyman Viaduct loop from East Hampton is a gentle 5.5-mile (8.9 km) trail, and the Former Lyman Viaduct loop from Gateway Preserve is another easy option at 6.5 miles (10.4 km). These routes often traverse local woodlands and open areas, providing a pleasant ride.

What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Moodus?

Moodus's touring cycling routes feature diverse landscapes, primarily characterized by rolling terrain. While many routes offer scenic roads and relatively flat sections, some challenging hilly areas are also present, providing varied experiences for cyclists. You'll find routes along historic railway beds, through forests, and with views of lakes and rivers.

What natural attractions can I see along the touring cycling routes?

The Moodus area is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle past scenic lakes like Day Pond and the Moodus Reservoir, and enjoy views of the Connecticut River. State parks such as Devil's Hopyard and Machimoodus offer extensive forests and trails. The Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed also contributes to the region's pristine natural state.

Are there any historical landmarks or points of interest to explore while cycling?

Absolutely. Cyclists can incorporate stops at significant historical sites. The iconic Gillette Castle offers unique architecture and sweeping river views. You might also encounter the Devil's Hopyard Covered Bridge or the historic East Haddam Swing Bridge, which provides scenic views of the Connecticut River.

What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Moodus?

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Moodus, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and scenic roads to tranquil lakes and extensive state park forests. The variety of routes, including those along historic railway beds, and the region's natural beauty are frequently highlighted.

Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the Moodus area?

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Moodus are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Former Lyman Viaduct – Air Line Trail loop from East Hampton and the Former Lyman Viaduct – Colchester Spur Trail junction loop from East Hampton, providing convenient options for exploring the region.

Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in Moodus?

Parking is generally available at or near the starting points of many popular routes and state parks in the Moodus area. For routes utilizing sections of the Air Line State Park Trail, designated parking areas are typically provided. It's advisable to check specific route details for the most convenient parking locations.

What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Moodus?

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for touring cycling in Moodus. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while summer provides warm weather for lakeside views. Autumn is particularly scenic with vibrant fall foliage, making it a popular time for cyclists to explore the region's picturesque roads and trails.

Are there any routes that pass by waterfalls?

Yes, Devil's Hopyard State Park, which is accessible from some cycling routes, features the impressive Chapman Falls. These cascades over 60 feet and are a notable natural attraction within the park, offering a beautiful stop for cyclists.

Can I find food or refreshment stops along the touring cycling routes?

While specific routes may not always have dedicated food stops directly on the trail, the charming villages and towns in the East Haddam area, including Moodus itself, offer cafes, restaurants, and local amenities where you can find refreshments and meals. Some routes might also pass through state parks with picnic areas.

Are there any routes that follow historic railway beds?

Yes, several touring cycling routes in Moodus incorporate sections of historic railway beds, most notably the Air Line State Park Trail. These sections often provide relatively flat and scenic paths, such as those found in the Former Lyman Viaduct loop from Airline State Park Trail (Southern Section), offering a unique cycling experience.

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