The best road cycling routes around New Britain

New Britain offers a diverse range of road cycling routes, characterized by rolling terrain and extensive park systems. You'll find everything from easy park loops to more challenging routes with greater elevation changes. There are over 25 road cycling routes available, with 5 easy and 20 moderate options to explore.

Yes, a significant asset for cyclists is the five-mile paved CTfastrak Multi-Use Trail. This 10-foot-wide trail runs alongside the CTfastrak busway, providing a safe and easy route connecting the Downtown New Britain Station to the Newington Junction Station for both recreation and transportation.

For those seeking a moderate challenge, the View of Fonthill Castle – Fonthill Park loop is a popular choice. This route covers 56.3 km with an ascent of 470 meters, typically taking around 2 hours and 48 minutes to complete.

Absolutely. An easy option is the Fonthill Park – View of Fonthill Castle loop. This route is 28.4 km long with a gentle ascent of 143 meters, and can often be completed in about 1 hour and 22 minutes.

New Britain's routes often feature picturesque winding lanes, forested sections, and open lawns within its extensive park system. Walnut Hill Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offers a historic rose garden and memorial overlooks with expansive views. You might also encounter tranquil ponds in parks like Stanley Quarter Park.

Yes, New Britain is actively working to become a bike-friendly community through its 'BIKE NEW BRITAIN Initiative.' This initiative aims to establish safe bike routes connecting parks, schools, and the CTfastrak bus line. A planned development, the Beeline Trail, will further expand cycling opportunities by connecting New Britain westward to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.

The road cycling routes in New Britain are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 9 reviews. Over 500 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes and well-maintained paths.

Yes, for a longer moderate circular route, consider the Lake Galena – Fonthill Park loop from New Britain. This route spans 58.8 km with an elevation gain of 580 meters, offering a substantial ride for experienced cyclists.

Connecticut offers varied landscapes, making spring, summer, and fall generally excellent for road cycling. Spring brings blooming scenery, summer offers warm weather, and fall provides vibrant foliage. While winter cycling is possible, conditions can be challenging due to cold weather and potential snow or ice.

While New Britain itself features rolling terrain, its location allows access to a broader range of landscapes within Connecticut, including areas with more significant elevation changes. For example, the Pebble Hill loop from Delaware Valley University offers a moderate challenge with 597 meters of ascent over 58.4 km.

Many of New Britain's parks, such as Walnut Hill Park, A.W. Stanley Park, and Stanley Quarter Park, offer parking facilities that can serve as starting points for your rides. For specific dedicated trails like the CTfastrak Multi-Use Trail, parking is often available near its stations or access points.

Yes, the CTfastrak bus line is a key public transport option that integrates with cycling. The CTfastrak Multi-Use Trail runs alongside the busway, and the 'BIKE NEW BRITAIN Initiative' aims to establish safe bike routes connecting parks and schools to the CTfastrak bus line, making it easier to combine cycling with public transit.