The best cycling routes in Mount Riga State Park

The touring cycling routes in and around Mount Riga State Park are characterized by a challenging mix of paved and unpaved roads, often with about 50% dirt sections. You'll encounter substantial climbs, steep pitches, drainage ruts, and loose rock, particularly on roads like Mount Riga Road. The area is renowned for its epic gravel rides through rugged, dense forests and mountainous terrain within the Taconic Mountains.

Yes, while many routes are challenging, there are options for varying skill levels. For an easier experience, consider the Cobble Park – Town Open Space loop from Mount Riga State Park. This 10.6-mile route leads through varied landscapes including open spaces and forested areas with less elevation gain.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes often include significant climbs. The West Cornwall Covered Bridge – Lakeville loop from Centennial Watershed State Forest is a difficult 34.4-mile trail with over 770 meters of elevation gain, offering scenic roads and lake views. Another difficult option is the Copake Iron Works Furnace – Rudd Pond loop from Centennial Watershed State Forest, covering nearly 70 kilometers with over 680 meters of climbing.

The region offers stunning natural beauty. You can expect panoramic views of broad valleys, shimmering lakes, and mountains across Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The area is home to Bear Mountain, the tallest mountain in Connecticut, and is close to Mount Frissell's south slope, the highest point in Connecticut. The scenic Housatonic River Road is also a highlight on many routes. Nearby natural attractions include Bash Bish Falls State Park and Mount Washington State Forest.

While Mount Riga State Park itself is largely undeveloped, parking is generally available in the surrounding towns like Salisbury, which serve as common starting points for many touring cycling routes. It's advisable to check specific starting points for designated parking areas.

Mount Riga State Park's internal trails are primarily for hiking and bow hunting. Touring cycling is generally done on the roads in and around the park, which are public access. No specific permits are typically required for cycling on these public roads. However, always respect private property and local regulations.

The warmer months offer lush greenery and ideal conditions for touring cycling. Spring and fall provide particularly scenic rides with vibrant foliage. While winter offers snow-covered landscapes, the challenging terrain with steep pitches and loose rock can become significantly more difficult and potentially hazardous due to ice and snow.

While Mount Riga State Park is generally dog-friendly for hiking, the touring cycling routes primarily follow public roads. Dogs are typically allowed on leash on public roads, but always ensure your dog is well-behaved and does not interfere with traffic or other cyclists. Be mindful of traffic safety when cycling with pets.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the region are designed as loops. For example, the easy Cobble Park – Town Open Space loop from Mount Riga State Park and the moderate Scoville Library – Lakeville loop from Salisbury are both circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging gravel rides, the diverse terrain combining paved and unpaved roads, and the stunning natural beauty of the Southern Berkshires, including expansive views and quiet countryside.

Yes, the challenging terrain and scenic beauty of the Mount Riga area make it suitable for multi-day bikepacking adventures. Options for camping are available at nearby state parks like Taconic Falls, allowing cyclists to extend their exploration of the region's demanding routes.

The town of Salisbury, where Mount Riga State Park is located, is part of the Western New England Greenway (U.S. Bicycle Route 7). This multi-segment, multi-state bike route utilizes mostly low-volume, low-speed roads, offering a broader network for touring cyclists to incorporate the challenging gravel climbs around Mount Riga into a longer journey through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.