The best traffic-free bike rides in Mashamoquet Brook State Park

There are several dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes featured in this guide, offering a range of distances and difficulties. You'll find a total of 5 routes, with 2 rated as easy and 3 as moderate, perfect for exploring the region by bike.

Yes, there are a couple of easy routes perfect for families or those new to touring cycling. Consider the Bike loop from Airline State Park Trail (Northern Section), which is just over 8.5 km, or the East Coast Greenway loop from Ann A. Wright Preserve, spanning nearly 15 km.

While the routes themselves focus on no-traffic paths, the Mashamoquet Brook State Park region is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You might encounter scenic brook valleys, dense forests, and unique rock formations like Table Rock and Indian Chair. The park is also home to the historic Wolf Den and impressive waterfalls such as Lookout Mountain Waterfall.

Yes, all the routes listed in this guide are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end your ride at the same point without needing to retrace your steps. This includes routes like the East Coast Greenway – James L. Goodwin State Forest loop from Ann A. Wright Preserve.

Absolutely. Several routes incorporate sections of the East Coast Greenway, a major long-distance trail. For example, the Bike loop from Airline State Park Trail (Northern Section) connects to the Airline State Park Trail, offering opportunities to extend your ride on converted rail trails.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the beautiful natural scenery, and the sense of peaceful escape offered by the region's diverse landscapes.

While the routes primarily focus on natural landscapes, the broader region of Mashamoquet Brook State Park is steeped in history. The park itself contains sites like the Wolf Den, Brayton Grist Mill, and Marcy Blacksmith Museum. While specific routes may not pass directly by all of these, they offer a chance to explore the historical context of the area.

The routes are generally suitable for touring bicycles, implying a mix of paved surfaces and well-maintained gravel or multi-use paths. The region features varied terrain, from scenic brook valleys to rolling hills, so expect some gentle elevation changes, particularly on moderate routes like the West Thompson Dam – Putnam River Trail loop from Putnam.

While Mashamoquet Brook State Park is primarily accessed by car, public transport options directly to the park are limited. It's advisable to plan your trip with personal transportation or consider starting points that are more accessible if using public transit to nearby towns.

Most routes will have designated parking areas near their starting points, often at trailheads or public access points. For example, routes like the East Coast Greenway – James L. Goodwin State Forest loop from Ann A. Wright Preserve typically start from locations with available parking, such as the Ann A. Wright Preserve.

While the touring cycling routes themselves may not directly lead to waterfalls, Mashamoquet Brook State Park is known for its scenic cascades, including the 40-foot Lookout Mountain Waterfall and Chaubunagungamaug Falls. You might consider combining a cycling trip with a short hike to experience these natural wonders.