From Hartford · Lake Waramaug

This full-day version starts in Hartford. The first 38 miles go out on back roads, mostly US-6, to Woodbury, where the good part begins. The core stretch, Lake Waramaug, is a 44-mile loop that comes back around to Woodbury.

The ride home is the quick way: 41 miles on I-84 and CT-64 back to Hartford. All in, it's about 123 miles and 4 hours in the saddle, before any stops for gas, food or photos. There's time to take it easy.

Full-day version that starts in Hartford: it adds the ride there and back to Lake Waramaug. Here is what you'll find on the core stretch:

A short, easygoing loop around the prettiest lake in the state. You leave Woodbury on CT-47 to Washington Depot and New Preston, ride all the way around Lake Waramaug and return through New Milford, Roxbury and CT-317. Narrow country roads with farms and stone walls: easy to chain with US-7 or the Litchfield Loop. There are cyclists and walkers around the lake, so take it slow.