Where should I ride a motorcycle near New Milford, CT?
Head north on US 7, the Housatonic River Valley Scenic Route. It crosses the river twice, passes through two state parks, and runs within sight of the 1864 West Cornwall Covered Bridge. Add a stop at Lovers Leap State Park, near where Routes 67 and 109 meet, on the way.
New Milford is a natural starting line. Candlewood Lake touches the town, Lake Lillinonah reaches into it, and the Housatonic valley opens up to the north. Whatever pace you want, there is a road for it. Treat the list below as an outline. Pick one stop, ride to it, and let the day grow from there.
The rides
US 7 north along the river
The Housatonic River Valley Scenic Route is the headline road. It follows the river through forest and farmland, crosses it twice, and passes through two state parks on its way north. The 1864 West Cornwall Covered Bridge is within sight of the route and is a classic place to stop and stretch.
Lovers Leap State Park
Lovers Leap is a 160-acre state park that straddles the Housatonic Gorge near the intersection of Routes 67 and 109, on the edge of Lake Lillinonah. It has about four miles of trails and a long list of legends. Park the bike, walk in boots, and let the gorge do the talking.
The Route 37 connection
Route 37 runs west of Candlewood Lake and meets US 7 again north of New Milford. That makes a loop with Danbury possible: out on one road, back on the other. Plan it with a map, since the loop is yours to design.
Season notes
Fall foliage is the big draw, and it brings leaf-peeper traffic to the valley, especially on weekends. Early morning is calmer and the light is better. In spring, expect sand and potholes while crews catch up.
Watch for
Slow drivers looking at the view, cyclists on narrow shoulders, and wet leaves on shaded corners in fall. Deer cross all of these roads, mostly at dawn and dusk. Conditions change, so check before you go.
Questions riders ask about New Milford
What is the Housatonic River Valley Scenic Route?
It is the scenic designation for US 7 through northwestern Connecticut. The road crosses the Housatonic twice, enters two state parks, and passes within sight of the 1864 West Cornwall Covered Bridge.
Where is Lovers Leap State Park?
It sits on the Housatonic Gorge in New Milford, near the intersection of Connecticut Routes 67 and 109. The park covers 160 acres on the edge of Lake Lillinonah and has about four miles of trails.
Roads, closures and seasonal hours change, so check current conditions before you ride. FJP is an online shop with no storefront or events in New Milford. This guide is a free resource for riders.