Bethlehem and Back
Total Distance: 30.3 miles Elevation
Gain: 2242 feet
Degree of Difficulty Index: 2242 ft / 30.3 mi = 73.97 ft/mi Terrain: Very Hilly
Killer Hills: One short, very steep hill @ 12.4 mi (+/-) and
several other longer, but less steep, hilly stretches
Geographical Region: Northwestern Connecticut
City/Town: Litchfield
Starting Location: Topsmead State Forest parking area
in Litchfield; Take Rt. 8 Exit 42 (Rt. 118 Harwinton/Litchfield); go west on
Rt. 118 toward Litchfield for about two miles; turn left on Clark Rd (sign
for Wisdom House); go right at end onto East Litchfield Rd; take first left
(about 1 mile) onto Buell Rd; then first right (about 0.3 mi.) onto Chase Rd
and into Topsmead. Parking area
is on right in about 0.2 miles.
Ride Description: This is a very scenic ride over
rolling to hilly terrain through the towns of
Litchfield, Morris and Bethlehem, with a possible visit to the Abbey
of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem. There are several short stretches on dirt
roads (see route sheet), but they are easily navigable on road bikes. In
early spring there are some lovely daffodil displays en route. It would be especially enjoyable
during the fall leaf change season, generally around the second week of October. This ride has several hilly sections
and should be attempted only by those bicyclists who are very fit. Be forewarned.
Facilities
and Points of Interest:
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Mile
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Facilities
- Points of Interest
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0.0
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Topsmead
State Forest estate and grounds.
Topsmead State Forest is the former summer estate of Miss Edith Morton
Chase, daughter of Henry Sabin Chase and Alice Morton Chase. Henry Sabin
Chase was the first President of Chase Brass and Copper Company in
Waterbury. Chase Brass was one of the leaders in the brass industry when
Waterbury was the Brass Capital of the world.
The English Tudor style
house was completed in 1925. The exterior woodwork is of cypress, the
downspouts are lead, the walls of brick and stucco, and the roof is slate.
The interior woodwork is oak, as is most of the flooring. The foyer,
hallway and dining room floors are of polished terra cotta tile. Most of
the interior walls are of the same type of stucco as is found on the
exterior. Fine craftsmanship, an eye for detail and understated wealth are
evident throughout the house, which is tastefully and simply furnished with
17th and 18th century English country antiques.
Free guided tours of
the residence are offered from June through October on the 2nd and 4th
weekends of each month. Reservations are not required. On open weekends,
tours are available from 12:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Nestled in the
Litchfield Hills, Topsmead State Forest remains a precious piece of an era
past.
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13.3
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Bethlehem:
Market and various facilities
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14.0
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Start
of possible off-course excursion to Abbey of Regina Laudis (access may be
restricted)
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19.8
|
Intersection
of Rt. 109 and 63: Convenience store on left
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25.4
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Windmill
on left
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30.3
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Topsmead
State Forest; estate and grounds
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www.ctbikeroutes.org
WU-IL004
DLB00034
|
