Topsmead-Bantam Lake Tour
Total Distance: 31.2 miles Elevation
Gain: 2377 feet
Degree of
Difficulty Index: 2377 ft /
31.2 mi = 76.18 ft/mi Terrain: Very hilly
Killer Hills: Several lengthy climbs, some of them
quite steep
Geographical
Region: Northwest Connecticut
City/Town: Harwinton
Starting
Location: Rt. 8 Exit 42 CPL
(Rt. 118) in Harwinton
Ride Description:
This ride visits the towns of Litchfield and Morris and tours Topsmead
State Forest and Bantam Lake in a rather hilly, but exceptionally beautiful
part of the state. Points of
interest that can be visited are the Haight Vineyard, the White Memorial
Foundation and the Lourdes in Litchfield (catholic shrine).
Facilities and
Points of Interest:
Mile
|
Facilities
- Points of Interest
|
4.6
|
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.
|
5.5
|
Haight Vineyard on the left. Connecticut's oldest winery, having
planted the first of the fine wine grapes in Connecticut in 1975
.Complimentary tasting and winery tours are offered year-round, seven days
a week. Our daily hours of operation are, Monday through Saturday, 10:30 to
5:00 P.M., and Sundays from noon to 5:00 P.M.
|
5.8
|
Viewsespecially
to your right
|
10.7
|
Occasional
views of Bantam Lake to the right for the next mile or so
|
14.6
|
Begin
~ 1-mile CCW tour around Deer Island (Bantam Lake)
|
16.7
|
Begin
1.6-mile lakeside ride; spectacular views of Bantam Lake
|
17.3
|
White
Memorial Family Campground & Marina: store on left; marina right;
bathrooms on left
|
19.4
|
White
Memorial Conservation Centergreat spot for lunch; bathrooms & water
available. The Conservation Center
operates a Nature Museum with exhibits focusing on the interpretation of
local natural history, conservation, and ecology, as well as a Museum Nature Store. Dormitory and Classroom Facilities on the property extend the opportunities for
visitors to interact with the natural world.
|
22.9
|
Litchfield
Green ahead and to the left; Litchfield business block to left
|
23.5
|
Lourdes
in Litchfield to the left
|
27.1
|
Possible
ice cream stop at Peaches and Cream on the right
|
www.ctbikeroutes.org
Wu-IL073 abb
DLB99177
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