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Best of the Shoreline -- Over to
Watch Hill
Total Distance: 60.5 miles Elevation
Gain: 1497 feet
Degree of Difficulty Index: 1497 ft / 60.5 mi = 24.74 ft/mi Terrain: Flat to rolling
Killer Hills: None
Geographical Region:
Southeast
City/Town:
Stonington
Starting Location:
I-95 Exit 91 CPL (Rt. 234) in Stonington
Ride Description: This mostly flat ride visits many
points along the eastern Connecticut shoreline with sensational views of
Fishers Island Sound and Block Island Sound. The ride passes through the
scenic town of Mystic (both going and coming), travels west to Groton Long
Point and Noank before heading east to Borough of Stonington and the
recommended lunch stop at Stonington Point. The ride then heads further east
to visit the Barn Island Wildlife Management Area and boat launch with its
marvelous salt marsh views and educational display. From this point it's over to Watch Hill by way of
Pawcatuck, CT and Westerly, RI.
There are a couple hilly sections on the return trip from Watch Hill.
Facilities
and Points of Interest:
|
Mile
|
Facilities
- Points of Interest
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5.5
|
Start
of 3-mile ride along the Mystic River with special views of the river,
Mystic Harbor and the Old Mystic Seaport museum across the river
|
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8.4
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Downtown
Mystic (various facilities)
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8.6
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Comfort
station on the left shortly after turning onto Rt. 215
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11.9
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Start
of 3-mile tour of Groton Long Point (views)
|
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14.8
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Groton
Long Point beach/park on the right (bathrooms in season)
|
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15.5
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Start
of 1.2-mile tour through the quaint village of Noank (views)
|
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18.9
|
Comfort
station on the right just before reaching downtown Mystic (various
facilities)
|
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23.9
|
Borough
of Stonington (various shops, deli)
|
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24.6
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Stonington
Point with views southwest to Fishers Island Sound (right) and southeast to
Block Island Sound (left); excellent lunch stop
|
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29.5
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Barn
Island boat launch (views & interpretive displays)
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37.2
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Bridge
over Pawcatuck River (Pawcatuck, CT on west side; Westerly, RI on east
side)
|
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43.6
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Village
of Watch Hill
|
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44.3
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Watch Hill Light House
(spectacular views southwest to Fishers Island Sound (right) and southeast
to Block Island Sound (left). The
lighthouse station was established in 1807. The current lighthouse and
keeper's house were built in 1856. It is located at the juncture of Fishers
Island Sound and Block Island Sound. Although the lighthouse is not open to
the public, the location and views are spectacular. Don't miss it!
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51.1
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Bridge
over Pawcatuck River (Pawcatuck, CT on west side; Westerly, RI on east
side)
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www.ctbikeroutes.org
Wu-WE010 abb
DLB01022
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