The best road cycling routes around Groton

Crescent Beach in Connecticut is a picturesque stretch of sandy beach in a crescent shape. This small beach is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. This beach is well-maintained and has restrooms, showers, and lifeguards during peak seasons.

The church is an impressive sight from the roadside, with the architecture towering over the street. It is popular within the local community, and makes a great photo along your ride.

For cyclists crossing the Mystic River Bascule Bridge, the view is nothing short of captivating. From this vantage point, you're treated to a picturesque scene of the serene Mystic River below. As you pedal across, you can admire the rhythmic motion of boats gliding through the water and the charming waterfront architecture lining the riverbanks. The bridge itself, with its impressive mechanical design, adds to the allure of the experience, providing cyclists with both a visual feast and a sense of the area's industrial heritage.

Fort Trumbull is a historic fort on the Thames River on Long Island Sound in New London, Connecticut. It is named after Governor Jonathan Trumbull and was originally built in 1777.

Harkness Memorial State Park, located in Waterford, Connecticut, encompasses 304 acres, featuring the Renaissance Revival mansion "Eolia" surrounded by formal gardens and greenhouses. Once the summer home of philanthropists Edward and Mary Harkness, the estate was designed by Lord & Hewlett in 1906–1907. Landscape designer Beatrix Jones Farrand enhanced the grounds from 1918 to 1929. Mary Harkness bequeathed the estate to the state in 1950, and it became a state park in 1952. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Eolia comprises a 220-acre historic district with contributing buildings and structures. The park is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The Emanuel Society Synagogue and Creamery Site of the New England Hebrew Farmers is a collection of artifacts that tell the story of a rural Jewish settlement. The site includes a synagogue from the late 19th century and the remaining structures of a creamery complex run by Jewish dairy farmers from the local area, one of the earliest in the state. In 2012, the site was recognized for its historical significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places.

This recreation area features several paths that you can enjoy peacefully while cycling. It has different zones such as a tidal river or a broad salt marsh. And if you're looking to cool off, its renowned beach is located to the south of the park.

Dating back to around 1700, this building still stands today and is one of the oldest structures in the community. It shows architectural changes throughout the 18th century. The Friends of Samuel Smith House and Property, Inc., a non-profit organization, is dedicated to restoring, maintaining, preserving, and educating guests about the house and property. They want a living museum showcasing old farm life in the area. Bikers can see it right up close to the road while passing by.