The best cycling routes around Westerly

There are 16 touring cycling routes around Westerly, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include 6 easy routes, 9 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, catering to various skill levels.

Westerly offers a rich mix of landscapes for touring cyclists. You'll find routes winding along picturesque waterways like the Mystic River and Pawcatuck River, offering views of leisure craft and natural preserves. The region also boasts stunning coastal beauty around Napatree Point and Watch Hill Point, with beautiful beaches such as Misquamicut State Beach. Inland, you can explore forested trails and observe varied bird life around ponds.

Yes, Westerly has 6 easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. An excellent option is the Watch Hill Point – Maschaug Pond loop from Weekapaug, which is 28.8 km long and takes about 1 hour 41 minutes, offering pleasant coastal scenery. Another easy route is the Maschaug Pond – Napatree Point loop from Weekapaug, covering 23.6 km in about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Many routes feature scenic highlights. You can cycle past Watch Hill Point, known for its captivating views, or explore the Napatree Point Conservation Area, a sandy spit ideal for birding. The View of Mystic River – Hoxie Scenic Overlook loop from Stonington provides stunning river vistas. You might also encounter the Perkins Wildlife Corridor, offering natural beauty.

Yes, Rhode Island, including the Westerly area, is known for its extensive network of off-road cycling paths. The **Washington Secondary Bike Path** is Rhode Island's longest, integrating paths like the Coventry Greenway and Trestle Trail, which offer scenic rides through forests and past marshes. These paths provide excellent opportunities for extended touring.

The touring cycling routes in Westerly are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.3 stars from 18 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from coastal paths to riverine routes and forested trails, and appreciate the options available for different ability levels.

Yes, many of Westerly's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the popular Napatree Point – Maschaug Pond loop from Westerly and the Watch Hill Point – Maschaug Pond loop from Weekapaug.

While this guide focuses on touring cycling, inland areas like **Woody Hill** are known to provide a fantastic network of mountain biking trails suitable for all abilities, featuring well-designed and flowing paths through forested terrain. These trails offer a different kind of cycling experience if you're looking for more rugged terrain.

The terrain around Westerly is quite varied. You'll find a mix of mostly well-paved roads, especially along coastal and riverine routes, and dedicated bike paths. Inland areas may feature more natural surfaces, particularly on trails like those in Woody Hill, but the touring routes generally offer smooth riding conditions.

Yes, Westerly has a **Bike Path and Cycling Advisory Commission**. This commission works to promote cycling and advise on bike infrastructure, demonstrating a community commitment to enhancing cycling as an activity in the area.

Absolutely. The Napatree Point Conservation Area is excellent for birding and wildlife spotting. Routes along the Mystic and Pawcatuck Rivers pass through natural preserves like the Bindloss Sanctuary and Peace Nature Sanctuary. Inland, areas around ponds and the Barn Island Wildlife Management Area also offer opportunities to observe varied bird life and other natural features.

For broader information on biking opportunities across the state, you can visit the official Rhode Island tourism website: visitrhodeisland.com. This resource can provide additional context on the state's commitment to cycling infrastructure.