Assawompset Pond from Taunton loop via Great Quittacas Pond & Barker Cove

This challenging racebike loop, covering approximately 121.8 kilometers (75.7 miles), is estimated to take around 5 hours and 11 minutes of active cycling time. This duration can vary based on your fitness level, speed, and any stops you make to enjoy the scenic views.

The route features a dynamic and engaging ride with rolling hills, offering thrilling dips, climbs, and swooping turns. You can expect mostly paved, quiet country roads, traversing areas of deep woodland, and potentially passing local farms and cranberry bogs. The overall elevation gain is about 560 meters (1,837 feet).

Given its distance of over 120 kilometers and a 'difficult' rating, this loop is generally more suitable for experienced road cyclists with good fitness. While it predominantly uses paved surfaces, the rolling hills and overall length require a certain level of endurance and skill. Beginners might find it quite challenging.

The route offers picturesque scenery, particularly around the expansive water bodies. You'll pass by beautiful lakes such as Lower Sampson Pond, Great Quittacas Pond and Barker Cove, and enjoy a View of Assawompset Pond. The area is known for its broad lakes, quiet country roads, and deep woodlands, offering a peaceful and immersive experience.

The Assawompset Pond Complex, including Assawompset and Great Quittacas Ponds, is a protected drinking water source. This means strict regulations are in place: motorized vehicles, boating (with exceptions), canoes, kayaks, swimming, and wading are generally prohibited directly within the ponds. Road cycling is permitted on the surrounding paved roads, but direct access to the water for recreational activities is restricted to protect water quality.

Yes, while primarily a road cycling route, this loop briefly touches upon or runs adjacent to a few other paths. You may encounter very short sections of the Plymouth Wishbone Trail and the Claire Saltonstall Bikeway. Other minor paths like the East Head Reservoir Loop and Kamesit Road also briefly appear along the route.

The best time to cycle this loop is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is mild and the scenery is vibrant. Spring offers fresh greenery, summer provides warm conditions, and fall showcases beautiful foliage. Winter cycling might be possible but could involve colder temperatures and potential icy patches on the roads.

As this is a long-distance racebike route primarily on public roads, it's generally not suitable for cycling with dogs for the entire duration. If you plan to stop at any parks or conservation areas along the way, please check local regulations regarding dogs, as leash laws and specific access rules may apply.

This route does not pass through Myles Standish State Forest. Therefore, no specific permits or entrance fees are required for cycling this loop. You will be riding on public roads. However, if you choose to visit any specific state parks or conservation areas nearby, always check their individual regulations for potential parking fees or access rules.

Since the loop starts from Taunton, you'll need to find suitable public parking within the city. Look for municipal parking lots or on-street parking options that allow for extended periods. There isn't a specific designated trailhead parking for this entire loop, so planning your starting point and parking ahead of time is recommended.

The route passes through or near Lakeville, which may offer some options for cafes or small shops to refuel. However, as much of the route traverses quiet country roads and woodlands, it's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially given the loop's length and duration. Plan your stops in advance.