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Special Features : Bikes And Fall Foliage Cycling Adventures
Best Southern New England Autumn Mountain Bike Trails
© September 2005 - 2007 by Barbara & Peter Lynn
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Get ready for biking in the autumn months. Winter cycling tips
Autumn Mountain Biking Trails In Connecticut
 Try one of the many mountain bike trails throughout the state to take in the wonderful colors of fall. These multi-use trails present a great way to experience autumn's show. Located throughout Connecticut, the scenic trails and quiet country roads bring visitors along lakes, streams, rivers, ridgelines, and forests where they can quietly enjoy the best nature has to offer at their own pace.
Among the best of the scenic viewing areas are:
West Rock Ridge State Park near New Haven, CT located on a 7 mile long ridge that rises almost 627 feet above sea level offers outdoor activities in all seasons. Multi-use trails and the park road offer miles of some of the most scenic cycling in Autumn, wildlife watching and outstanding views.
The Airline Rail Trail includes dramatic highlights such as the Rapallo and Lyman Viaducts. The views of the surrounding countryside from atop the Viaducts are especially fantastic during the fall foliage season.
Pachaug State Forest, largest in the state with 24,000 acres and over 20 miles of trails and forest roads is located in far eastern Connecticut. For the best vantage point, hike up to the Mt. Misery overlook after your ride for scenic vistas to the north and west which include the Catskill, Taconic and Berkshire ranges.
The trails at Goodwin / Natchaug State Forest are highlighted by panoramic views of the
surrounding hills and valleys. You can also ride through the canopy of trees along the section of the Airline Trail that passes through Goodwin State Forest.
Ride to the fire tower at the summit of Mohawk Mountain in Mohawk Mountain State Park (pictured above right) for spectacular vistas of the Catskill, Taconic and Berkshire ranges. Also located in the Litchfield Hills of northwestern Connecticut is the White Memorial Conservation Center, with 35 miles of trails and woods roads that wind through 4,000 acres of incredible foliage. An added bonus is the quintessential New England town of Litchfield complete with antique shops, scenic backroads, historic inns, B&B's and nearby covered bridges.
For an off-season mountain bike cruise at the beach, Bluff Point State Park & Coastal Reserve offers biking
trails that lead to a barrier beach and spectacular views from windswept bluffs overlooking the Long Island Sound.
Foliage season usually begins in mid-to-late September and extends through mid-to-late October. This year due to the unusual dryness, peak color is estimated to be a little early - between October 5th and October 12th. The peak date may be adjusted a few days earlier or later as the season progresses.
Beginning in mid September, state foresters report the levels of color spread from across the state on the Connecticut DEP website.
Autumn Mountain Biking Trails In Massachusetts
 Fall is a glorious time to visit Massachusetts. The trees wear magical coats of crimson, gold, and scarlet leaves; hillsides glisten under a pale pink glaze; dry leaves crunch underfoot; and every farm stand boasts piles of fat orange pumpkins.
480-acre Maudslay State Park (pictured right), along the Merrimack River, features 19th century garden plantings, rolling meadows, pine forests and mountain laurel. During the fall, huge numbers of shorebirds pass through the area en route from their Arctic nesting grounds to Central and South America. Many stop to rest and feed on the mud flats and salt meadows of the Merrimack River estuary. Multi-use trails at this former estate allow for up-close views of the changing foliage (mid to late October).
The spirit of a fall festival is in the air in the Berkshires. As warm summer breezes give way to cool autumn nights, the Berkshires come come alive with color. Beartown State Forest, near Great Barrington and Stockbridge, and October Mountain State Forest, near Lee, offer many miles of forest roads and multi-use trails for some of the best of New England foliage viewing and cycling. (late September-mid October).
When the summer hordes have gone, Martha’s Vineyard, a picturesque island located 7 miles off the southeast coast of Massachusetts, is an ideal place for a romantic fall interlude. Correllus State Forest in the heart of Martha's Vineyard is the island's largest conservation area. You will find biking the network of bike paths and trails through the muted fall colors of woods, scrubland and heath something different. There are also miles of island backroads that wind past beaches and scenic harbors to explore.
Foliage season begins in late September (Berkshires) and ends in mid-to-late October (Cape Cod). Peak color often coincides with Columbus Day weekend. Beginning in mid-September, state foresters report on the spread of color across the state. Reports are updated Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at the Office of Travel and Tourism website.
Autumn Mountain Biking Trails In Rhode Island
 Autumn is a special time in Rhode Island, when the leaves turn golden, orange and red, the ocean and bay take on a deeper blue hue and the scent of apple cider fills the air in the northern part of the state.
At 15,000 acres, Arcadia Wildlife Management Area is the state’s largest. It has an extensive trail network of 40+ miles of single-track and old woods roads. Riders will enjoy many scenic fall vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities (mid-late October).
The Blackstone River Bikeway is scheduled to be a 17 mile paved scenic bike path, part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor running from Providence, RI to Worcestor, MA. At this time a 6 mile section is opened between Lincoln and Manville. We have included this ride for it's historic value and scenery. This area is renowned for its Fall foliage (pictured right), lovely New England villages, historic architecture and farm stands. (mid-late October).
When the harbor and bay turn a deep blue, the meadows dusted with the autumn colors of wildflowers and the throngs of summer are gone, Block Island is the perfect romantic bike get-away. What better way to complement a bike tour of the island than to spend the weekend in one of the many beautifully restored Victorian-era hotels, inns or romantic B&B's that wind along picturesque streets or overlook the harbor.
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