As a Type A, I try to get the biggest bang for my time and energy. Bike riding with scenic views is one of my favorite outdoor adventures. I take the time to map out routes which offer moderate effort rides with photo ops and good food stops. This 10-12 mile ride in Guilford provided just that!
I started at the Guilford green around the library. The restaurants around the green were quaint and plentiful. It would offer a great ending upon the return from my ride.
Directions: Turn left onto Broad St, Turn left onto River St
After turning the corner I couldn’t help but notice an impressive tower on private property.
Pursuant to the Shoreline times, “The water tower, known as Cranbrook Tower, contains a 4,000 gallon water tank encircled by an iron staircase. It was in use until Guilford established its own water system in 1915 and the windmill was removed in 1927, according to the Guilford Keeping Society.” The Guilford Keeping Society adds that the, “Cranbrook Tower is a cylindrical stone tower built in 1869 to supply water to the Chittenden estate at 1 Broad Street. In World War II and 1955, the de-commissioned tower served as an aircraft observation post and was manned day and night by civic “spotters.””
Directions: Turn right onto CT-146 W/Water St, Continue onto Jacobs Ln, Turn left onto Wild Rose Ave, Turn right onto CT-146 W/Water St
I reached Westwoods trail at the Sam Hill Road lot. I locked my bike to a tree and started a short hike.
Not far into the trail I heard loud nature sounds in the marsh. As a NYC gal it took some deduction to realize it was frogs mating! Hundreds of them hiding throughout the water and in and around the logs and leaves. I took a short video clip for recall below and got only one decent picture of a frog. I literally saw about six on top of one another!
Continuing on you reach the overlook to Lost Lake. A wonderful place to pause and reflect. I saw a heart shape in the marsh!
Time to continue on!
Directions: Turn onto CT-146 W/Sam Hill Rd.(left of you didn’t stop at the Westwood’s lot or right if you did!) Turn left onto Old Quarry Rd. Turn right to stay on Old Quarry Rd, Turn right onto Andrews Rd
Turn right onto Old Quarry Rd, Turn left to stay on Old Quarry Rd, Turn right onto CT-146 E/Leetes Island Rd, Turn right onto Shell Beach Rd. Continue onto Beach Rd
This route is basically out and backs to the shore line amongst beautiful homes.
Continue onto Shell Beach Rd. Turn right onto CT-146 E/Leetes Island Rd. Turn right onto Sachem Head Rd
From there I grew hungry and turned on my navigation back to the Guilford Green. Stopped at Ballou’s wine bar for good food and wine and then a cup of coffee around the corner.
It was a perfect Bike, Hike, Drink and Eat kind of day engaging gifts for all of your senses!
Pivot and Pause in New England 