Scenic Durham to Old Saybrook

Motorcycle Route Author

By VStarRay (5 McR Points) on Jan 11, 2015

Rider Reviews

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RoadKingRider

2 McR Points

April 10, 2016

This is a nice scenic fall ride. Only things I…

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Gary_T

41 McR Points

April 17, 2020

Ride it all the time, just because. Used to take…

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Written Directions

This ride starts in Durham, CT. Follow RT 17 (Main St.) south to the fork of RT 79 & RT 77. Bear left onto RT 79, Madison Rd. Continue on RT 79 to RT 148. This portion of the ride is farm country. Turn left onto RT 148, Killingworth - Durham Rd which is a nicely paved road with many sweeping curves. Posted speed limit is 25mph and there is usually very little traffic. Stay on RT 148 through the quaint town of Chester, CT. There are some very nice places to stop and visit in Chester and the town is bike friendly. Back on RT 148 to RT 154. Turn left onto RT 154, the Middlesex Turnpike, which follows the Connecticut River. There are plenty of places along that route where you can stop to view the river. You are now heading north for a short distance. Turn right onto RT 82, Bridge Rd. and follow to East Haddam. You will cross the Connecticut River on a steel grate bridge. The historic Goodspeed Opera House is immediately on your right after crossing the bridge. Here too are places to visit and eat. Stay on RT 82 and the windy, curvy ride continues. You will see a stop sign a few miles on RT 82 and you take a right at that stop sign. Stay on RT 82. (If your into sight seeing Gillette Castle is on RT 82 a short distance ahead.) There's another stop sign after a bit on RT 82 at the Hadlyme Country Store. Turn left there. Continue on RT 82 until you come to RT 154. Turn right onto RT 154. This road will take you all the way to Old Lyme, CT. You will see RT 95 as you approach Old Lyme. Take the entrance onto RT 95 south and follow 95 to Exit 68 which will bring you into Old Saybrook.

Scenery

This ride will take you through and by farms, lakes, rivers, small towns and villages. There are historic sites along the entire route. ie: Goodspeed Opera House, Gillette Castle, and the Hadlyme Ferry that crosses the Connecticut River, etc.

Drive Enjoyment

This ride is well suited for the intermediate rider to expert. A lot of sweeping curves but a fair number of tight curves too. And there is one turn on RT 148 that is absolutely 90 degrees but it is well marked with a lot of signs to remind you.

Tourism Opportunities

Each town has some very nice restaurants where the food is very good. There are a number of State Parks and as mentioned earlier Gillette Castle is also on a State Park.