What are fun routes through NW CT/ western MA?

I was thinking a loop from hartford out through granby then catching 44 near winsted out to lakeville area. Then either north to Great barrington, or south to kent. If i go north then the rout back is either back track or Mass pike. Is there a backroad way to Spfd?

If I go sout to kent there are a couple of ways to weave through back to civilization. any favorites?

 

I only know a few areas that are nice in the western parts of these states as I am really from the eastern side. BUT, I have ridden my bike (not motorcycle) in western MA before and found the area to be lovely. Not sure where you'd connect it all but the Jiminy Peak area to Williamstown, MA is gorgeous (I guess that'd be rte 7). Depending on how far you want to go there is a great little mtn climb from Williamstown that I rode up on my bike into NY/VT called Petersburg Pass. ... In NW CT I would not skip over the Litchfield area. It's further west of 44 but worth the drive. Even where LimeRock race track is (beyond Litchfield) is super nice area for driving. Heck, for cycling too!

(forget Petersburg Pass mentioned above... drive thru Mt Greylock)

 

If you go a bit further north into MA take rt2 Mohawk trail. It is one sweet road. This is a rough loop I mapped real quick for you.

http://g.co/maps/7hqbe

could make for a nice afternoon drive

ps check out http://nemini.org

 

Huh. I think I figured out a decent driving (and even partial cycling) route from this post. :-)

Granby to Litchfield (not sure of exact rte)
Litchfield to Rte 7 in Canaan
Rte 7 allll the way up to Williamstown
Williamstown to the Mohawk Trail
Mohawk Trail to 91 S back to Springfield or Hartford.

 

(person above beat me to typing the Mohawk Trail. Must be good then!)

And actually, skip the Petersburg Pass, I forgot about Greylock! I think you can drive to the top. Watch out for bikers though, it's a popular hill climb in the spring and fall.

 

Ride though granby/ barkhamstead has fun areas and route avoids all the lights on 44 through avon and canton. two options:

http://g.co/maps/5u8y8 5 hrs

Mohawk trail seems good, but this route gives less 91

http://g.co/maps/54vcu 4 hrs

went out to millbrook, not sure if going into millerton or though sharon would be better. Also thinking that treking back through bristol would be similar to Avon/canton (stop and go) maybe come through burlington/ farmington.

thanks for the replies!!
I'll check out nemini.org too

 

Where you at in CT? I'm from Granby myself. Lots of good routes around here. If you find yourself in the Granby area, follow rt. 189 north into MA. Lots of twisties and fun. Once you hit Granville, MA center, take a left onto rt. 57 and enjoy a wonderful ride up hills and around lots more corners. 57 takes you all the way out towards Otis and Lee in the Berkshires.

nemini.org has some good meet ups. There's one in early June going to Limerock Park in lakeville. If you wish to cruise before then, I'm sure you could pull my finger... Once I get my scanguage II and LED driving lights installed I'll be eager to go on more drives.

 

Going to second this route. I am in Southern CT, but grew up near Lee and have family in Granville. That drive is great. Avoid it Sunday morning at church time though, it will be long and slow. Sunday afternoon would be great.