The Best Motorcycle Routes Near West Haven, CT

April 26, 2022 | Your Local Metro

Connecticut is the third smallest state in the country, with West Haven located in the south-central portion of the state situated along the coastline of Long Island Sound. Combined with its mix of wide-open spaces with spectacular views, motorcycle routes near West Haven are the ideal destination for scenic drives.

With gas prices rising, drivers are more conscientious about road trips, whether for work or relaxation. So if you’re fortunate enough to own a motorcycle, get ready for an adventure. We’ve researched some of the best motorcycle routes near West Haven, CT, which you’re sure to enjoy.

Connecticut Motorcycle Routes

All coming in at under 100 miles, and some far less, scenic drives are the perfect way to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Connecticut motorcycle routes will take you through a postcard world of rolling hills, century-old barns, historic towns, and covered bridges. Riders will delight in ocean breezes and excellent seafood restaurants along the Long Island Sound shoreline.

The motorcycle routes below include foliage drives, scenic highways, National Scenic Byways, and more!

South Litchfield Hills Scenic Drive

Route: US 202 to U.S. 44

Length: 56-miles

Map: Litchfield Motorcycle Route

Start your trip in the quaint town of Litchfield, which offers some of the most breathtaking views Connecticut has to offer. Be sure not to miss a stopover at the Litchfield Town Green, built-in 1829, a long and narrow-stretched park divided into three sections – Center Park, West Park, and East Park.

Winding country roads on this motorcycle route offers expansive views blending sky, fields, and water. Mount Tom State Park is worth exploring to see the Catskills and Mount Everett if you’re up for exploring.

You’ll see a sign for Kent Falls State Park on this route, so be ready to take some selfies in front of the gorgeous waterfalls—the main feature of this 300-acre park on the Housatonic River.

This beautiful West Haven motorcycle route was featured in the Reader’s Digest Guide to the Most Scenic Drives in America. Here’s more of what you can expect to find along the lovely Litchfield motorcycle route:

Kent and Kent Falls State Park
Housatonic River
St. John’s Ledges
Bull’s Bridge
Mount Tom State Park
Macedonia Brook State Park
White Memorial Conservation Center
Sloane-Stanley Museum
Lake Waramaug State Park
Mohawk State Forest

Connecticut Barns Trail

Route: 7 routes

Length: Varies by route

Map: West Haven Barns Motorcycle Route

Barns, especially big red barns, are American artifacts of more-rural times and reminders of a hardworking way of living. The great state of Connecticut had the foresight to set about cataloging its barns and the open-sided tobacco sheds created to accommodate crops that arrived in the region in the mid-1800s.

There are seven routes to choose from on the Connecticut Barns Trail, and you can easily ride more than one in a day if you’re not planning to stop over for photos and tours. Winding, flowy rides lead motorcyclists along rural roads and pastoral scenery.

On certain days of the week, you’ll find farm stands, orchards, wineries, and historic sites open to the public. Be sure not to miss the many photo ops you’ll have of these beautiful West Haven historic barns:

Connecticut State Route 169

Route: 169 Woodstock, CT to Canterbury, CT

Length: 36 miles

Map: Connecticut Byways Route 169

The Connecticut State Route 169 byway winds through beautiful countryside dotted with dairy farms and pastures that go as far as the eye can see. Take time to stop over at one of the classic New England towns for lunch and more photographs.

You’ll feel one with nature on your bike amid the rivers and rolling hills of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor. Considered one of the country’s remaining last unspoiled areas is just one of many reasons why this motorcycle route near West Haven is so popular amongst riders from near and far.

Views include maple and pine stands and glacially deposited rocks and boulders strewn throughout fields.

Venturing Beyond West Haven – The Merritt Parkway

Winding road next to treeline in the fall.

Route: Greenwich, CT to Milford, CT

Length: 41 miles

Map: The Merritt Parkway

Built in the 1930s to meet the demand of America’s new fascination with the automobile, today, the Merritt Parkway is also enjoyed by motorcycle tourists. Nationally renowned as the Connecticut Scenic Byway, the Merritt Parkway enjoys several prestigious Parkway Designations:

National Register of Historic Places
Connecticut Scenic Highway
National Scenic Byway
American Society of Landscape
Architects Centennial Medallion

One of the reasons motorcyclists love to travel this route is because commercial vehicles, trucks, or trailers are not allowed. The Merritt Parkway is celebrated for its Art Deco and Art Modern bridges depicting the design of the 1920s and 30s.

If you love history or need to stretch your legs, venture off the parkway to walk along the Sikorsky Estuary Walk & Trail or visit the Merritt Parkway Museum.

The Connecticut Coastline

Connecticut motorcycle route recommendations would not be complete without mentioning Connecticut Coast scenic drives, of which there are numerous options for motorcyclists. Many riders recommend traversing between I-95 and U.S. Route 1, depending on the time of year they plan to travel due to high traffic volume.

The most beautiful and scenic route is hopping on U.S. Route 1 and following along the Connecticut shoreline. Riders traveling along Connecticut’s historic coastline will travel through several small villages, which are very busy at the height of summer.

Besides some of the North East’s oldest towns, here’s a sample of what you can see along the Connecticut Coastline:

Florence Griswold Museum
Nut Museum
West Haven Beaches
Bradley Point State Park
Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic Aquarium
Gillette Castle State Park

Finally, motorcyclist enthusiasts refer to Connecticut as the picturesque southern gateway to New England. Since Connecticut is the 3rd smallest state in the country, every route and scenic byway feels like an easy drive, whether traveling through West Haven or nearby.

So whether you’re a motorcycle rider traveling from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, or eastern Pennsylvania, Connecticut, motorcycle rides are sure to provide motorcyclists with miles of memories.

Your West Haven Motorcycle Storage Solution

Whether your garage is brimming with stuff or you have limited space, we can help. Metro Self Storage makes West Haven, CT, motorcycle storage easy with easy online reservations and friendly storage teams to answer all your questions.

Indoor and covered storage spaces are designed to keep motorcycles safe from outside elements and give you peace of mind. Our facilities feature 24-hour video recording, electronic-gated access, and well-lit surroundings.

You can choose flexible lease terms whether you need short-term or long-term parking. Depending on the size of your motorcycle, our most economical 5×5 and 5×10 West Haven motorcycle units are a great option.
So when it’s time to put your ride away for the season, think of Metro as your motorcycle storage solution in Connecticut. Learn more and reserve your West Haven storage unit today!