Taconic Ridge South
The Taconic Ridge South loop takes you east of the Hudson River, and through the mid-southern portion of the Taconic Ridge in eastern Upstate New York. Although this ride travels mostly along state highways, it is still relatively quiet with very little traffic. As you can see in the video, there are long stretches with just you, the road, and the scenery. Wind your way up and down, along New York State’s borders with Massachusetts and Connecticut, as you pass between the ridge and the Berkshires and Litchfield Hills to the east.
The ride gradually takes you up, then through the southern portion of the Taconic Ridge, and past views of some of the higher peaks. Although there isn’t a lot of elevation change, you can still expect around a 5°(F) temperature drop as you head up to around 1,100 ft.
As defined in the directions, the Taconic Ridge south loop starts out travelling east on NY 343 into western Connecticut. You’ll find mostly quiet roads, with some intermittent traffic as you pass through a few small towns. Turning northward, you’ll follow some very scenic and very quiet county roads, along the Berkshire Taconics. You take a quick jog west, then south for a little different perspective. Stop by one of the many nature preserves, for instance, Drowned Lands Swamp. There is a moderate hike up to the overlook there, but the view is worth the effort. Additionally, you can visit some of the wineries along the Dutchess County Wine Trail as you travel the last leg of the loop down NY route 82. But, please keep your head about you, so you can, as always, enJoy the Ride!
Gallery
Directions
From the intersection of NY 82 and NY 343, head east on NY 343. In Sharon, CT, turn left on CT 41 heading north, then turn left on CT 361 continuing north. At the NY border, continue straight on County 62, heading north. Continue straight where County 62 turns into County 63. When you come to the “T”, turn right on NY 22, heading north, then, in less than a quarter mile, turn left on County 3 heading west. At the intersection with NY 82 in Ancramdale, continue straight to go on to NY 82 heading south. Continue south on NY 82 to the intersection with NY 343 to complete the loop.
Tips: As you follow NY 343 into Connecticut, it will run with NY 22 for awhile, and sometimes the signs may only show NY 22. Additionally, after you turn off of CT 41 on to CT 361, you will need to take the very next right as well to stay on CT361. You can shorten and simplify this route by staying on NY 22 heading north in either Amenia, NY or Millerton, NY.
Shorthand:
NY 343[E]-> Shaorn, CT L-CT 41[N] -> L-CT 361[N] -> NY Border S-Co 62[N] -> S-Co 63 [N] -> R-NY 22[N] -> L-Co 3[W] -> Ancramdale, NY S-NY 82[S]
Details
- Ride Type: Circular
- Time: 1:30
- Distance: 66 mi (106 km)
- Average Speed: 44 mph (71 kph)
- Road Type: State Routes/County Routes
- Road Condition: 7 – A few bumpy sections
- Date Ridden: 4/25/2020
- Maximum Elevation: 1,150 ft.
- Traffic Lights: 3
- Stop Signs: 6
Gas:
*Stewart’s – Pine Plains, NY
Shell – Amenia, NY
Cumberland Farms – Amenia, NY
Shell – Sharon, CT
Citgo – Copake, NY
Sunoco – Stanfordville, NY
Rao’s Citgo Salt Point, NY
*Ethanol free gas available
Food:
The Lantern Inn
Monte’s Local Kitchen and Taproom
Four Brother’s Pizza
Baker’s Square
La Puerta Azul
Lodging:
Blue Barn Bed and Breakfast
Sharon Country Inn
Harley’s Hideaway
The Cottonwood Motel
Camping:
Repair Shops:
Jack’s Auto Service
Attractions:
Drowned Lands Swamp Conservation Area
Millbrook Vineyards and Winery
Rudd Pond
Buttercup Farm Audobon Sanctuary
Macedonia Brook State Park
Innisfree Garden
Connections:
Bash-Bish Falls Loop
Lake Taghkanic -> Bear Mountain