Cycling Morrison Hill Road
Ride 3.4 miles gaining 824’ at 4.2% average grade (5.6% climb only).
Start of the climb.
“…Morrison Hill Road also heads up the ridge under thick tree cover and over a mostly moderate grade. Soon it becomes stair step as you gain altitude. The road makes a right and then a left turn on the way up. Near the top you pop out of the trees and pass the entrance to the Granville State Forest on the right and the listed climb ends soon after as the grade flattens out.” (This quote is provided with the approval of John Summerson from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) in the Northeast, pg. 55.)
Climb summary by PJAMM ambassador Dan Razum.
We climb through a nice forest the whole way on this one. The climb starts at the north end of the Barkhamsted Reservoir and climbs up the western side of the reservoir. The road is in good condition, not perfect, a few cracks here and there, but overall ok. There is a shoulder the entire way and traffic is light so it is a nice enjoyable climb.
Part way up there is a small view of the reservoir but otherwise there are no scenic views on this climb. Close to the top we pass the road to Granville State Forest. After this the climb starts getting less steep until it becomes flat when we reach the top. The top is unmarked, it is basically where there are some reflectors at a drainage ditch. After the top you can continue to ride on rolling terrain for several miles with little traffic.
Finish