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United States CT-197 • CT-171 Difficulty: 6/10

Route 197 & Nipmuck State Forest Twisties

A secluded high-ridge route hugging the Massachusetts border through Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest. Tight tree-lined esses, sharp dips, and scenic reservoir shoreline curves.

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Distance
Distance
18 mi
29 km total run
Turns
Turns
62
3.4 turns per mile
Summit
Summit
1,140 ft
Pass Summit
Surface
Surface
Paved (Twisty)
Difficulty: 6/10
3D Vector Trajectory
CARTO Dark Matter GL
Start: Union, CT End: Thompson, CT
Elevation Profile 450 – 1,140 ft
SUMMIT 1,140 FT
Pass Summit
Apex Density Index 3.4 curves / mi
Scenic Sweeper Technical Switchback
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Repair

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Nearby Staging
Ronnie's Cycle Sales ~63 mi
Pittsfield, United States • +1-413-443-0638
Berkshires & Mohawk Trail Hub | Multi-Brand Master Service | Tire Center
Brands: Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM
MAX BMW Motorcycles ~96 mi
North Hampton, United States • +1-603-964-2877
Exclusive BMW Motorrad Master Center | Emergency Touring Tire Bays | Diagnostics
Brands: BMW
Lodge

Rider-Friendly Lodging

Covered Parking
Golden Eagle Restaurant at Mohawk Trail Hairpin Turn ~68 mi
North Adams, MA

Perched dramatically on the cliffside apex of MA-2's legendary Mohawk Trail hairpin turn. Offers a stupendous 3-state panoramic view stretching into Vermont and New York. The roar of motorcycles accelerating out of the switchback provides the constant soundtrack to a classic Berkshire meal.

Cue

Tank-Bag Quick Reference Sheet

Start Point Union, CT 41.9890, -72.1550
Summit / High Point Pass Summit 1,140 FT Summit
End Destination Thompson, CT 41.9560, -71.8650
T-CLOCS Pre-Ride: Tires & Wheels Controls & Cables Lights & Electric Oil & Fluids Chassis & Stand
DUNLOP
Official Tire Partner: Grip for Mountain Passes
Dunlop Roadsmart IV and Trailmax Mission provide maximum wet/dry confidence on mountain switchbacks.
Explore Dunlop Tires ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

How many curves and miles is Route 197 & Nipmuck State Forest Twisties? ▼

Route 197 & Nipmuck State Forest Twisties spans 18 miles and packs approximately 62 curves (3.4 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 450 ft - 1,140 ft and technical rating 6/10.

Where are the start and end coordinates? ▼

The route starts at Union, CT (Latitude 41.989, Longitude -72.155) and finishes at Thompson, CT (Latitude 41.956, Longitude -71.865).

How can I download the GPX file for GPS navigation? ▼

Click the "Download Free GPX" button on this guide. The standard XML file is 100% free and ready to load into Garmin zūmo, BMW Motorrad Connected, Rever, Scenic, or Google Maps.

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