The best cycling routes around Goffstown

The Goffstown Rail Trail offers an easy touring bicycle ride through a diverse landscape. You will cycle past peaceful wooded sections and open fields, enjoying views of Glen Lake and the Piscataquog River. This gentle route covers 10.6 miles (17.0 km) with a modest elevation gain of 338 feet (103 metres). Expect to complete the ride in about 1 hour and 33 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed outing. The easy difficulty ensures a comfortable experience for all skill levels.

You will find convenient parking areas located along the trail, making access straightforward. Take advantage of the rest stops equipped with benches for comfortable breaks during your ride. For your safety, busy road crossings, particularly over Mast Road (NH-114), feature button-activated pedestrian hybrid beacons. Clear wayfinding signs are also installed to help guide you smoothly along the entire route. This makes planning your visit simple and stress-free.

As you explore the trail, you might notice historical remnants, such as the Hillsborough County Poor Farm Cemetery. These elements add a touch of intrigue to your journey, connecting you with the area's past. The route's design, with its gentle grade, reflects its origin as a former railway line. This makes it an excellent choice for a leisurely ride, allowing you to appreciate both nature and local history.

Embark on an easy touring cycling adventure along the New Boston Rail Trail, a pleasant 9.9-mile (15.9 km) route that guides you through wooded areas with glimpses of the South Branch of the Piscataquog River. You will experience a gentle elevation gain of 204 feet (62 metres) over an estimated 1 hour and 21 minutes, making it a relaxing ride for most skill levels. The trail offers a mix of compacted crushed gravel and some rougher sections, particularly beyond Lang Station, where old railroad timbers and uneven dirt might challenge you, so a touring bike with wider tires is recommended.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is explicitly non-motorized, welcoming cyclists, walkers, and runners. You will find convenient mile markers and benches placed along the way, perfect for taking short breaks and enjoying the natural surroundings. Parking is generally available at various access points, including near the Hillsborough County Youth Center, providing easy entry to the route.

This historic rail trail follows a former railway line, offering a unique perspective on the region's past as you cycle. A notable feature is the impressive New Boston Rail Trail Bridge, which carries you over the Middle Branch of the Piscataquog River, providing a scenic highlight. The trail's path through Lang Station State Forest ensures a consistent natural backdrop for your journey.

Embark on a challenging touring cycling adventure with the Everett Lake loop via Goffstown Rail Trail. This difficult route spans 30.8 miles (49.5 km) and features a significant elevation gain of 1588 feet (484 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 17 minutes to complete. You will cycle past the serene waters of Glen Lake, catching glimpses of Glen Lake Island, and follow the gentle flow of the Piscataquog River through varied landscapes of wooded areas and open fields.

When planning your ride, be aware that while the Goffstown Rail Trail itself is mostly crushed gravel and stone-dust, some sections extending into Manchester are paved. A road bike might struggle on the unpaved segments, so consider a bike suitable for mixed terrain. You will encounter several road crossings; some are equipped with automated cross-lights or pedestrian hybrid beacons to help ensure your safety.

This route offers more than just a workout; it provides a unique journey through history. As you pedal, you will discover remnants of the former Boston and Maine Railroad, adding a fascinating historical layer to your scenic tour. The trail winds through the Kuncanowet Town Forest and Conservation Area, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue that sets it apart in the region.

Embark on the New Boston to Hollis town forest loop, a difficult touring bicycle route spanning 43.9 miles (70.7 km). You will ascend a significant 2656 feet (809 metres) over an estimated 4 hours and 44 minutes, making this a challenging ride for experienced cyclists. As you pedal, you can expect diverse natural scenery, including views of Parker Pond and other serene bodies of water. The route offers a rewarding workout, taking you through varied landscapes. Keep an eye out for potential viewpoints, such as the one from the Jennifer Brooks' memorial, which provides a moment to pause and appreciate the surroundings.

Planning your touring bicycle adventure on this loop requires careful consideration. Given the complex network of trails, carrying a GPS device or using a mobile app for navigation is highly recommended to stay on track. Be aware that many trails within the Hollis Town Forest, including sections with technical singletracks, might not be ideal for traditional touring bicycles. You should be prepared for challenging conditions if your route incorporates these sections.

This loop offers a deep dive into the region's natural environment, showcasing diverse nature throughout your journey. While the area boasts picturesque views, it is important to note the specific terrain characteristics of the Hollis Town Forest. Much of the forest, similar to the Spalding Park Town Forest Loop, features technical singletracks and trails that are often better suited for mountain biking. This unique blend of scenery and challenging terrain sets the route apart.