The best cycling routes in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 650 options recorded on komoot. These routes cater to all skill levels, including 172 easy, 328 moderate, and 154 difficult tours, ensuring there's a ride for every cyclist.

New Hampshire's diverse landscape provides a range of terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find challenging climbs and descents in the majestic White Mountains, serene lakeside paths in the Lakes Region, and flat, scenic coastal routes along the Seacoast. Many routes also utilize repurposed rail trails, offering mostly flat and smooth surfaces through forested areas and river valleys.

Yes, New Hampshire has several excellent options for family-friendly touring cycling. Rail trails are particularly suitable due to their generally flat and paved surfaces. The Franconia Notch Bike Path, for instance, is a moderate 14.8-mile paved route winding through Franconia Notch State Park, offering access to natural features. Other rail trails like the Northern Rail Trail and Rockingham Recreational Trail also provide accessible and enjoyable rides for families.

Many routes in New Hampshire are renowned for their scenic beauty and access to natural landmarks. The Kancamagus Highway Scenic Drive traverses the White Mountain National Forest, offering breathtaking vistas. The Franconia Notch Bike Path provides views of attractions like Flume Gorge and Profile Lake. For stunning waterfalls, consider routes near Arethusa Falls. The Seacoast routes, such as the New Castle Park, Wallis Sands Beach and Jenness State Beach loop from Portsmouth, offer continuous ocean views.

The best time for touring cycling in New Hampshire is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer offers warm weather, while fall brings spectacular foliage, especially in the White Mountains. Spring can be beautiful but may have variable weather and some lingering snow in higher elevations. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, New Hampshire is home to longer routes and multi-day touring opportunities. The Northern Rail Trail, for example, is nearly 60 miles long, making it suitable for extended rides. The Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail (XNHAT) spans 83 miles across the state, combining country lanes, town streets, and rail trails, and is ideal for bikepacking with accessible camping and lodging options.

Absolutely. Many routes in New Hampshire are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Albany Covered Bridge loop, a difficult 36-mile route. The Hampton Beach to Ocean Boulevard and Wallis Sands Beach loop also offers a coastal circular ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 250 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from challenging mountain ascents to tranquil rail trails, and the stunning natural beauty, including the White Mountains, serene lakes, and scenic coastal views. The variety of routes catering to different skill levels is also frequently highlighted.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, New Hampshire offers several demanding routes. The Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb race route is a particularly difficult ascent. The Kancamagus Highway Scenic Drive also presents significant elevation changes through the White Mountain National Forest. The Presidential Rail Trail is another difficult option, offering a longer, more strenuous ride.

New Hampshire is bike-friendly, with various services available. Many towns and popular cycling areas have bike shops that offer rentals, repairs, and local route advice. Some state parks also provide bike rentals. For more general information on biking in the state, you can visit visit-newhampshire.com.

Yes, the Lakes Region of New Hampshire is ideal for touring cyclists who enjoy lakeside scenery. Routes like the Cotton Valley Rail Trail meander past bodies of water such as Lake Winnipesaukee, Crescent Lake, and Lake Wentworth. The Newfound Lake Loop also provides beautiful lakeside cycling. You can also find routes near Echo Lake.