New Hampshire welcomes bikers and bicycles with bike trails and services

New Hampshire > State > Outdoor Activities > Biking

Pedal power remains a popular way to stay fit and see New Hampshire. Scenic paved and unpaved roads and trails abound, as do services for bikers in all parts of the state. Hit the White Mountains or Lakes region over easy, hilly or rolling terrain. Follow abandoned railroad corridors and river beds. Roll through historic towns, state and national parks, by and over covered bridges. Discover mills and dams, farms, pastures, orchards, ponds, marshes, woods and wildlife. Along the way stop for a picnic and do some off-road exploring, There are rest stops, refreshments, shopping and lodgings, and trail maps, access roads and parking to help you on your way.

Great Glen Trails

Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

Lots of options for cyclists of all ages and abilities at this outdoor center

At the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center at the foot of Mt. Washington, bikers of all ages and abilities have several options for fun outings. Scenic carriage roads, smooth and well-marked, are perfect for a family ride or those just out for a relaxing trip. Bikers can explore the forest, take in mountain views, pedal through meadows and past rivers. For more adventurous riders, wooded single tracks offer more of a challenge. You can bring your own bike or rent bikes for adults and kids at the center. And don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch! A trail pass is good for 8.5 hours. The center also offers challenging biking competitions and ride series as well as fat biking in the winter.

Purity Spring Resort

1251 Eaton Road (Route 153) East Madison, NH, 03849 Phone: 603-367-8896 Toll-Free: 800-373-3754

Come to the mountains for a lakeside riding adventure

Ride along and around beautiful Purity Lake in the White Mountains at scenic Purity Spring Resort. You’ll enjoy terrain set on a wide path over the Nordic trail network similar to logging road trails. The challenge level of the trails ranges from upper beginner to intermediate with no major drops or jumps. In addition to the paved and dirt roads, there are a few select single-track rides and some advanced riding available.

Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce

961 Main Street Berlin, NH, 03570 Phone: 603-228-0836

Get cycling all four seasons of the year on the trails, loops and roads of Androscoggin Valley

When they say the beautiful Androscoggin Valley is rich in activities and attractions all four seasons of the year, they really are including biking! From gentle, rolling hills to steeper, more challenging off-road terrain, the valley offers every kind of biking: road, mountain and, in the winter, fat biking! Beginners and younger kids might prefer the smooth, well-marked carriage roads at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, where you can explore the forest, ponds and marshes and enjoy exceptional mountain views. But there are plenty of more challenging loops and trails for mountain biking and fat biking throughout the valley. There are also plenty of places to rent bikes and appropriate gear for bikers of all ages.

Franconia Inn

1172 Easton Road Franconia, NH, 03580 Phone: 603-823-5542 Toll-Free: 800-473-5299

This inn won’t steer you wrong: Great biking for guests of all ages, abilities

Take off on an invigorating biking vacation at the Franconia Inn, with access to all the spectacular White Mountains region has to offer. Bike rides from the inn include an easy 5-mile round trip into town; a scenic ride to the Kancamagus Highway that takes you through picturesque valley landscapes, the more challenging Sunset Hill and Sugar Hill loops, and much, much more. There’s something for every experience level, and the inn’s bike shop manager will be happy to point you in the right direction. In nearby Franconia Notch State Park, mountain bikers love the paved, 20-mile-round-trip bike path that brings you within easy reach of a number of attractions, including Flume Gorge, Echo Lake and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Come back to the country inn for a great meal, a post-ride beer, or just relaxing in your comfortable room or suite.

Town of Bethlehem

Miles of scenic trails for all types of bikes, all levels of cycling experience

Bring your bike to Bethlehem, N.H., and you can really call yourself a big wheel: You’ll be biking in the highest town in New England! The area features miles and miles of trails for mountain and road, and gravel bikes all year and fat tire bikes in the winter. Bethlehem has over 14 miles of some of the best mountain bike trails in the area and Parker Mountain Trails in Littleton has a 22-mile network of fantastic trails for all levels. There’s also the Franconia Profile trails which have almost 40 miles of mountain bike trails and the Franconia Notch Bike Path with a 20-mile round trip running parallel to the parkway, and the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail that runs along the Ammonoosuc River from Littleton to Woodstock as well as the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail that goes right through Town. And of course, our roads have spectacular scenery to enjoy while riding. Go on the website and download a printable map of the Bethlehem Trail Association’s many trails for biker of all ages and experience levels.

biking-at-Odiorne-State-Park-in-Rye-credit-NH-Division-of-Travel-and-Tourism-Development

Odiorne Point State Park Bike Trail

Off Route 1A Rye, NH Phone: 603-436-7406

Total Length: 3 Miles

At Odiorne Point State Park, bicyclists can enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic ocean and rocky shore, and explore evidence of past military occupation. A paved recreational path is available, and an extensive network of trails wind through the dense vegetation and traverse the park. The Seacoast Science Center, which is located in the park, has exhibits relating to the natural and human history of Odiorne and the seacoast area.
Trail Map

Ashuelot Recreational Rail Trail

Total Length: 21 Miles

This extensive trail features lots of beautiful scenery, like covered bridges, historic mill towns, and abundant wildlife. Unfortunately, it also features sandy, muddy, and even flooded trail sections after heavy rains, so bicyclists take note. The Ashuelot Railroad, operated from 1851 to 1983, fostering the development of textile mills, wooden box factories, and leather tanneries in the region. Watch for the original granite mile markers, which pop up periodically along the trail.
Trailhead & Parking: Off of Emerald Street in Keene; off of NH Route 63 (Northfield Road) in Hinsdale. Consult trail map.

Franconia Notch Bike Path

Access at base of Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, 260 Tramway Drive Franconia, NH Phone:

This path travels the length of Franconia Notch and provides access to all of Franconia Notch State Park facilities and natural features. Cannon Mountain offers bike rentals and shuttle service. Access to the Franconia Notch Bike Path from the base of the Aerial Tramway, Exit 34B, I-93. Shuttle rides will be available from the Flume Gorge back to the Tram. See recreation path link for more information about using the bike path.

Moose Brook State Park

Jimtown Road (off Route 2) Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3850

Moose Brook State Park in White Mountains offers a variety of outdoor activities, including walking and mountain biking on a profusion of trails.
Hiking and mountain biking trails.
See full description of Moose Brook State Park

Rockingham Recreational Trail

Total Length: 3.1 Miles

The Rockingham Recreational Trail follows an abandoned railroad corridor from Tarrytown Road to Lake Massabesic. The trail is approximately 10 ft wide and unpaved, and is highly utilized by walkers, joggers and trail cyclists. Trail users can continue into an additional trail network at Lake Massabesic. Additionally, urban residents have access to the trail to connect them to the natural and rural setting of Lake Massabesic, without depending on motorized transport. Access Points: Lake Massabesic, Candia Road, Tarrytown Road.
Trail Map

Northern Rail Trail

Along Route 4 Lebanon Enfield Canaan Grafton, NH Phone: 603-271-3254

Trail Length: 48 miles

This rail trail runs near Route 4, which leads to all of the trail’s access sites and parking. Large parking lots are marked, other access points usually have some suitable parking nearby. The trail begins at Webster Place off Route 3 in Franklin and ends at Spencer Street in Lebanon. The trail surface is good for walking and biking and cross country skiing.
Parking & Trailheads: Spencer Street in Lebanon; Route 4 and Potter Place in Andover: Highland Lake Inn Trailhead in East Andover; Gerrish Depot off Route 3 in Boscawen.

Piscataquog Trail

Total Length: 2.1 miles

The Piscataquog Trail is a 10 ft wide, paved recreational trail in the West Side of Manchester. The trail is highly utilized by cyclists and pedestrians and allows residents from the West Side of Manchester to the amenities of downtown. Future phases of the Piscataquog Trail include the rehabilitation of the abandoned railroad trestle bridge crossing the Piscataquog River and linking to the Goffstown Rail Trail and additional trail networks along the West bank of the Piscataquog River. Once complete, the trail will be approximately 3 miles in length. Access Points: West Side Arena, MerchantsAuto.com Stadium, Third Street.
Trail Map

Derry Rail Trail

Total Length: 3.6 Miles

The Derry Rail Trail is 3.6 miles from the Center of Derry to Windham Road, where it meets up with the Windham Rail Trail. It follows the Derry section of the old Manchester and Lawrence Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad. To access the trail from I-93, take Exit 4, to RT-102 East towards the center of Derry. You will go straight through the light at Fordway until you see the Derry Depot Steakhouse on your right and Bensons Lumber/Derry Feed on your left. The trail crosses right there at the red brick crosswalk. You can park in the municipal parking lot down the hill behind the Derry Depot Steakhouse on Abbot Court.
Trail Map

Winnipesaukee River Trail

Total Length: 3 Miles

This trail parallels the Winnipesaukee River and passes the historic Sulphite upside down covered bridge believed to be the only one in the country and listed on the national register of historic places. You will also view mill ruins and remaining portions of dams that tell the history of the 5 mills that operated on this river in the mid 19th century. The trail runs from the historic rail road trestle in Franklin to the Surrett Battery property just off Park Street in Northfield. In that area you can also view the collection of antique rail cars and cabooses that operate on the local scenic railway.

Windham Rail Trail

Total Length: 4.1 Miles

This paved scenic trail provides a smooth path for bicyclists, starting from the intersection of Routes 111 and 28 in Salem, and continuing to a point on North Lowell Road in Windham. This is a scenic stretch of trail, which traverses by a farm pasture, apple orchard, two ponds and marshes, is predominately wooded. There are two bridges that the trail crosses. One is built of New Hampshire granite as an archway and provides a unique architectural significance. Two high stone cuts provide a cool section of passing on hot days, and in the winter support multi-colored ice flow “sculptures.” The trail also passes several stonewalls, and a cellar hole from an 1800’s sawmill.
Trail Map

South Manchester Rail Trail

Total Length: 2.4 Miles

The South Manchester Rail Trail is partially paved and is located parallel to South Willow Street, the most traffic congested area of the City. This 10 foot wide, partially paved trail provides abutting neighborhoods with access to the wealth of amenities on South Willow Street without utilizing a motorized vehicle. In addition to connecting residents with the retail options, the trail also runs along Nutt's Pond and connects to Precourt Park, where visitors can enjoy soccer and baseball fields. Access Points: Shaw's Parking Lot on South Willow Street.
Trail Map

Covered Bridge Tour of Swanzey and West Swanzey

Routes 32 and 10, and Eaton Road Swanzey and West Swanzey, NH Phone:

An easy and beautiful recreational bike ride is the loop that travels between Swanzey and West Swanzey, touching or passing very close to the five covered bridges that cross the Ashuelot River and its tributaries. Consult the map and you will see that routes 10 and 32 are some parallel and they serve as bookends for the ride with Eaton Road and a convenient cross-over. Following these roads will take you close to the Carleton, Sawyers, West Swanzey, Slate and Coombs covered bridges. Glorious! Take a picnic

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee

Great North Woods

Lakes

Merrimack Valley

Monadnock

Seacoast

White Mountains