Things to do / Travel Guide
The New Hampshire and Vermont region is home to hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails and cycling routes. There are several bike touring companies that cater to road riders, racers, and mountain bikers. Routes range from short-distance family tours to multi-day, 100-mile challenge rides.
Many of the region's ski resorts now offer full-service, off-road cycling, including rentals and multi-days passes. In addition, several cross-country ski areas also feature off-road biking paths that can be enjoyed when it isn't snowing.
While there are countless trails and paths available for cyclists, here are a few of the popular ones:
Biking in New Hampshire's White Mountain Area
- Cannon Mountain's base area provides easy access to one of New Hampshire's most popular biking paths, the nine-mile, multi-use Franconia Notch Recreation Path. The path begins just north of Cannon and ends at the Flume Visitor Center; its terrain is suitable for road and mountain biking. This route is highly recommended for those who wish to bike and take in the imagery of fall foliage during the autumn months.
- Loon Mountain is the highlight of the biking trail along the Franconia Notch Recreation Path. At the mountain's base, there are more than 20 miles of cross-country trails for riders of all experience levels to enjoy. Loon also provides a shuttle bus to transport riders and their bikes to the top of the Franconia Notch Recreation Path, where they can take an invigorating downhill ride on the paved bike path.
Biking in New Hampshire's Monadnock Area
- One of the more scenic biking routes in this pastoral rural area of New Hampshire is a 36-mile triangular loop trail between Swanzey, Ashuelot, and Richmond. Biking in this area also affords you the opportunity to view no less than four covered bridges. Each bridge is unique in character, according to its builder and surroundings. As this route features a difficult two-mile climb, a shorter 13-mile loop route is also possible, but you naturally miss out on some gorgeous scenery.
Biking in Northern Vermont
- The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, in the northern part of the state of Vermont, is a 26.4-mile path of crushed limestone converted into a bike trail that is suitable for bikers of all skill levels. A famous and yet peculiar sight along this route is that of dairy cows who have a tendency to wander freely onto the path in and around Franklin County. This biking trail also traverses the farms of Franklin County as well as local forests, fields and wetlands. It can be accessed from St. Albans, Sheldon, Enosburg Falls, and Richford.
- The South Burlington Recreation Path is a 15-mile route of paved asphalt. Note that no skateboards or other motorized vehicles are permitted on the path. You can enter the path from Farrell Park on Swift Street in Burlington. From this route, bikers will get to see the town and environs of south Burlington as well as be able to take in scenic views of Lake Champlain.
- To do some sightseeing while you enjoy your bike ride, check out Burlington's 10-mile Cycle the City loop. This trail will allow you to see attractions such as the Lake Champlain Basin Science Center and the Community Boathouse. It also takes you along the waterfront, past several city parks and beaches, and near the city's downtown area.
Biking in Central Vermont
- The popular 14-mile Waitsfield-Warren loop begins when you cross the covered bridge in Waitsfield. Keep right on East Warren Road until you get to the four-way intersection in East Warren. Continue straight, then bear right, riding down Brook Road to the village of Warren. Return by turning right (north) on Route 100 back toward Waitsfield. This route is popular because it requires bikers to cross an extensive series of covered bridges, each of which provides picture-perfect scenery with a backdrop of the Green Mountains.
Biking in Southern Vermont
- The Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail is 20 miles long and is divided into two 10-mile-long sections of gravel and cinder. Access for this trail is through Castleton State College, in Pawlet, while the endpoint is West Rupert.
- For another 20-mile ride, leave Manchester Village and head north on West Street to Route 30. The aptly-named Dorset-Manchester trail turns onto West Road by Dorset before heading back to Manchester.
Biking Routes in Burlington, Stowe, Rutland and the New Hampshire and Vermont mountains
Biking
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