The best cycling routes in Hillsborough County

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle adventure along the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail, stretching 21.3 miles (34.3 km) with a gentle 656 feet (200 metres) of elevation gain. This route offers a pleasant ride that typically takes around 3 hours and 13 minutes to complete. As you pedal, you'll journey through a diverse landscape, transitioning from dense hardwood and conifer forests to serene wetlands and spruce swamps. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and loons, especially around the scenic ponds and the expansive Massabesic Lake. You will also encounter impressive high-walled cuts blasted through New Hampshire's granite, a unique feature of the trail.

When planning your visit, be aware that trail conditions can vary; it might be muddy in the spring, so prepare accordingly. Mosquitoes can also be prevalent during certain times, so bringing insect repellent is a good idea. In some sections, you may need to dismount and walk your bike through narrow culverts. The Massabesic Lake trailhead is a popular and convenient starting point, offering ample parking for your vehicle.

This rail trail provides a wonderful opportunity to explore New Hampshire's natural beauty and rich history. As you ride, you'll pass historical markers that offer glimpses into the region's past, adding an educational layer to your outdoor experience. The varied ecosystems, from forests to wetlands, showcase the diverse environment of the area, making it a notable route for nature observation and a peaceful escape.

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.

Get ready for a moderate touring cycling experience on the Lake Massabesic loop, a 13.9-mile (22.4 km) journey that takes you around one of New England's most beautiful lakes. You can expect to gain 559 feet (170 metres) in elevation, completing the ride in approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes. This route guides you along the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail, where you will transition from urban Manchester to the tranquil shores of Lake Massabesic. As you cycle, you will pass through dense forests and wetlands, offering glimpses of local wildlife like deer and loons, all while encountering historical remnants such as old underpasses.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with various access points along the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail providing parking. Be aware that the trail surface changes throughout the ride; you will find paved sections near Manchester that give way to gravel and sometimes rocky terrain. For this reason, mountain bikes or hybrid bikes are recommended over road bikes to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. While the lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and paddling, swimming is strictly prohibited as it serves as Manchester's drinking water source.

This loop offers a unique blend of natural beauty and local history, making it a notable route in the region. The Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail itself is a testament to the area's past, repurposing an old railroad corridor into a scenic path for outdoor enthusiasts. The trail's varied landscape, from urban fringes to the serene lake environment, provides a diverse cycling experience. It is a great way to explore the picturesque surroundings of Massabesic Lake while enjoying a moderate workout.

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 an easy touring bicycle ride around Naticook Lake, a pleasant 13.4-mile (21.5 km) loop that offers smooth, mostly paved surfaces. You will experience gentle cycling with an elevation gain of 476 feet (145 metres), making it suitable for all skill levels. The route guides you along tree-lined shores within the Wasserman Conservation Area, providing a refreshing natural setting. As you pedal, enjoy picturesque views of Naticook Lake itself, with Blueberry Island serving as a notable centerpiece on the water. This ride typically takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes to complete, perfect for a relaxed outing.

Planning your visit to the Naticook Lake loop is straightforward. You can easily access the trail, and parking is generally available directly at Wasserman Park, which acts as a convenient starting point for your ride. This makes it simple to begin your cycling adventure without hassle. There are no specific warnings about closures or permits mentioned, so you can plan your trip with confidence, knowing the route is readily accessible.

This touring bicycle route is particularly notable for its accessibility and suitability for a wide range of cyclists. Located within Wasserman Park in Nashua, New Hampshire, it offers a tranquil escape into nature without requiring extensive travel. The presence of Blueberry Island adds a unique visual element to the lake views, enhancing the overall scenic appeal of your ride. It's a great option if you are looking for a quick, enjoyable cycling experience close to urban amenities.

Embark on a touring bicycle adventure along the Nashua River Rail Trail and Groton Loop, a moderate route spanning 27.7 miles (44.5 km). You'll experience a diverse landscape, cycling through shaded deciduous forests, past open agricultural fields, and alongside wetlands. The trail offers gentle climbs, accumulating 795 feet (242 metres) of elevation gain, and can typically be completed in about 2 hours and 43 minutes. Keep an eye out for the scenic Groton School Pond, a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the views.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with parking available at various access points in towns like Ayer, Groton, Pepperell, and Dunstable. If you prefer public transport, the Ayer trailhead is conveniently located near an MBTA commuter rail station, which generally allows bicycles on trains. You'll also find restrooms at several points along the route, making for a comfortable journey.

This route is notable for its blend of dedicated rail trail and local roads, providing a varied cycling experience. As you pedal, you might spot local wildlife such as Great Blue Herons and beavers, especially near the river and ponds. In the autumn, the forests transform, offering spectacular fall foliage that adds a vibrant touch to your ride.

Embark on the Granite Town Rail Trail loop, a moderate touring bicycle route spanning 29.7 miles (47.8 km) with an elevation gain of 1384 feet (422 metres). This journey, typically completed in about 3 hours and 11 minutes, offers a diverse landscape as you cycle through the Palmer-Bartell Forest. You will experience sections of unpaved trail winding through dense woods and alongside Great Brook, where you might spot scenic beaver ponds, especially vibrant during autumn. The route also includes a notable tunnel under Route 101, which doubles as a wildlife passage.

When planning your ride, be prepared for varied surfaces. The unpaved sections of the Granite Town Rail Trail feature sand, gravel, dirt, and roots, making it best suited for touring bicycles equipped with wider tires. In contrast, the Nashua River Rail Trail portion is fully paved and flat, welcoming all types of touring bicycles. You will find parking generally available at various access points along both trails, offering flexibility for starting your adventure.

This loop uniquely combines the rustic charm of the unpaved Granite Town Rail Trail with the smooth, accessible paths of the Nashua River Rail Trail. As you glide along the paved sections, you will pass through wetlands, ponds, and farmland, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, including herons and swans. This blend of environments makes the Granite Town Rail Trail loop a distinctive regional experience, showcasing both natural beauty and well-maintained cycling infrastructure.

Embark on the Hudon to Windham Rail Trail loop, a moderate touring cycling route spanning 30.0 miles (48.3 km) with an elevation gain of 1276 feet (389 metres). This journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from the wooded sections and marshy areas along Flatrock Brook to open agricultural fields and wetlands. You will cycle past Mitchell Pond and experience the peaceful atmosphere of forested stretches, particularly near J. Harry Rich State Forest, making for an engaging ride estimated to take 2 hours and 55 minutes.

When planning your visit, be aware that while individual rail trails are generally paved and easy, connecting them into a continuous loop will involve navigating on-road sections. These connections may introduce traffic and more challenging terrain, differing from the typical rail trail experience. Parking is usually available at the trailheads for both the Windham Rail Trail and the Nashua River Rail Trail, providing convenient access to start your adventure.

This loop offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical interest. On the Windham section, you can spot the historic 1849 Windham Depot with its preserved freight terminal and an old stone arch bridge crafted from local granite. The Nashua River Rail Trail provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, with sightings of bald eagles possible in its open wetlands, adding a special touch to your touring cycling experience.