The best cycling routes around Bartlett

There are over 15 touring cycling routes available around Bartlett, catering to various skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.0 stars.

Touring cycling routes in Bartlett offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find well-paved roads, such as the scenic Shelby Farms Greenline loop, as well as challenging gravel and dirt paths in areas like the Bartlett Experimental Forest and Sawyer River Trail. The region features moderate elevation changes, with some routes offering gentle gradients and others presenting more sustained climbs.

Yes, Bartlett offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Hyde Lake loop from Shelby Farms Park is an easy 8.5-mile trail through parkland, often completed in under an hour. Many routes feature parkland paths and greenway trails, providing a comfortable cycling experience.

Bartlett is nestled in the White Mountains, offering breathtaking scenery. Cyclists can enjoy expansive views of the valley and surrounding mountains from various points. Notable natural features include Crawford Notch, the picturesque Saco River, and the stunning vistas from Cathedral Ledge State Park. The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is also renowned for its mountain scenery.

While the provided routes don't directly feature waterfalls, the Bartlett area is rich with them. You can find impressive waterfalls like Diana's Baths (popular for swimming), Arethusa Falls, Sabbaday Falls, Ripley Falls, and Champney Falls nearby. Many scenic byways in the White Mountain Trail offer roadside waterfalls, making them great detours or points of interest during your tour.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, the region offers routes with significant elevation gain. The Bear Notch Road, for example, connects Bartlett to the Kancamagus Highway and is part of a challenging loop covering over 77 km with substantial climbs. The Kancamagus Highway itself, while scenic, also presents a winding road with elevation changes.

Many of the touring cycling routes in Bartlett are designed as loops, providing a convenient circular experience. Examples include the Shelby Farms Greenline loop and the Hyde Lake at Shelby Farms Park loop, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your path.

The best season for touring cycling in Bartlett is typically from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and the natural beauty of the White Mountains is at its peak. Fall foliage offers particularly stunning views. Winter cycling is possible but requires specialized equipment and awareness of snow and ice conditions.

Yes, for those who prefer off-pavement touring, areas like the Bartlett Experimental Forest and the Sawyer River Trail offer gravel and dirt paths. The Sawyer River Trail, for instance, provides a mix of single track and gravel, with a side trail leading to Sawyer Pond, offering a more rugged cycling experience.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 14 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from well-maintained greenways like the Shelby Farms Greenline loop from Cordova to scenic parkland routes, and the overall natural beauty of the region.

Yes, Bartlett offers several moderate touring cycling routes suitable for intermediate riders. The Shelby Farms Greenline loop is a popular moderate route, covering 23.2 miles with an elevation gain of 485 feet. Another option is the Hyde Lake at Shelby Farms Park loop, a moderate 20.6-mile path with 234 feet of elevation gain, offering scenic views around Hyde Lake.

Yes, several routes provide picturesque views of lakes and rivers. The Hyde Lake at Shelby Farms Park loop, for example, offers beautiful vistas around Hyde Lake. Additionally, the Saco River flows through Bartlett, originating in Crawford Notch, providing serene riverside views that can be enjoyed from various points along the cycling network.