The best road cycling routes in Hemenway State Forest

This guide features 5 distinct road cycling routes within and around Hemenway State Forest. These routes offer a range of experiences, from easier rides to more challenging loops with significant elevation.

The region offers varied terrain, from mostly well-paved surfaces suitable for easy rides with minimal elevation gain, to more challenging routes with moderate elevation changes. For example, the Chocorua Lake – Chocorua Park loop includes over 1,700 feet (517 meters) of elevation gain, requiring good fitness. Some longer routes might even involve unpaved segments.

Yes, several routes offer scenic views and access to landmarks. The Chocorua Lake – Chocorua Park loop provides views of picturesque Chocorua Lake. The Silver Lake – Chocorua Park loop passes near Silver Lake, a pleasant spot with scenic views. While not directly on a road cycling route, the Big Pines Natural Area with its towering Eastern white pines and the Great Hill observation tower offering views of the Sandwich Range and Mount Chocorua are nearby attractions worth exploring.

While specific parking areas for road cycling routes are not detailed, many routes originate from or pass through areas like Ossipee Pine Barrens Preserve or Chocorua, which typically have designated parking for outdoor activities. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for the most convenient parking options.

The region is particularly beautiful in autumn, when the views from places like Great Hill are marvelous. Spring also offers the chance to see wildflowers like trillium. Generally, late spring through early fall provides the most favorable weather conditions for road cycling, avoiding winter snow and ice.

Yes, Hemenway State Forest and its surrounding areas offer routes suitable for various fitness levels. The Silver Lake – Chocorua Park loop from Chocorua is an easier 14.4-mile (23.2 km) trail with minimal elevation, making it a good option for families or those seeking a less strenuous ride.

While Hemenway State Forest is generally dog-friendly for hiking, specific regulations for dogs on road cycling routes are not detailed. It's always best to keep dogs leashed and under control, and to check for any local signage or regulations regarding pets on paved roads or shared paths.

Yes, the Tamworth History Centre loop from Ossipee Pine Barrens Preserve passes by the Tamworth History Centre, which includes a café and store, offering a convenient stop for refreshments during your ride.

The region around Hemenway State Forest, including areas near Ossipee Lake, is a popular vacation spot. You can find various accommodation options, from hotels to vacation rentals, in the surrounding towns like Tamworth or near Ossipee Lake, which is known for its beaches and recreational activities.

Road cycling routes in this area traverse diverse forests, including sections with towering Eastern white pines and ancient hemlocks, creating a 'cathedral-like forest' experience. You'll also encounter scenic lakes like Chocorua Lake and Silver Lake, and may cross the Swift River via a pedestrian bridge if exploring nearby trails.

Yes, many of the recommended road cycling routes in the area are designed as loops. Examples include the Chocorua Lake – Chocorua Park loop, the Silver Lake – Chocorua Park loop, and the Tamworth History Centre loop, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse forests, scenic lakes, and rolling hills that define the region's routes, offering a mix of natural beauty and varied terrain for different ability levels.

Absolutely. Hemenway State Forest offers options for all ability levels. The Chocorua Park – Silver Lake loop from Earle H. Remick Natural Area is an easy 16.8-mile (27.1 km) route with moderate elevation, perfect for beginners or a relaxed ride. Similarly, the Silver Lake – Chocorua Park loop is also rated as easy.

Yes, the Tamworth History Centre loop from Ossipee Pine Barrens Preserve offers a chance to visit the Tamworth History Centre. The forest itself has historical significance, with infrastructure like the Great Hill Fire Tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.