The best cycling routes in Silver Lake State Park

The Quiet country road loop from Hollis Town Forest offers a delightful touring cycling experience through the serene New England countryside. You'll pedal along peaceful, less-trafficked roads, passing by picturesque ponds, beautiful creeks, and diverse woodlands. The route provides a lovely journey through varied terrain, showcasing the natural beauty of the Hollis area, making it a perfect escape for a few hours.

For planning your visit, the route conveniently starts near the Hollis Town Forest, with parking available adjacent to the Silver Lake State Park lot. This makes for an easy and accessible beginning to your ride. The quiet nature of the roads means you can often enjoy a tranquil experience, though it's always wise to check local conditions, especially if you plan to ride during less predictable weather.

This moderate touring cycling route covers 15.3 miles (24.6 km) with 773 feet (235 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 44 minutes. It's an excellent choice for those seeking family-friendly quiet road cycling in Hollis, New Hampshire, offering a taste of the region's natural charm without demanding advanced skills or extreme endurance. The interconnected trails in the broader area also provide options for extending your ride if you wish to explore further.

The Open Space loop from Gelazauskas Preserve offers a delightful, easy touring cycling experience through a 'pretty walk through the woods' in Hollis, New Hampshire. You'll navigate a varied landscape with gradual descents and inclines, including a charming section leading up to an apple orchard, and might even cross small streams and bridges. While it's a pleasant ride, don't anticipate panoramic vistas of Mount Monadnock, as the trail focuses on its natural, forested beauty.

To plan your visit, head to the small parking lot located at the trailhead on Nartoff Road. It's important to note that the trail is known for its lack of clear signs or markers, so bringing a reliable navigation tool is highly recommended to stay on track and avoid private property. This 7.7-mile (12.3 km) route, with 377 feet (115 metres) of elevation gain, is an easy ride that takes about 45 minutes, making it ideal for a quick, accessible outing.

This loop is primarily described as a hiking trail, so touring cyclists should be prepared for terrain that, while generally easy, includes some typical New England rocks and varied surfaces. It's best suited for those with hybrid or mountain bikes rather than road bikes, given the conditions. The Gelazauskas Preserve cycling routes offer a quiet escape into nature, perfect for a leisurely exploration of the local woodlands.

The Palmer wildlife refuge to Nashua river rail trail cycling loop offers a diverse touring cycling experience, blending paved rail trail sections with significant gravel paths. You'll ride through scenic deciduous forests, past wetlands, and along waterways like the Nashua River and Pepperell Pond, with opportunities for wildlife viewing. This moderate 31.8 miles (51.2 km) route, featuring 1136 feet (346 metres) of elevation gain, provides a rewarding challenge that typically takes around 3 hours and 43 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with the route connecting to towns like Ayer, Groton, and Pepperell, which offer amenities and parking options. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful seasons to tackle this gravel cycling Massachusetts route, thanks to vibrant foliage and pleasant temperatures. Always ensure you have enough water and supplies for the duration of the ride.

This loop stands out as a prime opportunity for long-distance gravel cycling in Massachusetts, built on the historic former rail corridor of the Hollis Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad. Its varied terrain and abundant wildlife, including turtles, birds, and beavers, make it a notable choice for nature enthusiasts. The route offers a great way to explore the region's natural beauty and historical context on two wheels.