The best cycling routes around Keene

Touring cycling routes around Keene primarily feature a blend of rail trails, river valleys, and forested areas. Many paths are repurposed from old railway beds, offering mostly flat and straight routes with gradual inclines. You'll find a mix of surfaces, including paved sections, packed earth, and gravel, especially on trails like the Cheshire Rail Trail and the Ashuelot River Trail.

Yes, Keene offers several easy routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. Two popular options include the Bike loop from Bear Valley Springs, which is 16.3 km (10.2 miles) with gentle elevation changes, and the Bike loop from 4 Island Lake Beach, an easy 15.2 km (9.4 miles) path with minimal climbing.

For more challenging rides, you can explore routes with significant elevation gain. An example is the West Park – Tehachapi Loop Overlook loop from Tehachapi, which spans 60.0 km (37.3 miles) and features varied terrain. Another difficult option is the Tehachapi Loop Overlook loop from César E. Chávez National Monument, covering 50.4 km (31.3 miles).

The region around Keene offers diverse natural beauty. You can cycle along the Ashuelot River, passing through wetlands and farmlands. The area is also known for its historic covered bridges, which make for picturesque cycling routes. While cycling, you might encounter Mountain Views, and nearby attractions include the Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area and Horatio Colony Nature Preserve for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Keene is well-known for its rail trails. The Cheshire Rail Trail is a significant path, extending for 42 miles through southwest New Hampshire, offering peaceful rides. The Ashuelot River Trail also provides scenic rides through forests and wetlands, with a 1.5-mile section through Keene being mostly shaded, flat, and paved for easy access.

The touring cycling routes in Keene are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average score of 5.0 stars from 2 reviews. Cyclists often praise the blend of rail trails, river paths, and forested sections, noting the variety of options available for different ability levels.

Yes, Keene boasts several parks and conservation areas. Drummer Hill Conservation Area is popular for mountain biking with miles of rugged trails, while Robin Hood Park offers a loop around a pond. Stonewall Farm, a working dairy farm, also provides trails for hiking and biking amidst its pastures and woodlands.

Yes, several routes in Keene feature paved sections, making for smoother rides. Specific parts of the Cheshire Rail Trail within Keene are paved, and a 1.5-mile section of the Ashuelot River Trail through Keene is also mostly paved. The Appel Way Trail is another 1.23-mile paved path offering views of wetlands.

Along some routes, you might find points of interest such as West Park or the Tehachapi Loop Overlook. The paved section of the Ashuelot River Trail in Keene offers easy access to downtown shops and restaurants, providing opportunities for breaks and refreshments.

Touring cycling in the Monadnock Region around Keene is characterized by its blend of scenic beauty and well-maintained pathways. The region offers a mix of mostly flat and gently inclined paths, often following river valleys and old railway beds, making it accessible for various skill levels while providing picturesque views of forests, farmlands, and wetlands.

There are 5 touring cycling routes currently available around Keene, offering a range of experiences from easy, gentle rides to more challenging excursions with significant elevation changes.