The best traffic-free bike rides in Walker State Forest
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369
riders
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rides
No traffic road cycling routes in Walker State Forest are characterized by expansive woodlands and diverse ecosystems, offering a serene natural setting for riders. The terrain features rolling hills and varied elevation changes, with routes often leading through forested areas and past tranquil lakes. This region provides a peaceful environment for road cyclists seeking to explore New Hampshire's natural beauty away from busy roads.
Best no traffic road cycling routes in Walker State Forest
- The most popular no traffic road cycling route is White Farm – Silver Hill loop from Saint Pauls School, a 41.6 miles (67.0 km) trail that takes 3 hours 3 minutes to complete. This moderate route features significant elevation gain through forested landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Whittier Pond – Everett Lake loop from Saint Pauls School, a moderate 44.6 miles (71.8 km) path. This route offers a challenging ride with varied ascents and descents, passing by scenic water bodies.
- Local road cyclists also love the Wood Hill – Bow Town Pond loop from Saint Pauls School, a 24.7 miles (39.7 km) trail leading through woodlands and past Bow Town Pond, often completed in about 1 hour 52 minutes.
- Road cycling in Walker State Forest is defined by extensive woodlands, rolling hills, and tranquil lakes. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easier paths to more challenging routes with notable elevation changes.
- The routes in Walker State Forest are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 300 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Walker State Forest's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
4
riders
39.7km
01:52
520m
520m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
71.8km
03:18
770m
770m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
39.0km
01:44
380m
380m
This moderate 24.3-mile (39.0 km) road cycling loop, with 1252 feet (382 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 44 minutes to complete, guiding you through a picturesque journey around the Contoocook River Park and several ponds. You'll pedal past deciduous forests and wetland vegetation, with highlights like Hot Hole Pond and the striking "The Palisades"—rocky cliffs overlooking the river. The route offers a dynamic experience, blending natural beauty with varied terrain.
Planning your ride requires the right equipment; a cyclocross or gravel bike is essential for this route. You'll encounter significant stretches of packed earth, dirt, and unpaved sections, making it unsuitable for traditional road bikes with narrow tires. Be ready for these changing surfaces to fully enjoy the experience.
What makes this loop stand out is its unique combination of natural and historical elements. Portions of the trail follow an old railroad bed, offering a glimpse into the area's past. Beyond the scenic ponds and forests, you'll also observe the Contoocook River's flow, including a dam and waterfall, adding to the diverse ecosystems you'll experience.
6
riders
44.7km
01:57
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Popular around Walker State Forest
Tips from the Community
From here, to find the Hannah Duston Memorial, head south across the Merrimack River via a paved bridge, parallel to the railroad. Head south for about 400 feet to the small island. Located off the beaten path, the Hannah Duston Memorial State Historic Site is a 35-foot monument on a serene island where the Contoocook and Merrimack rivers converge. Built in 1874 to honor the courageous Hannah Duston, who was captured during King William's War in 1697 in Haverhill, Massachusetts. She killed her native captors, creating a controversial story, as shown by the vandalism in this statue, that this almost 200-year-old story has different sides.
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West Village Open Space is an undeveloped open space that you will pass as you ride along the bike paths parallel to Fisherville Road.
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Bow Town Pond is a popular fishing pond with easy road access. Bow Center Road takes you right along the western side of the pond. You can park at the neighboring Bow Community Building where there are a number of benches at the pond's edge. The trails through the surrounding woodlands are popular with hikers and joggers.
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Piscataquog State Forest is just south of Clough State Park and the Everett Reservoir on Clough Park Road in Weare, New Hampshire. These pretty protected woodlands are a nice place to look out for wildlife as you ride through the area.
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Once the site of a railroad amusement park, this is now a forested island with some nice walking trails on it. You'd have to lock your bike up if you want to explore the trails, but it's still worth biking here just to take in the views of the Contoocook River as it cuts around the island.
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This road offers a wonderfully quiet, scenic ride alongside the pretty Contoocook River.
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This road takes you past the fields and historic structures of White Farm. If you feel like parking your bike for a while, there are some nice walking or running trails through the fields.
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This isn't just a spot to stop and stretch your legs - you might see people boating or fishing in this roadside pond. (Just for the record, it is considered public, not private, waters.)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic-free road cycling routes are available in Walker State Forest?
There are 12 dedicated traffic-free road cycling routes in Walker State Forest. These routes offer a peaceful experience away from busy roads, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
What is the general difficulty level of road cycling routes in Walker State Forest?
The majority of the traffic-free road cycling routes in Walker State Forest are rated as moderate, with 9 out of 12 routes falling into this category. There are also 2 easy routes and 1 difficult route, providing options for various skill levels.
Are there any longer, more challenging traffic-free road cycling loops in the area?
Yes, for those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, consider the White Farm – Silver Hill loop from Saint Pauls School. This route covers approximately 67 km with an elevation gain of around 777 meters, offering a substantial workout amidst tranquil surroundings.
What kind of scenery can I expect while road cycling in Walker State Forest?
Walker State Forest is known for its pristine natural beauty, featuring expansive woodlands, diverse flora, and a tranquil lake. You'll cycle through areas characterized by towering trees, wildflowers, and ferns, providing a serene backdrop for your ride.
Are there any shorter, more accessible traffic-free routes for a quicker ride?
Absolutely. For a shorter, yet scenic, traffic-free ride, you might enjoy the Wood Hill – Bow Town Pond loop from Saint Pauls School. This route is about 39.7 km long with around 520 meters of elevation gain, making it a great option for a moderate outing.
Can I find any loop trails that start near Concord?
Yes, if you're starting from Concord, the Contoocook River Park and ponds loop from Concord is an excellent choice. This route is approximately 39 km long and offers a pleasant ride with around 381 meters of elevation gain, exploring the local park and pond areas.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about the routes in Walker State Forest?
The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience in Walker State Forest, with an average score of 4.27 out of 5 stars. Cyclists often praise the quiet woodlands, the feeling of being away from traffic, and the natural beauty that makes for a truly peaceful ride.
Are there any routes that offer a good balance of distance and elevation?
For a balanced ride, consider the Whittier Pond – Everett Lake loop from Saint Pauls School. This route spans approximately 71.7 km with an elevation gain of about 770 meters, providing a good challenge while allowing you to immerse yourself in the forest's tranquility.
What wildlife might I encounter while cycling in Walker State Forest?
While cycling through the extensive woodlands of Walker State Forest, you might spot various wildlife. The forest is home to animals such as deer and foxes, adding to the natural experience of your ride.
Is there a route that follows a river or offers waterside views?
Yes, the River Road loop from Cumberland Farms (inbound) offers opportunities to cycle alongside the river. This route is about 44.6 km long with around 397 meters of elevation gain, providing scenic views and a refreshing experience.
Most popular routes in Walker State Forest
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