The best traffic-free bike rides in White Mountain National Forest

This remarkable 7.6-mile climb, accessible to cyclists only twice each year, commences in the town of Glen House. From there, the Mt. Washington Auto Road winds its way upward like a a two-lane ribbon. As you climb, you pass through forests and ultimately above the treeline. The views will pay you back when you reach the 6,288-foot summit of Mt. Washington!

Washington is the most prominent mountain in the eastern U.S. and an absolutely incredible peak to bag. This is easily one of the best summits in New England. It is also the most dangerous if you come unprepared, especially in the winter. Washington creates its own rapidly changing weather system and is known for being the deadliest small mountain in the world. The second-fastest wind speed on earth was recorded here at over 230mph. That said, a quarter million people visit Washington every year, and if you come prepared and respect the mountain you have nothing to fear and are guaranteed to have an epic summit.

Dress warmly. Snow season begins July 1 and ends June 30. We were at 68 mph at the summit. Keeping your hat on is a good idea. Two days ago, when we were last up there, it was 73 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind was blowing lightly around 23 mph. Mt. Washington is the highest peak within 1,000 miles, making it an exposed location with what the US Weather Service calls the worst and most surprising weather in the world.

Surrounded by the impressive peaks of the White Mountains, this city is home to one of the country's earliest trail systems. The Village Trail conveniently links the Waterville Valley Town offices to the Town Square, serving as a popular route for travelers moving between the Inner Mad River Trail and Town Square.

Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, Waterville Valley is a haven in both winter and summer. In the winter you can enjoy skiing, snow tubing, and ice skating here. In summer and fall there are tons of places to hike and enjoy the surrounding mountains.

At a height of 6,288 feet in elevation, Mount Washington is the highest point in the range, state, and region. Some people drive to the summit, but there are a couple of days each year that you can bike the paved road to the top, which is a popular challenge for avid cyclists. A gravel bike can be handy since some of the road grades get so steep that you need that bigger cassette. The two events hosted each year for cyclists is the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb race each August and the Early Bird (which is just a solo ride for 150 riders) in July. There are places to refill your water, go to the restroom, lock up your bike, and even get a bike to eat if you need it at the top on race day. Note that all riders have to get a ride down the mountain and aren't allowed to bike down the road!

Kilkenny Loop Road serves as one of the ultimate gravel riding loops in White Mountain National Forest. There are a number of other trails and double-track roads that branch off of this main path, but just sticking to the Kilkenny Loop Road creates a pretty sweet 15-mile loop on dirt and gravel forest roads.

Iconic spot inside the White Mountains National Forest. The climb up here is pretty cool, especially during the summer time where you'll enjoy and appreciate the forest's shade!