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

There are over 30 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails available in White Mountain National Forest, offering a wide range of experiences from easy to difficult. This extensive network ensures you can find a route that suits your skill level and desired adventure.

The White Mountain National Forest offers varied and rugged landscapes for gravel biking. You'll encounter northern hardwood forests, bogs, and areas with significant mountain views. Trails often feature dirt and gravel double-track, with some routes presenting challenging climbs. Our selection includes routes graded as easy, moderate, and difficult, so you can choose based on your experience.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel bike routes in White Mountain National Forest are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Gravel loop from Gorham Municipal Airport, which offers a moderate 26.9 km ride through diverse landscapes.

The White Mountain National Forest is rich with natural beauty. Along various routes, you might encounter stunning waterfalls like Arethusa Falls or Glen Ellis Falls. You could also pass by scenic lakes such as Echo Lake, or enjoy views of prominent peaks like Mount Chocorua Summit and Mount Washington Summit. The region also features picturesque mountain passes like Kancamagus Pass.

Yes, the White Mountain National Forest offers options suitable for families, particularly on its extensive network of rail trails and quieter forest roads. These often provide a more gentle gradient and smoother surface. While our guide features mostly moderate to difficult routes, the region's rail trails are generally more accessible for all skill levels.

Gravel biking in White Mountain National Forest is excellent from spring through fall. The vibrant fall foliage is particularly stunning. While some hard-packed dirt roads might be suitable for biking in winter, many trails can be covered in snow and ice, making them more suitable for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Always check local conditions before heading out.

Generally, dogs are welcome on trails within the White Mountain National Forest, provided they are kept on a leash. However, it's always best to check specific trail regulations before you go, as some areas or wildlife refuges might have different rules. Please ensure you clean up after your pet to preserve the natural environment.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in White Mountain National Forest, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, the quiet and traffic-free nature of the trails, and the diverse terrain that offers both challenging climbs and rewarding views.

Yes, some routes strategically combine different types of terrain for a varied experience. The Presidential Trail (section) – Cherry Pond loop from Presidential Rail Trail Parking is a moderate 37.1 km route that combines sections of rail trails with forest roads, offering picturesque views of the Presidential Range.

Many trailheads and popular access points throughout White Mountain National Forest offer designated parking areas. For example, the Presidential Trail (section) – Cherry Pond loop starts from the Presidential Rail Trail Parking. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for parking information related to your chosen trail.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the White Mountain National Forest offers several difficult routes with significant elevation gain. The Beede Falls – Mad River from Lincoln Road loop from Metcalf Preserve is a difficult 40.7 km trail featuring substantial elevation gain through forested terrain, perfect for those looking for a demanding ride.