The best traffic-free bike rides in Annett State Forest

There are 3 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes featured in this guide for the Annett State Forest area. These routes offer a great way to experience the region's scenic beauty on paved roads with minimal vehicle interaction.

The road cycling routes in this guide are generally rated as moderate. They feature rolling hills and some significant elevation gains, making them suitable for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness. For example, the Dublin Lake loop from Peterborough includes nearly 600 meters of elevation gain over its 48.8 km distance.

Yes, all the routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. This includes routes like the Sunset Camp Road – Harrisville loop from Peterborough, which provides a scenic loop through the surrounding area.

While Annett State Forest itself is known for dense woodlands and unpaved trails, the road cycling routes in the surrounding region offer picturesque New England landscapes. You can expect quiet, winding roads through rolling hills, past ponds, and alongside charming rural scenery, providing a serene backdrop for your ride.

The komoot community rates the cycling experience in this area highly, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, scenic roads and the feeling of being immersed in nature, away from heavy traffic, which aligns perfectly with the 'no traffic' focus of these routes.

While the routes focus on the broader region around Annett State Forest rather than passing directly through its unpaved interior, you'll encounter the natural beauty of New Hampshire's Monadnock Region. The Dublin Lake loop from Peterborough, for instance, offers views of Dublin Lake and the surrounding forested hills.

The best time for road cycling in the Annett State Forest region is typically from late spring through early autumn. During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the foliage is vibrant, especially in the fall when the New England autumn colors are at their peak. Winter cycling can be challenging due to snow and ice.

Many of the routes, such as the Whitcomb Hill loop from Peterborough, start and end in Peterborough. Peterborough offers various public parking options where you can safely leave your vehicle while you enjoy your ride. Always check local signage for specific parking regulations.

Yes, the town of Peterborough, which serves as a common starting point for these routes, has a selection of cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can refuel before or after your ride. Rindge and Jaffrey, nearby towns, also offer dining options.

Given the moderate difficulty and significant elevation gains of these routes, they are generally more suitable for experienced road cyclists. While they are 'no traffic,' the distances (ranging from 46 to 55 km) and climbs might be challenging for younger children or beginner family riders. Consider the fitness level of all participants.

The no-traffic road cycling routes in this guide range from approximately 46 to 55 kilometers (28 to 34 miles) in length. For example, the Sunset Camp Road – Harrisville loop from Peterborough is about 55 kilometers long, offering a substantial ride.