The best road cycling routes around Hardwick

Hardwick offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 420 options to explore. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging ascents.

Road cycling in Hardwick features diverse terrain, including rolling fields, valleys, and thick evergreen forests. You'll find a mix of gentle climbs and descents, as well as more challenging hilly sections with grades exceeding 10 percent on some roads. The Lamoille River and its tributaries also contribute to the scenic backdrop.

Yes, Hardwick has numerous easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. There are nearly 180 easy routes available, many of which offer mostly flat or gently graded surfaces. For example, the Barton Road Cycle Path – Greenwich Meridian Line Marker loop from Hardwick Wood is an easy 13.4-mile path through the local countryside.

Absolutely. While many routes are easy or moderate, Hardwick also offers several challenging options for experienced road cyclists. The region's varied topography includes routes with significant elevation gains and steeper sections. For instance, the "Around the Block" route, covering over 50 miles, is known for its great scenery and some long, gentle climbs and descents, suitable for intermediate and advanced riders.

Hardwick's routes offer many scenic views. You might pass by Hardwick Lake, known for its picturesque views, or catch glimpses of the rugged slopes of Buffalo and Jeudevine Mountains. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, a major draw, provides scenic views along its path. Additionally, you can find interesting highlights like the DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway or the Cambridge Guided Busway Cycle Path near some routes.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Hardwick are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Boxworth Bends – Madingley Hill loop from Hardwick Wood and the Mohak Café – Caldecote Church and Descent loop from Hardwick, both offering varied rural landscapes.

The warmer months, typically from late spring through early autumn, are ideal for road cycling in Hardwick, offering pleasant temperatures and clear roads. While the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is a four-season trail, dedicated road cycling on paved roads is generally best enjoyed when there is no snow or ice.

For families, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is an excellent choice. It's a 93-mile multi-use trail that runs directly through Hardwick, offering a mostly flat or gently graded surface suitable for various skill levels, including children. Its accessibility and scenic views make it a great option for a family outing.

The road cycling routes in Hardwick are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 590 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's varied terrain, from gentle paths to challenging climbs, and the stunning backdrop of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, featuring rolling fields and dense forests.

Yes, the region has historical significance. The Bayley-Hazen Military Road, approved by George Washington during the Revolutionary War, contributed to the development of Hardwick and East Hardwick. While parts may not be ideal for road cycling, its historical presence adds character to the area's routes and can be explored in sections.

Many routes in the Hardwick area pass through or near communities where you can find cafes and other amenities. For example, the Hot Numbers Roastery – Chapel Hill Climb loop from Hardwick suggests a route that could incorporate a stop at a roastery, and the Mohak Café – Caldecote Church and Descent loop from Hardwick explicitly mentions a café in its name, indicating opportunities for refreshment.

While specific public transport options directly to trailheads might be limited, Hardwick is accessible within Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. For local travel, it's advisable to check regional bus services or consider driving to a starting point, especially for routes like the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail which has a main trailhead with amenities at the Hardwick Depot.