Stonehouse Forest loop

The Stonehouse Forest loop is approximately 17.8 kilometers (11 miles) long and generally takes around 1 hour and 7 minutes to complete on a touring bicycle. This duration can vary based on your cycling pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The terrain is quite varied, offering a mix of surfaces. You'll encounter packed earth, dirt paths, and sections with rock and ledge. Parts of the route follow old woods roads, like the Marison Trail, which tend to be wider. There are also unmaintained dirt roads. While some areas are gently sloping and flat, others involve moderate climbs and descents. Cyclists with wider tires, such as those on gravel bikes or touring mountain bikes, will find it more comfortable.

The route takes you through a rich landscape of forests, ponds, and fields. A prominent scenic highlight is Stonehouse Pond, an 11-acre cold-water fishery, offering beautiful views from towering granite cliffs. You'll also pass by Swains Lake. The area is home to valuable wetlands and natural ponds, and you might spot historical elements like old foundations, stone walls, and cellar holes, remnants of past homesteads. Look out for ancient black gum trees, some over 400 years old.

Stonehouse Forest is located in Barrington, New Hampshire. While specific parking details for this exact loop aren't provided, the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire (SELT) manages the property and typically provides designated parking areas for trail access. It's advisable to check the SELT website for the most current parking information and trailhead locations before your visit.

The Stonehouse Forest loop can be enjoyed across multiple seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, though spring can sometimes bring muddy conditions. Summer is also a good option, but be prepared for warmer weather and potential insects. Winter cycling is possible for those with appropriate gear, but trail conditions will vary with snow and ice.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trails within Stonehouse Forest. However, it is crucial to keep them on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Stonehouse Forest trails. The property is a conserved area managed by the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire (SELT) and is open to the public for enjoyment.

The Stonehouse Forest trail network is generally rated as having "Easy" to "Moderate" difficulty. While some sections are considered easy, others involve rock, ledge, and steeper grades. Beginner touring cyclists, especially those with bikes equipped with wider tires (like gravel bikes), should find much of the network manageable. However, be prepared for varied surfaces and some challenging sections.

Given the mixed terrain of packed earth, dirt, rock, and old woods roads, a touring bicycle with wider tires, such as a gravel bike or a touring mountain bike, would be best suited for this loop. These bikes offer better stability and comfort over the varied surfaces compared to a road bike.

Yes, the route utilizes sections of several established trails within the Stonehouse Forest network. You will cycle along parts of the South Trail, Forest Trail, Two Mile Road, Pond Trail, and Wood Lot Loop, among others, as you navigate the loop.

Stonehouse Forest is a natural conserved area, and as such, there are typically no dedicated restrooms or potable water sources directly on the trails. It's recommended to bring your own water and plan for restroom breaks before or after your ride.