East Coast Greenway: New Hampshire Coast

The route primarily features mostly paved surfaces, making it ideal for road cycling. While specific details vary, you'll mostly be on roads, potentially utilizing dedicated bike lanes or shoulders. Near Salisbury Beach, the Old Eastern Marsh Trail is also paved, offering an alternative segment. Be aware that some areas within Salisbury Beach State Reservation have crushed stone and grass, which are not suitable for road bikes.

You can expect picturesque, continuous coastal views, passing by various state beaches and parks. The route offers attractive ocean vistas, especially when heading northbound from Hampton Harbor. Near Salisbury Beach, you'll see where the Merrimack River meets the Atlantic Ocean and the expansive Great Marsh. The area is also rich in wildlife, including harbor seals and various shorebirds.

The best times to cycle this route are generally spring, summer, and fall. The New Hampshire and Massachusetts coastlines offer pleasant conditions during these seasons. Summer provides warm weather, but can also mean more crowds. Spring and fall often have cooler temperatures and fewer people, making for a very enjoyable ride with beautiful coastal scenery.

Parking is available at both Jenness State Beach and Salisbury Beach State Reservation. Both locations are popular, especially during peak season, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable to secure a spot. Parking fees may apply at these state park facilities.

No specific cycling permits are required for riding on the public roads and paved trails along this route. However, if you choose to park at state beaches like Jenness State Beach or Salisbury Beach State Reservation, you should expect to pay parking fees, especially during the peak season.

Yes, the route is generally considered easy to moderate, with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for most road cyclists, including beginners and families with some cycling experience. The mostly paved and relatively flat terrain contributes to a manageable ride. However, always be mindful of traffic on shared roads.

Yes, the route utilizes sections of the (New Hampshire) trail for approximately 80% of its length. It also incorporates parts of the East Coast Greenway (NH) for about 79% of the journey. Near Salisbury Beach, you can connect to the paved Old Eastern Marsh Trail, which is part of the larger East Coast Greenway network.

Yes, as the route connects popular coastal towns and beaches, you'll find numerous options for cafes, pubs, restaurants, and accommodation. Hampton Harbor and the areas around Jenness State Beach and Salisbury Beach offer various amenities to refuel and rest.

This route is notable for its continuous scenic coastal beauty, connecting two popular state beaches, Jenness State Beach and Salisbury Beach. Its accessibility due to mostly paved roads and relatively flat terrain makes it enjoyable for a wide range of cyclists. It also offers potential for exploration of charming New England coastal towns and state parks like Rye Harbor State Park.

While the route itself follows public roads and paved paths, specific regulations for dogs vary by location. State beaches like Jenness State Beach and Salisbury Beach often have restrictions on dogs, especially during peak season or on certain parts of the beach. Always check local signage and regulations for any specific area you plan to stop at with your dog.

For this coastal road cycling route, it's advisable to bring standard road cycling gear, including a helmet, water bottles, snacks, and a repair kit. Given the coastal exposure, sunscreen, sunglasses, and layers of clothing are recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions. A phone for navigation and emergencies is also a good idea.