The best cycling routes in Coos County

This remarkable 7.6-mile climb, accessible to cyclists only twice each year, commences in the town of Glen House. From there, the Mt. Washington Auto Road winds its way upward like a a two-lane ribbon. As you climb, you pass through forests and ultimately above the treeline. The views will pay you back when you reach the 6,288-foot summit of Mt. Washington!

Washington is the most prominent mountain in the eastern U.S. and an absolutely incredible peak to bag. This is easily one of the best summits in New England. It is also the most dangerous if you come unprepared, especially in the winter. Washington creates its own rapidly changing weather system and is known for being the deadliest small mountain in the world. The second-fastest wind speed on earth was recorded here at over 230mph. That said, a quarter million people visit Washington every year, and if you come prepared and respect the mountain you have nothing to fear and are guaranteed to have an epic summit.

Dress warmly. Snow season begins July 1 and ends June 30. We were at 68 mph at the summit. Keeping your hat on is a good idea. Two days ago, when we were last up there, it was 73 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind was blowing lightly around 23 mph. Mt. Washington is the highest peak within 1,000 miles, making it an exposed location with what the US Weather Service calls the worst and most surprising weather in the world.

At a height of 6,288 feet in elevation, Mount Washington is the highest point in the range, state, and region. Some people drive to the summit, but there are a couple of days each year that you can bike the paved road to the top, which is a popular challenge for avid cyclists. A gravel bike can be handy since some of the road grades get so steep that you need that bigger cassette. The two events hosted each year for cyclists is the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb race each August and the Early Bird (which is just a solo ride for 150 riders) in July. There are places to refill your water, go to the restroom, lock up your bike, and even get a bike to eat if you need it at the top on race day. Note that all riders have to get a ride down the mountain and aren't allowed to bike down the road!

Kilkenny Loop Road serves as one of the ultimate gravel riding loops in White Mountain National Forest. There are a number of other trails and double-track roads that branch off of this main path, but just sticking to the Kilkenny Loop Road creates a pretty sweet 15-mile loop on dirt and gravel forest roads.

The bottom of the Mount Washington Cog Railway is also known as Marshfield Station. This marked the end of the paved road and the start of some rough singletrack trails. It's uphill all the way to the station, so it's a fast downhill when you leave.

The bottom of the Mount Washington Cog Railway is also known as Marshfield Station. This marked the end of the paved road and the start of some rough singletrack trails. It's uphill all the way to the station, so it's a fast downhill when you leave.

Airport Road is a wide, paved road. It's a gradual uphill in one direction and a gradual downhill in the other. There are some great views towards the south of Mount Martha and Owl's Head.