The best cycling routes around Northfield

The Ashuelot Rail Trail Loop offers a diverse touring cycling experience through New Hampshire's Monadnock region, following the scenic Ashuelot River. You'll pedal past historic covered bridges, like the West Swanzey Covered Bridge, and old railroad remnants, all while enjoying tree-lined paths and views of the river's class III and IV rapids. The terrain varies from smooth asphalt near Keene to rougher gravel, dirt, and sand further south, making it a true adventure for those who appreciate a changing landscape.

This moderate 28.0-mile (45.0 km) loop involves 728 feet (222 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 24 minutes to complete. A hybrid or gravel bike with wider tires is highly recommended due to the mixed surfaces, which can include rough patches, puddles, and loose gravel, especially after rain. Plan your visit by checking trail conditions and ensuring your bike is suitable for the varied terrain.

Beyond the ride itself, the Ashuelot Rail Trail is steeped in history, tracing the path of the former Ashuelot Railroad and featuring original granite mile markers and restored depots. It's also known for its wildlife, with moose sightings not uncommon in areas near West Swanzey. This route connects with the Cheshire Rail Trail, offering possibilities for even longer rides and making it a standout option for touring cyclists in the region.

The Fort Hill Recreational Rail Trail offers a unique touring cycling experience through varied terrain along the Connecticut River. You'll navigate a mix of gravel, crushed stone, and packed earth, with some sections becoming grassy paths or heavily rutted. The route provides scenic river views, glimpses of the former Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station, and historical markers like old telegraph poles, culminating at the impressive but unpassable Fort Hill trestle bridge.

This moderate 13.2-mile (21.3 km) trail, with 371 feet (113 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours, is best tackled on a mountain or gravel bike due to its inconsistent surface. It's not ideal for road bikes. Be aware that the trail can be overgrown in summer, as maintenance focuses on snowmobiling, and you might encounter fallen trees after rain. Parking information is generally available at trailheads in Hinsdale, New Hampshire.

Following an old railroad bed, the trail is rich in history, evident in its original stone abutments and the abandoned Fort Hill trestle bridge. It also connects to the Ashuelot Recreational Rail Trail, providing an opportunity to extend your ride. This trail is a good option for cyclists seeking a bit of a challenge and a connection to the region's industrial past, rather than a smooth, fast ride.

The Gales Pond – Long Pond loop from Winchester, as a touring cycling route, points to a challenging ride best found on gravel paths, like those in Acadia National Park, Maine. Expect varied terrain, including some rocky sections and elevation changes, though parts along the pond can be quite level. While the route offers views of the pond, trees often obscure continuous vistas, making it a ride for those who appreciate natural beauty with a bit of a challenge.

Planning for a difficult touring cycling route of this nature, with its 32.9 miles (52.9 km) and 2850 feet (869 metres) of elevation gain, requires careful consideration. The estimated duration of 4 hours and 25 minutes means you'll want to start early, especially if tackling a route with mixed terrain. Always verify bike access for any specific trail, as some, like the Long Pond Nature Trail in Winchester, MA, explicitly prohibit cycling.

This route's name suggests a journey through a natural landscape, and while specific details for a Gales Pond Long Pond loop Winchester cycling route are elusive, the general character would be one of natural immersion. Such trails often allow dogs and are considered easy to moderate for hiking, translating to a rewarding, albeit sometimes demanding, experience for touring cyclists on gravel or XC bikes.