The best cycling routes around Concord

Concord offers a diverse selection of over 30 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various preferences, with 19 classified as easy, 8 as moderate, and 3 as difficult, ensuring options for all skill levels.

Yes, Concord has many easy routes perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park – Grant's Trail loop from Concord is an easy 9.8-mile (15.7 km) ride through parkland. Another great option is the Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park – Grant's Trail loop from Crestwood, which is 7.3 miles (11.7 km) and also leads through pleasant parkland.

Concord's touring cycling routes feature a mix of terrain. You'll find both paved and unpaved paths, including dedicated rail trails. The topography generally includes gentle hills and flatter sections, especially along river corridors and greenways, making for varied and engaging rides through woodlands, open fields, and wetlands.

Yes, many routes in Concord are designed as loops. A popular example is the Grant's Trail – Grant's Trail loop from Concord, which covers 11 miles (17.7 km) and offers an easy ride. Another option is the Grant's Trail – Grant's Trail loop from Mehlville, an easy 9-mile (14.5 km) route.

Concord's routes often pass through beautiful natural settings. You can enjoy views along the Concord River and Assabet River, or experience the serene beauty of Walden Pond. Many trails wind through shaded woodlands and wetlands, offering opportunities for wildlife observation. For specific points of interest, consider visiting the River overlook or exploring the River des Peres Greenway.

Concord is rich in history. The Battle Road Trail within the Minute Man National Historical Park allows cyclists to trace the route of the American Revolutionary War's opening battles, passing historical markers, 'witness houses,' and the Old North Bridge. The Emerson-Thoreau Amble also explores sites significant to these famous authors, including Emerson's home and the site of Thoreau's cabin on Walden Pond. You might also encounter the Laumeier Sculpture Garden near some routes.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Concord, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 17 reviews. Cyclists often praise the blend of natural landscapes, well-maintained paths, and the historical significance of the area. The variety of routes, from easy parkland loops to more extensive greenway rides, is also frequently highlighted.

Several routes in Concord follow picturesque river corridors and greenways. The River Des Peres Park – Deer Creek Greenway loop from St. George is a moderate 21.3-mile (34.3 km) path that specifically follows a greenway alongside a river, offering a very scenic experience. The Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section is another excellent option for river-side cycling.

Concord is known for its excellent network of multi-use trails. The Minuteman Bikeway is a popular paved rail-trail connecting nearby towns, with extensions like the Reformatory Branch Trail leading towards Concord. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail also passes through Concord, offering a paved surface through areas like West Concord Village. These trails provide diverse cycling experiences.

Yes, many popular cycling routes in Concord, especially those part of larger trail networks like the Minuteman Bikeway or Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, offer designated parking areas. For routes passing through parks or villages, you can often find parking facilities nearby, such as at Gerow Park near Warner's Pond along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.

The best seasons for touring cycling in Concord are generally spring, summer, and fall. Spring offers blooming landscapes, while summer provides warm weather for enjoying the rivers and ponds. Fall is particularly scenic with vibrant foliage. While some trails are accessible in winter, conditions can vary, and specific sections might be less suitable for cycling due to snow or ice.