The best cycling routes around Keene

Keene offers a diverse selection of over 20 touring cycling routes. These range from easy to difficult, catering to various skill levels and preferences.

You'll find a mix of terrain, primarily featuring repurposed rail trails that offer mostly flat paths with gradual inclines. These often consist of packed earth, gravel, and sometimes sandy sections. Some northern segments of trails like the Cheshire Rail Trail are partly paved. For road cycling, you'll encounter paved routes with varying elevation gains.

Yes, Keene's rail trails are generally well-suited for families due to their mostly flat and straight nature. The Ashuelot Recreational Rail Trail, for example, offers a moderate ride through quiet woodlands and farmlands, making it a pleasant option for a family outing.

Many of the rail trails in the Keene area are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them. The Ashuelot Recreational Rail Trail and the Cheshire Recreational Rail Trail are popular choices for cyclists with canine companions, offering scenic and relatively flat paths.

Keene's routes often showcase the region's natural beauty. You can expect to cycle alongside the Ashuelot River, through serene woodlands and farmlands. Notable landmarks include picturesque covered bridges like the Sawyer's Crossing Covered Bridge. Some routes also pass by beautiful lakes such as Spofford Lake and Lily Pond.

Yes, there are several loop options for touring cyclists. A popular choice is the Dickenson Memorial Forest loop from Keene, which takes you through forested areas and offers a moderate challenge.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for touring cycling in Keene. The vibrant foliage in autumn makes for particularly scenic rides. While some trails may be accessible in winter, conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice, especially on unpaved sections.

Many of the major rail trails and cycling routes in Keene have designated parking areas at their trailheads or access points. For specific parking information, it's advisable to check local trail resources or the official Keene Parks and Recreation website, which can be found at keenenh.gov.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful rides through quiet woodlands and farmlands, the well-maintained rail trails, and the diverse options available for different skill levels, from gentle paths to more challenging road routes.

Absolutely. For those seeking a more demanding ride, the Cheshire Recreational Rail Trail offers a difficult 64.1 km (39.8 miles) path through forested landscapes with significant elevation changes. Road cycling loops like the Walpole Loop also provide substantial elevation gains for experienced cyclists.

Many routes in Keene provide picturesque views, especially those that follow the Ashuelot River or wind through the region's forests and farmlands. While specific designated viewpoints might be less common on rail trails, the continuous natural scenery, including glimpses of lakes like Spofford Lake, offers a consistently scenic experience.

Among the featured routes, the Cheshire Recreational Rail Trail is one of the longest, stretching approximately 64.1 km (39.8 miles). This extensive trail provides a long-distance touring experience through varied landscapes.