The best road cycling routes in Chestnut Woods State Forest

The road cycling routes in the broader Washington County region, surrounding Chestnut Woods State Forest, are characterized by rolling farmland and distant ridges. While the forest itself features unpaved logging roads, the routes we highlight are primarily on well-paved surfaces, offering scenic countryside views and varying elevation gains suitable for road cyclists.

There are 8 road cycling routes available in the Chestnut Woods State Forest area, offering diverse options for cyclists. These routes range in difficulty from moderate to difficult, catering to different fitness levels.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Scotch Hill – Dead Lake loop from Emmaus House offer significant elevation gain over 68.2 miles (109.8 km). Another difficult option is the Schoolhouse Lake – Schuylerville Yacht Basin loop from Red Mill on the Batten Kill, which covers 75.6 miles (121.7 km) with over 1300 meters of ascent.

Yes, there are several moderate routes. The Thurber Pond loop from Shushan Bridge is a moderate 44.6 miles (71.7 km) path with a mix of paved surfaces and views of local waterways. Another good option is the Bingham Hill – Silk Covered Bridge loop from North Bennington, a 36.4 miles (58.6 km) trail through rolling hills.

The routes often feature picturesque views of rolling farmland and distant ridges like West Mountain and Shaftsbury Hollow. You might also encounter historical elements such as old stone walls and charming covered bridges, including the Shushan Covered Bridge Museum and Rexleigh Covered Bridge, which add to the region's rural charm.

While specific parking areas for each route are not detailed, the surrounding villages like Cambridge offer amenities such as lodging, dining, gas, and supplies, suggesting that parking options would be available in these areas, which serve as common starting points for many routes.

The region's scenic beauty, characterized by broad expanses of hardwoods and rolling farmland, suggests that spring, summer, and fall would all offer excellent conditions for road cycling. Spring brings fresh greenery, summer offers warm weather, and fall provides vibrant foliage, making it a beautiful time to explore the routes.

While road cycling routes are generally on paved roads outside the dense forest, the broader region is rich in wildlife. The forest itself is home to furbearers, game species, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, eastern coyote, and various songbirds. Keep an eye out, especially in quieter sections of the routes, for glimpses of local fauna.

Yes, many of the recommended routes are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Scotch Hill – Dead Lake loop from Emmaus House and the Thurber Pond loop from Shushan Bridge, providing convenient cycling experiences.

The road cycling routes in this area vary significantly in length. You can find moderate routes around 36-45 miles (58-72 km), such as the Silk Covered Bridge loop from North Bennington (33.6 miles / 54.1 km). More challenging routes can extend up to 68-75 miles (109-121 km), like the Scotch Hill – Dead Lake loop.

Yes, the region maintains its rural charm, but nearby villages such as Cambridge offer essential amenities. Cyclists can find lodging, dining options, and places to resupply, making them convenient stops before or after your ride.