The best MTB trails in Walker State Forest

The Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail offers a delightful mountain biking experience, winding through diverse New Hampshire landscapes. You'll traverse flat stone-dust and hard-packed dirt sections, passing through wetlands, ponds, and thick pine forests. Keep an eye out for the serene stretches that parallel the Contoocook River, providing a peaceful backdrop to your ride.

This easy 4.8-mile (7.8 km) route gains only 65 feet (20 metres) of elevation, making it a quick 34-minute spin perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed outing. While generally flat, be prepared for some moderate sections, particularly on the Mast Yard Rail Trail, which features gravel, grass, and roots. Trailheads often provide useful amenities like bike repair stations.

This trail is part of a larger vision to connect communities, repurposing an old railroad line with visible historical markers. Its accessible, multi-use nature makes it a popular choice for family-friendly mountain biking, offering a quiet, wooded escape even close to busy areas. It's a great option for an off-pavement adventure without significant challenge.

This mountain biking loop offers a dynamic ride through varied terrain, connecting the technical singletrack of Langley Parkway with the flowing cross-country trails of White's Lane. You'll navigate rock gardens and bridges near Winant Park before transitioning to the twists and turns of the Twelve Share community forest, where trails like "Widowmaker" and "The Pit" add excitement with jumps and natural obstacles. It's a great way to experience the diverse mountain biking landscape of the region in one go.

To make the most of this moderate 16.6-mile (26.7 km) ride, which typically takes around 1 hour and 57 minutes to complete with 1094 feet (333 metres) of elevation gain, plan your visit for a dry day. Accessing the loop from Heather Lane Town Forest is a practical starting point, though specific parking details for the combined route are best confirmed locally. Always check trail conditions, especially after rain, as some sections can be variable.

The route stitches together popular mountain biking areas, each with its own character. The Langley Parkway section is known for its technical challenges, while White's Lane Trails are celebrated for their extensive cross-country network and features like the "shiprock boulders." This combination provides a comprehensive tour of some of Merrimack County's best mountain biking, appealing to riders who enjoy a mix of technical skill and flowing singletrack.

The Bow Town Pond loop from Bow School Forest offers a diverse mountain biking adventure through the wooded landscapes of Bow, New Hampshire. You'll navigate a blend of singletrack and wider paths, with the route weaving through the Knox and School Forests. Expect a dynamic ride with varied terrain, from smooth sections to more technical ups and downs, all set against a backdrop of natural forest scenery and potential views of the pond.

This difficult 6.0-mile (9.7 km) mountain biking route, with 372 feet (114 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in around 52 minutes. The trails are part of a well-used system, so you'll likely find parking near the Bow School Forest. While the area is groomed for winter use, the best time for mountain biking is typically during the warmer months when trails are dry and clear of snow.

The Bow Town Forest is a recognized mountain biking destination, offering an extensive trail system that connects various paths like White Pine, Robinson's Crest, and Miss Smith. This interconnectivity allows riders to create longer and more varied routes beyond the core Bow Town Pond loop. The area is a local gem for outdoor enthusiasts, providing accessible options for different skill levels within a beautiful natural setting.

The Broken Ground Trails – Broken Ground Area loop offers a diverse mountain biking experience through fields, forests, and wetlands in Concord, New Hampshire. You'll find a mix of smooth forest paths and more technical sections with rocks and roots, especially on the eastern side. Keep an eye out for the scenic beaver pond, where you might spot great blue herons, making this 8.9-mile (14.4 km) route a pleasant ride.

This easy trail, with just 431 feet (131 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 11 minutes to complete. Parking is available at the trailhead, and no permits are required. The trails are multi-use, so be prepared to share the path with hikers. It's a great option for family mountain biking or for beginners looking to build skills.

Developed in partnership with NEMBA, the Broken Ground Trails are known for their extensive network and varied terrain, including "Ry's Way," the area's first purpose-built mountain bike trail. The system connects to the beginner-friendly trails at Batchelder Mill Road, providing options for all skill levels and making it a notable destination for mountain biking in the region.