The best gravel rides in Gile State Forest

Gile State Forest offers a diverse gravel biking experience with a mix of northern hardwood and softwood trees. The terrain features rolling hills and rocky ledges, providing both challenge and visual interest. You'll encounter a network of unpaved roads, dirt trails, old logging roads, and snowmobile paths, often with crushed gravel surfaces. These routes connect various sections, ensuring a robust gravel biking experience through dense woodlands, past serene ponds like Butterfield Pond and Morgan Pond, and along brooks.

While many routes in Gile State Forest are rated moderate to difficult, the overall network offers varied conditions. For those seeking a less strenuous option, the Kezar Lake loop from New London is a moderate 25.9 km (16.1 miles) route. It's a good choice for riders looking for a scenic ride without the significant elevation gains of some of the more challenging trails.

Gravel bike trails in Gile State Forest vary in length and duration. You can find routes ranging from moderate 25.9 km (16.1 miles) loops, like the Kezar Lake loop from New London, which takes about 1 hour 38 minutes, to more challenging 73.4 km (45.6 miles) routes such as the Covered Bridge – Kezar Lake loop from New London, which typically takes around 4 hours 24 minutes to complete. There are options for various fitness levels and time commitments.

Yes, Gile State Forest is rich in natural beauty. You can expect to see serene water bodies such as Butterfield Pond, Morgan Pond, and Devil's Half Acre Pond. Numerous brooks, including the notable Great Brook with its cascades, further enhance the forest's natural charm. The forest is also part of the larger Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway (SRKG), offering expansive views across the landscape from its rolling hills.

The diverse landscape of Gile State Forest, with its northern hardwood and softwood trees, makes it beautiful throughout the seasons. Spring and fall are particularly popular for gravel biking, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer provides lush greenery, though some sections might be warmer. Winter gravel biking is possible, but conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice, requiring appropriate gear and caution.

Yes, several excellent loop routes are available for gravel biking. For instance, the Gile State Forest – Walter L. Carrington Memorial loop from Springfield is a 46.5 km (28.9 miles) trail that takes you through the heart of the forest. Another popular option is the Northern Rail Trail – Mascoma Lake loop from Grafton, a 65.4 km (40.6 miles) path offering scenic views around Mascoma Lake.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the scenic beauty of the forests and ponds, and the challenging yet rewarding nature of the routes. The mix of unpaved roads, logging paths, and snowmobile trails provides an authentic New Hampshire gravel biking experience.

Given the varied conditions, which can include packed earth, dirt trails, old logging roads, and potentially washboards or loose surfaces, a gravel bike with appropriate tire width is recommended. Tires between 33-40mm are generally suitable, with wider tires (closer to 40mm) offering more comfort and grip on the more rugged sections.

While specific dedicated gravel biking parking areas for Gile State Forest alone are not extensively publicized, the Gardner Memorial Wayside Park, located at the edge of the forest, provides a picturesque resting spot with picnic tables and could serve as a convenient starting point. Many routes also begin from nearby towns like New London or Springfield, where public parking options may be available.

While many routes are rated moderate to difficult, families with older children or those comfortable with some elevation gain might enjoy shorter sections or the more moderate routes. The Kezar Lake loop from New London is a moderate option that could be suitable for families looking for a less intense ride. Always check the route details for elevation and surface conditions to ensure it matches your family's skill level.

There are 6 gravel bike trails available in Gile State Forest on komoot. These routes offer a range of experiences, from moderate to difficult, catering to various skill levels and preferences for exploring the forest's diverse terrain.