1.
Goffstown Rail Trail – Kelley Dam Falls loop from Manchester
45.3km
03:11
230m
230m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The best gravel rides around Pinardville
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 29, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan gravel biking around Pinardville, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails and paths, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want the highlights, not the guesswork.
That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed countless routes in the area. This guide is your curated shortlist, packed with the trails that truly deliver, saving you the legwork of sifting through endless possibilities. We've done the exploring so you can get straight to the best rides.
Gravel biking around Pinardville offers a classic New England experience, defined by its extensive rail trails and scenic river valleys. You'll find a mix of crushed gravel and stone-dust surfaces, with some paved sections, winding through forests and past picturesque spots like the Piscataquog River, Glen Lake, and Massabesic Lake. The terrain here is generally moderate, with a pleasant blend of flat sections and gentle hills, making it accessible for many riders.
For a fantastic introduction to the area, we'd start with the Goffstown Rail Trail – Victory Park loop from Manchester, a solid 33.9 miles (54.6 km) that showcases the best of the rail trail experience. If you're looking for a shorter, equally rewarding option, the Massabesic Lake – Clark Pond loop from Manchester, at 16.2 miles (26.0 km), is a local favorite for its beautiful lake views. More than 30 gravel bikers have already used komoot to explore Pinardville's varied terrain, so dive in and discover your next favorite ride!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goffstown Rail Trail – Kelley Dam Falls loop from Manchester | 45.3 km | 230 m | Moderate |
| Massabesic Lake – Nice wide trail loop from Massabesic | 72.1 km | 450 m | Moderate |
| Massabesic Lake – Clark Pond loop from Manchester | 30.0 km | 170 m | Moderate |
| Goffstown Rail Trail – Victory Park loop from Southern New Hampshire University | 35.9 km | 260 m | Moderate |
| Massabesic Lake – Clark Pond loop from Massabesic | 42.6 km | 240 m | Moderate |
| Massabesic Lake – Tower Hill Pond loop from Massabesic | 19.2 km | 100 m | Easy |
| Clark Hill loop from Lang Station State Forest | 30.3 km | 380 m | Moderate |
| New Boston Rail Trail Bridge – Goffstown Town center loop from Klondike Corner | 36.2 km | 310 m | Moderate |
| Goffstown Town center – New Boston Rail Trail Bridge loop from Water Precinct Land | 26.3 km | 260 m | Moderate |
| Goffstown Rail Trail – Bridge over Piscataquog River loop from Piscataquog River | 38.9 km | 360 m | Moderate |
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2.
Massabesic Lake – Nice wide trail loop from Massabesic
72.1km
04:58
450m
450m
The Massabesic Lake loop offers a diverse gravel biking experience, taking you from the urban fringes of Manchester to the serene shores of Lake Massabesic. You'll navigate a mix of paved sections, gravel paths, and even some rocky terrain, especially along the historic Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer and loons as you pass through dense forests and wetlands, enjoying the tranquil natural features of the area.
This moderate 44.8-mile (72.1 km) route, with 1461 feet (445 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 4 hours and 58 minutes to complete. Due to the varied surfaces, mountain bikes or gravel bikes are highly recommended for comfort and stability. Remember that Lake Massabesic is a drinking water source, so swimming is not allowed, and dogs must be leashed to protect water quality.
Beyond the main loop, the Massabesic watershed boasts an extensive network of fire roads and some more technical singletrack trails, offering additional exploration opportunities. The integration of the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail, one of New Hampshire's longest rail trails, adds a unique historical dimension to this scenic ride. It's a great option for those seeking a longer, moderately challenging gravel biking adventure with plenty of scenic viewpoints.
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3.
Massabesic Lake – Clark Pond loop from Manchester
30.0km
02:12
170m
170m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.
Goffstown Rail Trail – Victory Park loop from Southern New Hampshire University
35.9km
02:28
260m
260m
The Goffstown Rail Trail – Victory Park loop from Southern New Hampshire University offers a diverse gravel biking experience, blending dedicated rail trail with urban connections. You'll pedal through peaceful wooded areas, catch views of the Piscataquog River, and pass by the scenic Glen Lake and Namaske Lake. The trail's mostly flat, crushed gravel surface makes for a smooth ride, though you'll encounter some dirt, sand, and paved sections as the route connects various points.
This moderate 22.3-mile (35.9 km) loop, with 849 feet (259 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 27 minutes, is well-suited for gravel bikes and riders of all skill levels. While the rail trail is generally easy, the full loop requires navigating several busy road crossings, some with traffic signals. Starting from SNHU, the route seamlessly links to the Goffstown Rail Trail and Manchester's Piscataquog Trail.
What makes this route notable is its excellent surface quality and the community effort behind its development, making it a well-maintained multi-use path. Following the bed of the old Goffstown & Manchester Railroad, it offers a touch of historical significance while connecting you to Manchester's wider network of paved trails, extending your riding possibilities.
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5.
Massabesic Lake – Clark Pond loop from Massabesic
42.6km
03:23
240m
240m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6.
Massabesic Lake – Tower Hill Pond loop from Massabesic
19.2km
01:31
100m
100m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7.
Clark Hill loop from Lang Station State Forest
30.3km
02:27
380m
380m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8.
New Boston Rail Trail Bridge – Goffstown Town center loop from Klondike Corner
36.2km
02:24
310m
310m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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9.
Goffstown Town center – New Boston Rail Trail Bridge loop from Water Precinct Land
26.3km
01:41
260m
260m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10.
Goffstown Rail Trail – Bridge over Piscataquog River loop from Piscataquog River
38.9km
02:30
360m
360m
If you're looking for a varied gravel biking route near Manchester, the Goffstown Rail Trail – Bridge over Piscataquog River loop delivers a pleasant experience. You'll ride through peaceful wooded sections and open fields, enjoying scenic views of Glen Lake and the Piscataquog River. The surface is mostly compacted gravel and crushed stone, making for a smooth ride, with the highlight being the impressive Irving and Bernice Singer Bridge over the Piscataquog River.
This moderate 24.2-mile (38.9 km) loop involves 1189 feet (362 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 2 hours and 29 minutes. It's a family-friendly and dog-friendly route, with multiple parking areas available along the Goffstown section. No permits or fees are required, so you can easily plan a day out on this popular trail.
The Goffstown Rail Trail follows a former Boston & Maine railroad right-of-way, offering a glimpse into the region's history. It seamlessly connects to Manchester's paved Piscataquog Trail, allowing for an extended ride and making it one of the best gravel biking routes for exploring the area's natural features and river views.
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Tips from the Community
ChrisH515
April 4, 2025, Hillsborough County Poor Farm Cemetery
Cemetery from the 19th century, poor farm on this location. Graves marked just with numbers.
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Alex
February 22, 2024, Portsmouth Branch tunnel
While traveling on the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail, pass through the Portsmouth Branch tunnel, going under the NH 101 highway. The tunnel is dark, even in the daytime, so pass through with caution.
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Alex
February 22, 2024, Former East Candia Depot and parking
This small parking area, just off Depot Road, features a sign that reads "East Candia Depot c1852-1948," commemorating the history of the spot as the former site of the East Candia Depot. Once, this area had a train stop with a small covered area for passing trains.
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Alex
February 22, 2024, Little Massabesic Lake
To reach Little Massabesic Lake, take a short detour off Raymond Road and down the Fire Roads, which are packed dirt roads wide enough to drive down. On arrival, enjoy the views of this lake, populated with beavers and fish, and the peaceful atmosphere around here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Pinardville?
There are currently 7 gravel bike trails documented around Pinardville on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails near Pinardville?
The terrain around Pinardville primarily features well-maintained crushed gravel and stone-dust surfaces, especially on the extensive rail trails like the Goffstown Rail Trail. You'll also find some paved sections and areas with gentle hills and forests, characteristic of southern New Hampshire's landscape.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly gravel bike trails in the area?
Yes, the region's rail trails, such as the Goffstown Rail Trail, are generally flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for beginners. For a specific easy route, consider the Massabesic Lake – Tower Hill Pond loop from Massabesic, which covers 12.8 miles (20.5 km) with minimal elevation gain.
Are there any longer or more challenging gravel routes for experienced riders?
For a more challenging ride, the Massabesic Lake – Nice wide trail loop from Massabesic is a difficult 44.9 miles (72.2 km) path that explores the wider area around Massabesic Lake, featuring varied terrain and significant elevation changes.
What scenic views or natural features can I expect to see along the trails?
Many trails offer serene riverside views along the Piscataquog River and picturesque glimpses of Glen Lake. The broader region also provides classic southern New Hampshire scenery with hills and forests. You can also explore the Pulpit Rock Conservation Area for more natural beauty.
Are there any circular gravel biking routes around Pinardville?
Yes, many routes are designed as loops. For example, the popular Goffstown Rail Trail – Kelley Dam Falls loop from Manchester is a 33.4-mile (53.7 km) circular route that incorporates sections of the Goffstown Rail Trail and offers views along the Piscataquog River.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Pinardville?
The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for gravel biking in Pinardville. Spring brings blooming nature, summer provides warm weather, and fall showcases vibrant foliage. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are the gravel bike trails in Pinardville family-friendly?
Yes, the flat and well-maintained rail trails, particularly the Goffstown Rail Trail, are excellent for families. Their smooth surfaces and gentle gradients make them accessible for riders of various ages and skill levels.
Are dogs allowed on the gravel bike trails?
Many rail trails in New Hampshire, including sections of the Goffstown Rail Trail, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to check specific trail regulations for leash requirements and waste disposal to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Where can I find parking near the gravel bike trailheads in Pinardville?
Pinardville's direct connection to the Goffstown Rail Trail means there are often accessible parking areas near trailheads, especially where the trail intersects with local roads or parks. Roy Park in Pinardville, for instance, offers local amenities and could be a convenient starting point.
Are there any other interesting landmarks or attractions nearby that I can visit?
Beyond the trails, you can explore the Goffstown Rail Trail itself, which is a significant local landmark. Other nearby points of interest include the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail and the New Boston Rail Trail Bridge.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about gravel biking in Pinardville?
Gravel bikers using komoot often praise the well-maintained rail trails and the scenic views along the Piscataquog River and Glen Lake. The accessibility and variety of routes, from moderate to more difficult, are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects of the region.
Are there any routes that explore the Massabesic Lake area?
Yes, several routes venture into the Massabesic Lake area. A moderate option is the Massabesic Lake – Clark Pond loop from Manchester, a 16.1 miles (25.9 km) trail. Another route in the area is the Massabesic Lake – Clark Pond loop from Massabesic, which is 26.4 miles (42.5 km) long.
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