The best gravel rides in Hemenway State Forest

Hemenway State Forest and the surrounding Tamworth area are known for extensive gravel and dirt roads. You'll encounter diverse terrain, including rolling hills, and a mix of hardwood and coniferous trees. The routes often feature significant elevation changes, providing a challenging and scenic experience.

The gravel biking routes in Hemenway State Forest are generally considered challenging. All listed komoot tours are rated as 'difficult', featuring significant elevation gains and longer distances. For example, the Tamworth History Centre – Great Hill Road loop covers over 68 km with 875 meters of ascent. Riders should have a good level of fitness and experience with gravel terrain.

You can expect to see several impressive natural features. The forest is home to the Big Pines Natural Area, with towering Eastern white pines over 150 feet tall. Many routes also offer views from Great Hill, where an old fire watchtower provides panoramic vistas of the White Mountains and Lakes Region. You might also cross the picturesque Swift River.

Yes, several popular gravel biking routes in the area are loops. For instance, the Tamworth History Centre – Great Hill Road loop from Earle H. Remick Natural Area is a challenging 68.2 km loop. Another option is the Chocorua Lake – Tamworth History Centre loop from Tamworth, which is 41.1 km long.

The diverse forest ecosystems make Hemenway State Forest beautiful throughout the seasons. Spring and autumn offer vibrant foliage and generally pleasant temperatures for riding. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Winter conditions can bring snow and ice, making some gravel roads impassable or requiring specialized equipment like fat bikes.

The duration varies depending on the route and your pace, but the trails are generally longer and more demanding. For example, the Tamworth History Centre – Great Hill Road loop is estimated to take around 6 hours and 12 minutes, while the Chocorua Lake – Tamworth History Centre loop from Chocorua Lake typically takes about 3 hours and 31 minutes.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Hemenway State Forest, with an average score of 5.0 stars from more than 7 reviews. Riders often praise the challenging terrain, the extensive network of gravel roads, and the panoramic views, especially from Great Hill.

Hemenway State Forest's diverse ecosystems, including old-growth sections and varied forest types, provide habitat for a range of wildlife. While specific sightings are never guaranteed, you might encounter various bird species, deer, and other forest animals, especially during quieter times of day.

While specific parking areas for gravel biking are not detailed, Hemenway State Forest is accessible. Many routes, such as the Tamworth History Centre – Great Hill Road loop, start from areas like the Earle H. Remick Natural Area, which typically offer parking facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. It's advisable to check specific trailhead information for parking availability.

Many routes in the area are designed to showcase the region's beauty. The Tamworth History Centre – Great Hill Road loop is highly recommended for its significant elevation gain and panoramic views from Great Hill. Additionally, routes like the Chocorua Lake – Tamworth History Centre loop from Tamworth offer scenic views around Chocorua Lake.

While the forest offers an extensive network of gravel roads, the komoot guide features several challenging routes. For example, the longest route, Chocorua Park – Sandwich Town Beach loop from Silver lake Railroad, covers approximately 87.3 km (54.2 miles).