The best traffic-free bike rides in R. Milton Hick Memorial State Forest

There are 3 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes in R. Milton Hick Memorial State Forest featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of distances and difficulties, ensuring a peaceful ride away from busy roads.

The routes primarily follow old logging roads and some winding forest paths. While generally easy walking sections, you can expect occasional short, moderately steep climbs. The diverse forest composition, including mature mixed hardwoods and softwood plantations, contributes to varied scenery. Some areas may have high grass, so bikes equipped for mixed terrain or gravel riding are recommended.

While the guide features routes with moderate to difficult ratings, the Hyde Hall – Hyde Bay, Otsego Lake loop from Lentsville is rated as moderate, making it a more accessible option compared to the other more challenging routes. It covers 21.5 km with a manageable elevation gain.

The forest itself is a significant natural attraction, showcasing diverse forest management and a beaver pond just off the main trail. A longer 3-mile loop trail climbs a small ridge, offering scenic views to the west. The forest's history as reforested farmland from the 1930s also adds ecological interest.

The trails are primarily utilized for hiking during warmer months, suggesting spring, summer, and fall are ideal for touring cycling. During these seasons, the forest's diverse landscapes are at their most vibrant, and trail conditions are generally more favorable than in winter.

The region is generally welcoming to outdoor enthusiasts. While specific rules for cycling with dogs on these particular trails are not detailed, many multi-use trails in state forests allow dogs on a leash. It's always best to check local regulations or signage at the trailhead before you go.

Visitors can access the trailhead on Perry Hill Road. This road can be reached via both paved roads and potentially less-maintained sections, depending on your approach. Parking facilities are typically available at designated trailheads within state forests.

The longest route is the Weeping Willow Pond loop from Town of Middlefield, spanning approximately 49.4 km. The shortest route featured is the Hyde Hall – Hyde Bay, Otsego Lake loop from Lentsville, which is about 21.5 km long.

Given that the trails predominantly follow old logging roads and some winding forest paths, with potential for high grass, touring bicycles equipped for mixed terrain or gravel riding are highly recommended. These bikes offer the versatility and comfort needed for varied surfaces.

The routes in this guide are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the trails and the opportunity to experience the diverse natural beauty of the state forest.

Yes, all three routes featured in this guide are circular. This includes the Weeping Willow Pond loop from Town of Middlefield, the Eggleston Hill loop from Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, and the Hyde Hall – Hyde Bay, Otsego Lake loop from Lentsville, allowing you to start and end at the same point.