Biking

Biking
Photo Courtesy: www.northrec.org

Whether you prefer pedal power or horsepower, the biking in northern New Hampshire and northeastern Vermont is unbeatable. The roads in the Great North Woods region are amazing to ride, plus they come accompanied with beautiful views.  This area offers magnificent mountain views, glistening lakes and ponds and a variety of terrain.  It is simply freeing to just ride! 

The sale of International Paper Corporation’s Pittsburg holdings has created a unique situation for mountain biking in our northernmost town.  In order to preserve northern New Hampshire’s natural beauty as well as retain access for the sporting public, a conservation easement was created involving the state of New Hampshire and a private timber corporation.  The easement was created to ensure recreational opportunities for future generations and to maintain an active forest economy.

Since logging activity is on a changing basis from year to year please follow the general rule of if there is logging going on in an area, please stay out.


Biking in New Hampshire’s North Country

BIG BROOK BOG (Pittsburg, NH):  Slightly longer in distance than Coon Brook Bog, the ride to Big Brook Bog is an easily obtainable destination point only 2.3 miles from Route 3. This road has an easier grade to it than others in our area and it also has several secondary routes worth exploring. The road forks to the right and left another .7 miles past the turn to the bog. Though both roads dead end shortly, their steep pitches on the way up provide nice observation points for the bog and the surrounding countryside on the way down.

BOUNDARY POND (Pittsburg, NH): Start by parking either at the beginning of the road or drive approximately .5 mile over a wooden bridge to a larger pull off area. At the intersection after the bridge, bear right.  The Boundary Pond ride is a 13.5 grueling miles of uphill tests that will measure the endurance of the most seasoned biker. At 12.5 miles, the road bears left up a steep incline for the final mile. Once again, secondary spurs abound in this area, so don’t lose track of the main road. Upon reaching the parking area, it is a short hike to Boundary Pond. Don’t miss out on the view it is worth it!

COON BROOK BOG (Pittsburg, NH):  Though one of the shorter bike routes in Pittsburg, the ride into Coon Brook Bog continues to be a local favorite. Starting from the vehicle turn-out area off of Route 3 just past the road to the bog, this 1.7 mile trek is a relatively steady climb to its destination. Just prior to reaching the bog, the road forks. Rather than staying straight, where you will find a locked orange gate, proceed to the left and down a slight decline to the bog.

DEER MOUNTAIN (Pittsburg, NH):  Cross Route 3 and go around the orange gate to access this trail. The Deer Mountain trail provides a little bit of everything for bikers – uphills, straightaways, and plenty of downhill sections. There will be plenty of signs out there as this trail is used for snowmobiling in the winter. After passing by Moose Falls Flowage on the right, the left turn for Deer Mountain will be 2 miles ahead. While the trail does not climb over the peak, it does provide good inclines, eventually becoming a snowmobile trail. Continuing past the turn for the mountain will yield good riding for approximately 2 miles. The road dead ends near the Third Connecticut Lake, approximately 4 miles from Route 3. There are several secondary roads worth exploring in this area – one in particular that bears left at the final intersection toward Perry Pond. Wilderness biking at its best!

CEDAR STREAM ROAD (Pittsburg, NH):  It is recommended that bikers start about 1 mile down the logging road rather than from the junction of the road with Route 145. There is a little more space for parking here and, more importantly, the sizable incline beside Murphy Dam is eliminated. This is a 6+ mile roller coaster road that runs the length of Lake Francis. The lake can be glimpsed through breaks in the trees. The road continues on past the lake into the Shehan Pond and Mount Pisgah areas, providing even more wilderness to explore. Be careful when crossing the logging bridges on this road.

EAST INLET (Pittsburg, NH):  Start by parking either at the beginning of the road or drive approximately .5 mile over a wooden bridge to a larger pull off area. At the intersection after the bridge, take the right hand turn to get to East Inlet.  East Inlet is only a 2 mile ride, mostly uphill, from the starting point. At about the halfway point, a gated logging road to the right should be avoided since it leads to Smith Brook, a logging road that is traditionally closed.

SCOTT BOG (Pittsburg, NH):  Start by parking either at the beginning of the road or drive approximately .5 mile over a wooden bridge to a larger pull off area. At the intersection after the bridge, bear left.  The ride to Scott Bog is 3.5 miles of relatively level gravel road. Of all of Pittsburg’s bike trails, it is probably one of the easiest. At 2.5 miles, bear left at the fork to reach the bog. The road to the right dead ends 1.5 to 2 miles ahead. The left road meanders along until reaching another junction where a “BOAT LAUNCH” sign points to the left. Follow this to get to the bog. The secondary trails in this area are definitely worth checking out.

Up for a challenge?  Combine two or three rides in one day? Maybe.  This area will present bikers of all levels with many chances to test their limits.   

Miles of trails and rural routes are laced across the Great North Woods for your cycling pleasure!  Looking for a place to stay along the way? Jackson’s Lodge on Lake Wallace in Canaan, VT is a relaxing lodging option that caters to cyclists!

You can also check out Friends of the Presidential Rail Trail and The Coos Cycling Club for additional cycling options in the North Country.

Biking
Photo Courtesy www.nhlifestyle.com

Find the most current updates for Charity rides here.

Motorcycling in the North Country

We welcome motorcyclists to our rural routes of scenic vistas!  Summer’s warmth, lush landscapes and the autumnal colors that paint the hillsides provide a pleasing atmosphere to enjoy your ride.  

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