The best road cycling routes around Wells River

The Wells River area offers 5 distinct road cycling routes, ranging from moderate to difficult, providing options for various skill levels.

Road cycling routes around Wells River traverse a region characterized by the meandering Wells River Valley, numerous lakes, and ponds. The landscape features rolling terrain with significant elevation changes, offering views of surrounding mountains. You'll find a mix of moderate and difficult routes, with some featuring substantial climbing.

While the listed routes are primarily moderate to difficult, sections of the Cross Vermont Trail, which traverses the Wells River Valley, are well-suited for cycling and follow old railbeds, making them accessible and enjoyable for beginners. These multi-use paths offer a varied and engaging ride through beautiful scenery.

The region offers picturesque mountain views and passes by several natural features. Cyclists can expect to encounter beautiful scenery including lakes, beaver ponds, and the meandering Wells River itself. The Franconia Notch Bike Path loop, for instance, offers scenic views through the Franconia Notch area.

Yes, the Wells River area offers challenging routes with significant elevation gain. For example, the Kinsman Notch – Paradise Falls loop from Mountain Lakes is a difficult 48.6-mile trail leading through mountainous terrain with over 1000 meters of ascent. Another challenging option is the Franconia Notch Bike Trail – Franconia Notch Bike Path loop from Newbury, which features over 1400 meters of climbing.

Beyond the natural beauty, you might encounter historic covered bridges such as the Bath Covered Bridge, Haverhill-Bath Covered Bridge, and Swiftwater Covered Bridge, which can be charming destinations during a ride. The Wells River Conservation Area also provides access to diverse wetlands and forestlands.

The region's natural beauty, including mountain views and varied terrain, makes spring, summer, and fall ideal for road cycling. Autumn, in particular, offers stunning foliage. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While specific parking details for each route are best found on the individual tour pages, many trailheads for the Cross Vermont Trail, which is accessible in the Wells River Valley, offer designated parking areas. The Wells River Conservation Area also provides a point of access to the Cross Vermont Trail.

Yes, several routes offer longer distances. The Franconia Notch Bike Trail – Franconia Notch Bike Path loop from Newbury is a substantial 71.8-mile (115.6 km) ride, and the Franconia Notch Bike Path loop covers 46.2 miles (74.3 km), providing excellent options for longer excursions.

The routes in Wells River are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 2 reviews. Over 50 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Wells River's varied terrain, often praising the scenic landscapes and diverse challenges.

A significant draw for road cyclists is the Cross Vermont Trail, a multi-use path that traverses the Wells River Valley. A particularly scenic 15-mile section from Kettle Pond to Wells River is well-suited for cycling, following old railbeds and offering beautiful views of lakes, beaver ponds, and the Wells River.

The Wells River watershed, encompassing approximately 100 square miles, is dotted with several large lakes and ponds, including Lake Groton, Kettle Pond, Ricker Pond, Ticklenaked Pond, Osmore Pond, and Noyes Pond. Cycling through this area offers views of these water bodies and the high-quality brooks and streams that feed them, providing a serene backdrop for your ride.

While specific cafes and pubs directly on the routes are not detailed, the towns and villages within the Wells River region and nearby areas offer various establishments where you can refuel and relax after your ride. It's advisable to check local listings for options in Wells River, Newbury, or Groton.