The best cycling routes in Fox State Forest

There are 3 touring cycling routes available in Fox State Forest that have been recorded and shared on komoot.

Touring cycling routes in Fox State Forest feature diverse terrain, including rolling hills and varied elevations. While many routes are primarily road-based, some segments may be unpaved and challenging, requiring appropriate equipment. The forest also has multi-use trails ranging from easy doubletrack to challenging singletrack, with some sections being rocky and root-covered.

Yes, Fox State Forest offers several challenging routes. For instance, the Goodale Hill – Sodom Hill loop from Pats Peak is a difficult 33.8-mile (54.3 km) route with significant elevation changes. Another challenging option is the Peaked Hill – Morse Hill loop from Newbury, covering 42.9 miles (68.9 km).

You can encounter various natural and historical features. Routes often offer views of the Contoocook River. The Bement Covered Bridge – Lake Massasecum loop from Henniker passes the historic Bement Covered Bridge. The forest itself is a forestry research station, allowing you to experience diverse ecosystems, including a small stand of virgin forest with old-growth remnants.

Yes, some routes incorporate gravel sections. The Deering Habitat Reserve and Contoocook River gravel loop is a difficult 19.2-mile (30.9 km) path specifically noted for its gravel segments and follows the Contoocook River.

Yes, all the touring cycling routes in Fox State Forest are designed as loops. Examples include the Bement Covered Bridge – Lake Massasecum loop from Henniker and the Deering Habitat Reserve and Contoocook River gravel loop.

While specific parking areas for each route are not detailed in the guide, Fox State Forest generally offers access points and parking for its extensive trail network. Cyclists often start from towns like Henniker or near Pats Peak, which are common starting points for the listed routes.

The best time for touring cycling in Fox State Forest is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is mild and trails are clear of snow and ice. Fall offers particularly scenic rides with vibrant foliage. Some unpaved sections may be muddy after rain or during spring thaw.

Yes, Fox State Forest is home to unique natural attractions. You can find the Black Gum Swamp, a rare New England wetland with black gum trees over 500 years old. There's also the Mud Pond Bog, a 50-acre floating bog with deep peat deposits, accessible via a boardwalk for observation of its unique plant life.

Fox State Forest is a forestry research station. The Dr. Henry I. Baldwin Forestry Education Center at the headquarters houses a museum and is used for meetings and workshops, offering an educational component to your visit. You can also observe different forest management techniques and tree species throughout the forest.

For longer rides, consider the Peaked Hill – Morse Hill loop from Newbury, which spans 42.9 miles (68.9 km). Another substantial option is the Bement Covered Bridge – Lake Massasecum loop from Henniker, covering 33.9 miles (54.5 km).