Not every biking adventure has to be a heart‑pounding downhill ride. Luckily, New Hampshire’s biking scene goes far beyond rugged singletrack. For riders who prefer a slower pace—and a better view—these picturesque paths tour the state’s colorful and diverse landscapes, where your pace is only determined by the length at which you’ll spend admiring the views along the way. So take your time, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy six of the most scenic biking trails in New Hampshire.
Cotton Valley Rail Trail, Wolfeboro - Wakefield
12 miles of scenery unfold along the Cotton Valley Rail Trail between downtown Wolfeboro and Wakefield. Bicyclists will enjoy the route’s unwavering views along decommissioned railroad tracks, but the most pleasant parts of the ride include crossing the spectacular causeways across Crescent Lake and Lake Wentworth. Suddenly the trail opens up, and riders can take in open water views on both sides of the path. If you keep your eyes peeled along the way, you might spot busy beavers in their wetland habitats, friendly deer bustling at forests’ edge, and trestle bridges on your ride.
Mine Falls Park, Nashua
Set in one of New Hampshire’s most populous cities, Mine Falls Park offers a sprawling escape into nature—where nearly 10 miles of beginner-friendly trails wind through rolling pastures, coasting along the banks of the babbling Nashua River and Mill Pond. Bikers can relax and cruise along this mostly flat trail network, crossing charming pedestrian bridges, past powerful waterfalls, and through shady sections. The Mine Falls Green Trail Loop comes highly recommended, which tours cyclists over 2 miles of wide, scenic trails for a leisurely route.
Northern Rail Trail, Boscawen – Lebanon
One of the best places to ride with a variety of scenery along the way is the Northern Rail Trail. It’s the longest rail trail in the state, reaching nearly 60-miles from Boscawen to Lebanon in the Upper Valley. The relatively flat, hard-packed trail allows for easy riding as you glide past humming farmlands, colorful meadows, and winding rivers. One of the most scenic stretches of the trail is found along the northwestern branch starting in Lebanon, where riders will cross the Mascoma River more than seven times in the first 4 miles over charming bridges.
Odiorne Point State Park, Rye
Breathe in the fresh salty air and drift along beautiful biking trails at Odiorne Point State Park. Nearly 5 miles of easy seaside trails wander the park, where you’ll pass former military fort structures and wind through seven distinct natural habitats from crowded woodlands and rocky shores to salt marshes and freshwater ponds. As you pedal your way through the park, be sure to take a break and explore the onsite Seacoast Science Center to discover more about local marine biology via touch tanks and fascinating exhibits!
Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, Whitefield
The Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge is an ideal place to ride for those seeking a true escape to nature with views to match. Scenes of still waters reflecting the Presidential mountain range unfold along the Pondicherry Rail Trail, which leads 1.5 miles to Cherry Pond and Waumbek Junction. The refuge hosts nearly 9 miles of recreation paths to explore, where leisurely trails tour riders past endless views of tranquil wetland marshes and dense forests. The average grade of the entire trail network is below 2%, so riders looking for a relaxed route will appreciate the refuge’s gentle landscapes.
Waterville Valley
Carved into the dramatic landscapes of Waterville Valley is a diverse network of biking trails, revealing quiet mountain neighborhoods and teasing babbling streams and rivers. Riders of all abilities can enjoy these scenic paths, with easy access to a variety of trails from lift-serviced downhill mountain biking trails, single track courses, and beginner-friendly routes that showcase the valley’s natural wonders. Just don’t expect to see it all in one day – which is where Waterville’s Freedom Pass vacation package comes in, bundling rentals and a recreation pass to the valley’s variety of outdoor activities with comfortable lodging to relax and recuperate at the end of each day. We call that a win-win!
