The rail trail starts in our parking lot. Bring your bike.
Easyabout 9 min to Depot Square
Roll out of the parking lot onto the paved, mostly flat Common Pathway and follow the Contoocook River into downtown Peterborough. Lunch at the diner and ride home.
There's no bike path south toward the Pizza Barn; that shoulder is narrow.
Moderateabout 8.5 mi each waypaved then gravel
Past Prescott Hill Road the path turns to hard-packed dirt on the old railroad bed beside the Contoocook, with ponds, a boardwalk and the Brenner Bridge footbridge. The northern end narrows and can be muddy.
Add the Hancock-Greenfield covered bridge, about a mile off the trail on Forest Road.
Hilly road loop
Climb west through Dublin, one of the highest villages in New England, and drop into the brick mill village of Harrisville. Quiet roads, ponds and big views; plan for steady climbs.
Stop at the Harrisville General Store for a sandwich.
Short, very steep climb
The auto road up Pack Monadnock is a classic short climb with a big payoff at the fire tower.
Check the park's road hours and fees before you go.
Easygravel and dirt
Wide trails and quiet roads around the lake, good for an easy family spin.
