During a recent visit to the Mount Washington Valley in New Hampshire, I had the good fortune to get a guided ride of two of the area’s well-known mountain bike spots: Red Tail Trail and the Great Glen Trail System. While the two offer totally different biking experiences, I was able to appreciate each for the diversity they provide to the area.
The Mount Washington Valley is surrounded by national forest and the Northern Presidential Mountains, which gives way to stunning mountainous views. Don’t forget your camera (like I did) when you go for your ride!
All types of mountain bikers will find something to ride, as the area offers an abundance of trails—from rolling carriage roads to challenging New England singletrack. Read on for a more detailed review of Red Tail Trail and the Great Glen Trail System.
Red Tail TrailLike fast, flowy, singletrack? Then you’ll love this ride. Genuinely one of the best downhill sections I’ve ridden in New England, Red Tail Trail offers mountain bikers a screaming fast technical descent with beautiful bermed turns and picturesque panoramas to boot.
In classic New England style, rock gardens vie for your attention and keep you on your pedals the whole way down. Watch your line—as you pick up speed, some boulders can launch you into the air. Fun for some. Frightening for others. Both downhillers and cross-country riders will appreciate this ride, since Red Tail is known to leave all mountain bikers with one more thing than they started with—a smile.
Start at the Black Cap trailhead on Hurricane Mountain Road. Climb to the top of Black Cap (yes, you are going to earn this downhill!) and enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains from the top. Descend down Red Tail Trail (marked) for the thrill of a lifetime!
Great Glen TrailsLooking to explore the Mount Washington Valley by bike with the whole family? Look no further than Great Glen Trails. Mellow and smooth enough for any type of rider, Great Glen offers miles of well-marked carriage roads. Ride past bubbling brooks, vast meadows and majestic mountain views. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day pedaling at your own pace.
Feeling adventurous? Break away from the family for a short time and get dirty on some singletrack. Great Glen offers a web of singletrack within the carriage road trail system, making it easy to hop on and off short trail options. I did just that during my visit. And the challenge of the off-road trails coupled with the relaxing pace and terrain of the carriage roads provided a perfect balance.
The Great Glen Outdoor Center offers rentals for adults and children alike in 2- and 4-hour options. All bike rentals include a bike pass ($8 value) and helmet ($4 rental fee).
Where to EatThe Red Parka Steak House & Pub on Route 302 in Glen offers great post-ride grub that won’t break the bank. With a family-friendly main dining room and the “best salad bar in NH,” what’s there not to love? Go there to eat—and stay for drinks and dancing in the pub!
Looking for something a bit more lavish to cap off your day in the dirt? Treat yourself to exceptional dining at The Inn At Thorn Hill and Spa. A thoughtfully prepared, rotating seasonal menu and extensive wine list awaits. Before you leave, book a massage for the next morning. You don’t want to “shred the gnar” with knots in your back. Do you?
Where to Stay
New England is known for its charming inns—so, why not stay at one while exploring the area? During my visit to the Mount Washington Valley, I was lucky enough to spend the evening at the Inn at Ellis River. This quaint inn is steeped in history, starting out as an 1893 farmhouse along the banks of the Ellis River. Store your bike in the barn and spend time relaxing in the inn’s game room, hot tub or—my favorite—the dining area. The full gourmet country breakfast cannot be beat. (Order the brown sugar coated maple bacon!)
Where to Get Your Bike Fixed
The Red Jersey Cyclery on Route 16/302 in Intervale, New Hampshire, is two miles north of North Conway Village. Owner Carl Iacozili will be happy to get your bike back in working condition—or sell you the parts to do it yourself!
Getting There
To get to the Mount Washington Valley, follow these directions from the Boston/Rhode Island area: Take 95 North to Portsmouth, NH. In Portsmouth, take Exit #4 onto the Spaulding Turnpike/Route 16 North. Follow Route 16 North into Conway Village. At the third light in Conway Village, turn left, following Route 16 North.
From the Portland, ME, area follow these directions: Take Route 302 West, following signs for Mount Washington Valley/North Conway. Once you are in North Conway, Route 302 West and Route 16 North merge and become the White Mountain Highway.
The following airports also service the region: Portland (ME) Intl. Jetport (PWM), Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (NH) Airport (MHT) and Logan Int'l Airport (Boston) (BOS).
As is common in the industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.
