This guest post is written by Kevin Devoto, an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer.
With quaint villages, rolling hills, and the perfect rugged and paved trails, New England makes the perfect retreat for cyclists and vacationers looking for a quiet getaway to the United States. Whether you go with an organized group or plan your own bike tour, there is plenty to see and do, and if you must see the city before you go, Boston and New York City are only a short trip away. To help get you started, here are some recommended tours and trails in the New England states.
Tours of the Connecticut Countryside
Almost 90 percent of the state of Connecticut is covered by parks. There’s also forests, farms, and small villages, making it the perfect state to tour by bicycle. Bikers can easily spend a week on the state’s many trails or participate in an organized tour with the Bicycle Tour Company. Start your tour of Connecticut off with an easy ride through Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve in the city of Groton. The park has an easy four-mile loop but plenty of additional miles in side trails to explore the coastal area. Stop for a picnic lunch on the bluff to enjoy the view.
Next, leave the coast for the hills of the 4000-acre White Memorial Foundation. Create your own loop out of the 35 miles of trails that run throughout the rolling hills and offer a variety of terrain and difficulty. At times the trails require steep climbs or descents. For the last leg of your tour, head to Mansfield Hollow State Park to loop around the lake. The terrain is best for intermediate riders, as there are frequent obstacles on the trail.
Explore Coastal Maine
Mountain biking opportunities abound in Maine, and Maine is in fact considered one of the most bike-friendly states in the U.S. For an easy, coastal ride, start with the Casco Bay Route. This 35-mile route is part of the East Coast Greenway and links Portland with the town of Brunswick. Along the way you will get incredible views of the rocky coast, lighthouses and seaside camps.
Once you have gotten your feet wet along the Maine coastline, head up the 250 miles of the Atlantic Coast Route that passes through Maine. The tour is only for intermediate and experienced cyclists, but will give a great assortment of beaches, historical landmarks, mountain views and rural towns.
A Luxury Tour of New Hampshire
New Hampshire is the perfect place to enjoy a luxury biking tour with a loved one due to all of the historic inns and hotels that dot the countryside. Kick off your tour with a stay in one of the many romantic bed and breakfasts in the area before hitting the trails. You can ride in the White Mountains on the 25-mile Cherry Mountain Loop. For a steep ascent and incredible views take a sidetrack up the summit of Mount Martha. Follow with a short, but challenging, ride on the Highwater Trail. The terrain becomes quite steep with a number of stream crossings. Once you’ve gotten your fill of the mountains, hit the Northern Rail Trail for 43 miles of farmland, lakes and historic inns to stop in for the night.
Planning your route is, of course, only a part of planning your international excursion. Be sure to compare travel insurance, so you won’t be left with a hefty bill should you be injured in the bush, and make sure you have biking appropriate and romantic dinner appropriate attire.