Singletrack Trails
MWVTA focuses on free public trails designed for mountain biking, trail running, winter fat biking, and cross-country skiing. We work with local partners to provide and ensure the ongoing existence of a comprehensive and cohesive network of trails within the Mount Washington Valley. The trail system provides unparalleled recreational opportunities and a variety of trail use experiences for different skill levels and interests. We hope that these trails will be an amenity that will be appreciated and used by locals as well as visitors for many years to come.
The committee recently completed the “Off Road Trails Strategic Plan” which will guide our efforts over the next 10 years (Off Road Trails Plan) as we work on:
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Planning and constructing new trails
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Improving trail amenities such as trailheads and signage
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Developing a trail maintenance plan
We thank our partners, the White Mountain Chapter of New England Mountain Bike Association and Ride NoCo, who do the daily work maintaining singletrack trails and keeping them open to the public. We also thank our land owner partners for allowing these trails on their property: the Town of Conway and its Conservation Commission, the U. S. Forest Service (White Mountain National Forest), New Hampshire State Parks, Cranmore Mountain Resort, The Nature Conservancy and Upper Saco Valley Land Trust.
Local Off Road Trails
The most popular trails are located along the Valley's east and west sides and not surprisingly, they are known as the “East Side” and the “West Side.” Each of these areas has several discrete trail networks and other associated trails. There are also several other smaller trail networks distributed around and adjacent to the Valley.
In addition to the summary trail descriptions provided here, detailed information on local trails can be found at the White Mountain NEMBA site and Ride NoCo. In addition, comprehensive trail information can be found using Trailforks, a subscription based outdoors app.
East Side Trails
The Hurricane Zone is located at the north end of the East Side and consists of a variety of higher difficulty downhill trails. Whitaker Woods is located nearby and contains green trails that are heavily used by riders, hikers, and runners.
The southern half of the Eastside extends from the Puddin’ Pond property into Redstone. It includes a variety of green and blue cross-country trails with some black trails at the southern end of the Green Hills. These networks are connected by several trails including the Fisherman's Trail and the Kearsarge Brook Trail.
The West Side includes the Marshall Conservation Area, which has an extensive network of cross-country green and blue Trails. To the north is the Cedar Creek area which includes the Electric Loop and Ultimate Singletrack Networks which are comprised of beginner friendly green trails. On the flanks of the lower Moat Mountains are a series of blue and black linear trails that include the Old School Loop, Mineral Site Trail, Tent Boulder and Lower Stony Ridge.
Pine Hill Community Forest: The Summit Trail climbs and descends Pine Hill adjacent to Kennett High School and provides a home trail for the MTB team. While this is a more advanced trail, other easier trails in the area include Ravine Trail, Mineral Springs Trail and Saco River Trail.
Rogers Crossing-Thorne Pond: Rogers Crossing is located near Attitash Ski area in Barlett. Here you will find a variety of beginner friendly singletrack trails in the woods along the Saco River.
Albany Town Forest: Located in Albany along both sides of the Kancamaugus Highway, this area offers several miles of easy singletrack along the Swift River as well as a vigorous uphill trail across the highway.
Echo Lake: This area is located in Echo Lake State between the lake and Whitehorse ledge. It includes several miles of easy forested trails.
Want to Volunteer?
If you would like to volunteer to help maintain trails, check the White Mountains NEMBA and Ride NoCo Facebook and Instagram pages for Trail Work Day announcements.