This ride is adapted from SingleTracks Magazine.
Location
Route 28 Allenstown, NH
603-485-9874
Difficulty-- Easy :35%, Moderate :35%, Difficult :25%, Caution :5%
Bear Brook State Park consists of nearly 10,000 acres and is the largest developed state park in NH. Amenities include swimming, camping, fishing and group picnic areas. It's 40 miles of trails accommodate biking, hiking, horse back riding and include x-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. The park was the site of the original town of Allenstown. In the late 1800's, the park area had been completely logged to supply the mills in the Suncook area. The population shifted to the western part of the town and in 1935, Bear Brook was selected for development as a recreational demonstration area. At that time, almost 25% of the New Hampshire population lived within a 15-mile radius. The Civilian Conservation Corps, in the mid to late 1930's, built many of the park structures you see today. As you travel the park, you will notice many remnants of the old town; stone foundations, cemeteries and dams are scattered through out.
The riding here can accommodate all abilities. Trails consist of dirt roads, double track, single track as well as numerous natural features for extra fun. This is what makes Bear Brook a great time. You can ride easy on Podunk road or push yourself to the limit on Catamount Hill.
A good intermediate ride starts from the hiker / biker parking lot. Some of the trails in this area are a lot of fun. Head over to Pitch Pine, Saltlick and Bobcat for a nice warm up Rolling double track will get the blood flowing. Continue over to Broken Boulder to step things up a bit. A little climbing never hurt anyone. Increase your output while you get those legs burning as you climb Bear Hill. Watch out for the red ant hills! On a hot day, a ride down Ferret to Bear Pond for a quick secluded swim is always refreshing. Get back in the groove with a fast trip down Hedgehog Ledge. The granite steps will gets the heart pumping. From Hayes Field, Carr Ridge brings you through the heart of the park. This rolling single track highlights what is best about the area. Natural rock features and a quick surface will test your skills. Heading back via the Bear Brook Trail takes advantage of previous trail work along the river. Nice benched trail shows what good trail work can produce. Finish your ride with a scream. Heading down Little Bear back to the parking lot, will always leave a smile on your face.
You can get a fresh copy of the MAP of Bear Brook's trails at Park Headquarters.
State of NH Bear Brook Website.
- Local NEMBA Chapters and Shops.
- Southern NH NEMBA Exeter Cycles Naults Cyclery Revolution Cyclery Goodale's Bike Shop
- Directions
- From I-93:
Exit 9N onto Route 3/28 North and follow signs to Bear Brook State Park.
From I-95:
Route 4 West to Route 28 South and follow signs to Bear Brook State Park.
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