Cycling New Hampshire’s Covered Bridges

Planning a cycling adventure that combines scenic beauty, historical charm, and active exploration? The Cycling New Hampshire’s Covered Bridges tour offers just that—a two-day journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Granite State, with stops at twelve historic covered bridges. While it’s not a hardcore mountain biking expedition, it’s perfect for those with a moderate fitness level who appreciate a leisurely pace paired with incredible scenery.

One of the standout features of this tour is the inclusion of all essentials—bike rental, helmets, overnight accommodations, and support van—taking a lot of logistical stress off your shoulders. However, it’s worth noting that the tour’s maximum group size is limited to 12 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

This tour really suits travelers who love a mix of active sightseeing, local culture, and natural beauty. If you enjoy cycling at a relaxed pace while soaking in mountain vistas and historic architecture, this experience could become a highlight of your trip to New Hampshire.

Key Points

• Comprehensive package includes bike rental, helmet, lodging, and meals, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Expert guides and van support ensure safety, local insights, and flexibility throughout the tour.
• Beautiful scenery of mountains, lakes, and rivers enhances the visual appeal of every stop.
• Authentic experience with twelve historic covered bridges, each with unique charm.
• Moderate physical activity suited for travelers with an average fitness level.
• Two-day itinerary balances sightseeing, cycling, and relaxation.

The Experience: What to Expect from the Tour

This two-day outing is designed for those who want to explore New Hampshire’s charming covered bridges while enjoying the great outdoors. The tour begins in Keene, NH, with an 10:00 am meet-up, setting the tone for a day filled with scenic riding and storytelling from knowledgeable guides.

Day 1: Beginning the Bridge Tour

You’ll start by cycling through six stunning covered bridges, beginning with the Ashuelot Covered Bridge. The guides are well-versed in local history, sharing anecdotes and details about each structure’s age, architecture, and significance. Given the 5-hour ride length, expect a leisurely pace with plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings.

Riders have mentioned that the scenery is spectacular, with “amazing mountains, lakes, and rivers” framing your ride. One reviewer highlighted how the guides’ insights made the bridges come alive, transforming a simple bike ride into a fascinating history lesson. The route’s terrain is manageable, making it suitable for most moderate fitness levels, but some reviewers noted that the ride does involve some hills.

Day 2: Continuing the Exploration

Day two takes you on another 5-hour ride, this time visiting six more beautiful covered bridges, starting with the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge. This structure is particularly photogenic, spanning the Connecticut River, and is the longest covered bridge in the US. The day offers a mix of gentle climbs and flat stretches, giving you a chance to fully appreciate the rural landscape.

Throughout the ride, the scenery remains a highlight—sparkling lakes and rushing streams provide an ever-changing backdrop. The guides are praised not only for their knowledge but also for their ability to keep the group comfortable and engaged.

Logistics and Practicalities

All transportation logistics are handled for you, with the tour including bike rental, helmets, and van support. The group is capped at 12, maintaining an intimate, friendly atmosphere where everyone can ask questions and enjoy personalized attention.

The tour is priced at $489.00 per person, which covers the full two days of riding, accommodation, meals, and support. When you consider the inclusions—especially bike rental and lodging—the cost offers good value for those seeking a well-organized, all-inclusive experience.

The Highlights: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Expert Guides: The guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, sharing stories behind each bridge and offering insights into the area’s history and scenery. Multiple reviews mention the value of their local expertise, which added depth to the experience.

Scenic Beauty: From mountain vistas to lakes and rivers, the scenery along the route is consistently praised. Travelers love the way the landscape changes with the light and weather, making every stop a photo opportunity.

Historic Covered Bridges: Visiting twelve bridges gives a real sense of the area’s history. Many of these structures are over a century old, with charming architecture that transports visitors back in time.

All-Inclusive Convenience: The tour’s price includes most essentials, making planning easier. With bike and helmet provided, you can focus on enjoying rather than organizing logistics.

Support and Safety: Van support ensures safety and flexibility, allowing participants to rest or skip parts if needed. This is especially helpful for those who might tire or want a breather.

Considerations and Possible Drawbacks

While the tour offers a lot of value, some things are worth noting. The ride involves moderate physical effort, so travelers should be comfortable cycling for around 5 hours each day, including slight inclines. If you’re not used to cycling over several hours, this could be a challenge.

Weather can impact the experience significantly. Poor weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling, though the policy offers a full refund or alternative dates. It’s best scheduled during a season with stable weather, which is generally spring, summer, or early fall in New Hampshire.

Group size is limited to 12, which is great for intimacy but means spots fill quickly. Planning ahead is recommended.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for active travelers who enjoy scenic rides and want to combine physical activity with cultural interest. It’s perfect if you appreciate historic architecture and natural beauty but prefer a relaxed pace over intense cycling.

Those traveling with friends or family who want a moderate challenge and memorable scenery will find this tour both enjoyable and rewarding. It’s also suitable for first-time cyclists with some experience, given the manageable terrain and supportive environment.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This two-day tour offers a balanced mix of fitness, scenery, and storytelling, all within a well-organized framework. The inclusion of guides and van support makes it accessible and comfortable, while the focus on historic covered bridges adds an authentic touch to your experience of New Hampshire.

For travelers who love scenic routes, engaging guides, and the chance to see a series of beautiful, well-preserved bridges, this tour provides excellent value. The natural beauty and historical charm make it a memorable way to explore the state’s rural landscapes without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

If your travel style leans toward active, cultural, and scenic experiences, this bike tour is likely to become one of your favorite parts of your trip through New Hampshire.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is each day’s ride?
Each day involves approximately 5 hours of cycling, giving you time to enjoy the scenery and take breaks.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
It’s designed for travelers with a moderate fitness level, comfortable cycling for several hours, and able to handle some hills.

What’s included in the price?
The price includes bike rental, helmets, overnight lodging, two lunches, breakfast, van support, and guiding services.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins in Keene, NH, at 10:00 am and finishes back at the same meeting point after Day 2.

Do I need to bring my own bike?
No, your bike is included in the tour. You’ll ride a rental provided by the tour operator.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour depends on good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are possible up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Closer cancellations may result in partial refunds or none at all.

Is there support if I get tired?
Yes, van support is included, allowing you to rest or skip parts of the ride if needed.

How many people typically join?
The maximum group size is 12, which keeps the experience intimate and allows for personalized attention.

Are meals included?
Yes, two lunches and one breakfast are included, giving you energy for the rides and time to relax.

The Cycling New Hampshire’s Covered Bridges tour strikes a compelling balance between activity, scenery, and cultural discovery. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to see the state’s iconic structures while enjoying a leisurely cycling itinerary in a beautiful setting.