Mountain Biking in Lincoln, NH: A Guide for Adventurous Adults
Mountain biking in Lincoln, NH is one of the most exciting ways to explore the heart of the White Mountains. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline on technical downhill runs or cruising scenic forest paths, the region offers terrain for every rider. With easy access to rentals, lift-served trails, and hundreds of miles of riding options, this area has become a top spot for bikers looking to mix adventure with mountain charm.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a whole season, our guide to mountain biking in Lincoln will help you navigate the best trails, find gear rentals, and make the most of your time on two wheels.
Loon Mountain Resort: A Premier Mountain Biking Destination
Loon Mountain Resort stands out as a premier destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. With over 14 miles of trails covering 1,000 vertical feet, the resort caters to riders of all skill levels. The Bike Park features a variety of trails, all clearly marked by difficulty and technicality, so riders can determine what is best suited for their skill sets.
Trail Highlights
– Mainline: A green-circle freeride trail with forgiving corners and straightaways, ideal for beginners.
– Bandit: A green-circle technical trail with sharp curves and rollers, offering a bit more challenge.
– Derailer: A blue-square trail with technical features for intermediate riders.
– Slack Action: A black-square trail for advanced riders, connected through the Highball trail.
– SteamPunk: A blue-square trail that features rock gardens and technical terrain, suitable for advanced riders.
Aside from the downhill trails, The East Ridge Trail Network offers over 6 miles of cross-country trails that meander along the scenic Pemigewasset River and ascend through the forest of lower Black Mountain. These trails are great for intermediate and advanced riders seeking a more traditional mountain biking experience.
Lift Access
The Kancamagus 8 lift provides quick and easy access to the summit, allowing riders to maximize their downhill runs.The lift is designed to accommodate bikes, making it convenient for riders to access the trails.
Rentals and Lessons
Loon Mountain Resort offers a range of bike rentals. They have downhill bikes, premium downhill bikes, kids downhill bikes, standard bikes, and e-bikes. Discover and reserve bike rentals here.
For those new to the sport or looking to improve their skills, lessons are available for all levels. Loon offers a free 30-minute lesson for beginners to teach them the fundamentals on mountain biking and tips and tricks to feel comfortable while riding. Those looking to advance their skills can book packages that include lessons, rentals, and a lift ticket. Browse lesson packages here. The bike park at Loon will open May 24th from 9am- 5pm, with varying hours until June 20th when they’ll be open Thursday- Monday.
Waterville Valley Resort: Diverse Trails in a Scenic Setting
Located approximately 30 minutes south of Lincoln, Waterville Valley Resort offers an extensive mountain biking network with over 50 miles of trails suitable for all skill levels. The resort’s Adventure Center serves as the hub for biking activities, providing rentals, trail maps, and information.
Trail Highlights
– Greeley Path: A moderate trail that winds through the forest, offering a mix of climbs and descents.
– Livermore Road: A 2.5-mile trail suitable for beginners, providing a gentle ride through scenic landscapes.
– Inner Mad River Trail: An intermediate trail that follows the Mad River, featuring technical sections and beautiful views.
– Deep Woods: A challenging trail for advanced riders, with steep climbs and technical descents.
– Lower Snows Mountain Trail: A 2.5-mile trail offering a mix of terrains, suitable for intermediate riders.
The resort also features lift-serviced downhill trails accessible via the Snow’s Mountain Chairlift, allowing riders to enjoy gravity-fed runs without the uphill climb. The trail network includes a variety of terrains, from meandering dirt roads to technical singletracks, catering to both cross-country and downhill enthusiasts.
Rentals and Services
The Waterville Valley Adventure Center offers a range of bike rentals, including mountain bikes, road bikes, fat bikes, and tandem bikes. The center also provides trail maps and information on current trail conditions. For those interested in exploring the area during winter, fat biking is available on designated trails, with rentals provided by the Adventure Center. The Adventure Center is open Monday- Friday 10am- 2pm and Saturday- Sunday from 10am- 4pm. They will be expanding their hours on June 29th to 9am- 5pm daily. Explore bike rental options here.
Other Notable Trails in Lincoln and Surrounding Areas
Lincoln Woods Trail: Located within the White Mountain National Forest, the Lincoln Woods Trail is a 9.4-mile out-and-back trail considered moderately challenging. It’s a great option for those looking to enjoy a scenic ride through dense forests and along the river. However, it’s important to note that the trail includes old railroad trestles, which may not be ideal for mountain biking.
Franconia Notch State Park Bike Path: This paved path stretches through the scenic Franconia Notch, ideal for leisurely rides. It’s suitable for all skill levels and offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is family-friendly and great for all bike types, with fun surprises around every turn.
Moore Dam Trail: Located in Littleton, NH, the Moore Dam Trail offers a 3-mile intermediate-level ride. The trail provides scenic views of the Moore Reservoir and is suitable for riders looking for a moderate challenge.
Great Glen Trails: Situated in Jackson, NH, the Great Glen Trails offer over 15 miles of intermediate-level trails. The network includes a variety of terrains, making it suitable for riders seeking diverse riding experiences.
Bike Rentals in Lincoln
Rodgers Ski and Sport is located right off of exit 32. They offer a range of biking equipment, including mountain bikes, helmets, and apparel to get you prepared and comfortable for your next biking adventure. Visit Rodgers at 5 Railroad Street Lincoln, NH.
Sport Thoma is located off of exit 33. They offer half-day and full-day bike rentals, shuttle services to the top of the Franconia Notch Bike Path, and helmet and bike locks with the rental of a bike. Rentals will be available starting May 25th, dependent on weather. Visit Sport Thoma at 371 US-3 Lincoln, NH.
White Mountain Bike Shop is located in Franconia off of exit 34C. The owner, Bobby Big Ring, has over 50+ years of biking experience and is passionate about helping others feel comfortable while riding. The shop is inclusive, providing and servicing all types of bikes while giving advice, recommendations, and trail maps to the surrounding area. Visit White Mountain Bike Shop at 1300 Easton Road Franconia, NH.
Tips for Mountain Biking in Lincoln
With stunning views, well-maintained trails, and options for every skill level, mountain biking in Lincoln offers an unmatched outdoor experience. From the rugged descents at Loon Mountain to the flowy singletrack at Waterville Valley and the peaceful paths of Franconia Notch, this region continues to grow as a biking destination for locals and visitors alike.
Don’t forget to stop by local rental shops for expert tips, gear, and trail updates and as always, ride safely and responsibly. Preserving the trails is an important factor in mountain biking, so riding during the prime biking season and remaining on designated trails will keep you on track to a safe experience.
Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to get started, it’s time to gear up, hit the trails, and experience why so many people fall in love with mountain biking in Lincoln.
