Century Rides in New Hampshire

Cycling in New Hampshire: Terrain & Route Overview

For cyclists who love steep, unapologetic mountain climbing, New Hampshire is pure nirvana. Home to the White Mountains and iconic mountain passes known as 'notches'—including Franconia, Crawford, Bear, and Pinkham Notches—century rides here routinely rack up 6,000 to 10,000 feet of punishing vertical gain. Events like the Mount Washington Century test the limits of climbing gears and leg endurance. In the Lakes Region around Lake Winnipesaukee, terrain transitions into scenic, rolling woodlands and picturesque shoreline blacktop. The riding season spans late spring to mid-October, with autumn providing jaw-dropping crimson and gold canopy displays. Quiet roads, historic covered bridges, and true alpine challenges make New Hampshire a premier New England cycling state.

Terrain Characteristics: Formidable White Mountain notches, pristine glacial lakes, and southern rolling countryside.

Riding Season & Weather: May through October.