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Special Features : Bikes And Fall Foliage Cycling Adventures
Best Northern New England Autumn Mountain Bike Trails
©September 2007 Barbara & Peter Lynn
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Cool cycling tips. Get ready for biking in the autumn months. Winter cycling tips
Autumn Mountain Biking Trails In Vermont
 One of the prettiest times to bike in Vermont is during the fall when the reds, oranges and golds cascade down the mountains, roll over the hills and spread through the valleys to meander along the rivers and streams.
The Green Mountain National Forest and surrounding areas offer lots of unpaved terrain for mountain biking including brilliant fall scenery along with single track, old logging roads, dirt roads, and multi-use trails. The Leicester Hollow, Silver Lake and Minnie Baker Trails are designated mountain bike trails, that when combined with unpaved forest service roads, will take you on a 16 mile loop through the spectacular fall color of the Moosalamoo recreation area (late September-early October).
The trail network at Groton State Forest (pictured right) in the Northeast Kingdom, which includes the Montpelier & Wells Rail Trail, is a great place to experience the fall season on a mountain bike. There are six state parks within the forest hosting year round recreation facilities.
Vermont is the covered bridge capital of Northern New England. Try the Northfield Covered Bridge Bike Tour, the Montgomery Covered Bridges Trail , or the Lakes Region Bike Tour during the fall foliage season to enjoy the covered bridges and quiet backroads cycling amidst the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows of Vermont's wooded hillsides in autumn. See more Covered Bridge Trails.
The Stowe Recreation Trail begins in Stowe Village and winds through forests and meadows, crossing the West Branch River 11 times on arched wooden bridges. Bring your camera.
Near Montpelior, Vermont, the Berlin Pond Loop Ride is ex ceptionally lovely this time of year and The Island Line Burlington Waterfront Bike Path offers fantastic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains.
Foliage season usually begins during early or mid-September and extends into late October. By mid-September full color begins to appear across the north, moving progressively south during October.
For a general preview of a typical foliage color progression through the season, check the twice weekly foliage reports and foliage forecaster at the website for the Vermont Department of Tourism.
Autumn Mountain Biking Trails In New Hampshire
 Few places on earth have New Hampshire's unique combination of fall weather, the variety of tree species and the rugged terrain that makes leaf viewing so spectacular. Each September and October people from all over the world come to New Hampshire to see the fall foliage.
Autumn in the White Mountains (pictured right) is dazzling!. The Cherry Mountain Loop Trail, Tripoli Road and Livermore Road, in the heart of the White Mountains won't disappoint you. Also, try the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail west of the White Mountain National Forest between Woodsville and Littleton (late September-mid October).
Lake Winnipesaukee located in the center of New Hampshire's Lakes Region is surrounded by three mountain ranges and dotted with 365 islands. The contrast of flaming red maples against the cobalt blue lake is why many consider this a premier fall foliage destination. The Wolfeboro / Sanbornville Recreational Trail meanders across three lakes via causeways, many trestles and winds through the scenic woods and fields.
Bear Brook and Pawtuckaway State Parks in southern New Hampshire provide the combination of a good mountain biking trail network and leaf viewing opportunities (early-mid October).
From the end of September through the first week in October, you can usually expect peak color in the far northern part of the state, while it can be anticipated in the southern part of the state from the first week in October to mid-month.
For New Hampshire Online Fall Foliage Reports
Autumn Mountain Biking Trails In Maine
 With the crisp air of autumn comes the chance to experience a quintessential fall weekend in Maine by bike. You will be amazed at the glorious colors on display across the state. From quiet coastal villages to scenic mountain passes, Maine offers a variety of settings for cycling amdist nature's brilliant show. Leave a little time for apple picking, a glass of cider fresh from the press, antiquing, festivals and other fall outdoor activities.
Locals have long considered September and October to be the best months of the year on Mount Desert Island and in Acadia National Park. Early fall is a beautiful time for biking the 45 miles of restored carriage roads. The big crowds of summer have gone and all facilities are still open. The days are usually sunny and warm, while evenings can be cool, forecasting the coming change of the season. Camden Hills State Park also provides spectacular views of fall foliage from the auto road to the top of Mt. Battie (pictured right), as well as from the mountain slopes of the multi-use trail. (early-mid October).
During the fall migration period, biking and birdwatching (not simultaneously) is in order as thousands of birds of prey fill the sky and can be viewed from the summit of Mt. Agamenticus. Use caution as trail obstacles are hard to see under the fallen leaves.
A region known for its outstanding outdoor recreation, the Upper Kennebec and Moose River Valleys offers mountain biking, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and unmatched fall foliage viewing. Make Jackman, the “Switzerland of Maine”, your hub with its miles of old logging roads and snowmobile trails open to mountain bikers. Among the rides are the Attean Township Ride, Heald Stream Loop, Rancourt Pond Loop and Sandy Bay Loop. The Solon to Bingham Rail Trail is an easy ride along the Kennebec River with spectacular views of the brilliantly colored mountains. (late September-mid October).
Visit Maine's Official Fall Foliage Website for Fall Foliage Updates.
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