Greeley Ponds Mountain Bike Trail

Directions:

Take exit 28 off I-93. Turn east on Rt.49 and travel around 11 miles to Waterville Valley. Turn left onto Tripoli Rd. After 1.2 miles bear right at the intersection with the ski area entrance leaving the main road to the Ski Area. For the parking area, follow signs to Camp Depot and Livermore Rd. and cross the bridge. The parking area is just beyond the bridge on the left. Ride can also be done from the other direction by taking exit 31 off I-93. Turn east onto Tripoli Rd.

General Description

The Livermore Trail and a portion of the Greeley Ponds Trail follow old logging roads. During the summer they are used by hikers, mountain bikers and families as they are popular access routes to the many trails and forest roads that branch off them at various points.

Greeley Ponds Mountain Bike Trail Description

Mileage: 3.2 miles to the first pond. (beginner first 1.5 miles / remainder advanced)

This challenging ride winds through hardwood forest and parallels the Mad River. It crosses streams over several well built bridges and offers beautiful views of the Upper Mad River Valley and surrounding mountains. Watch for wildlife as you bike to these remote ponds. The area around the Ponds is beautiful and a designated scenic area. Upper Greeley Pond, with its dark aqua-green color, is a beautiful spot, surrounded by old growth timber and towering cliffs. By contrast, Lower Greeley Pond is shallow and more typical of a beaver pond. Both ponds offer trout fishing and an enjoyable place to have a picnic lunch. No fires or camping are permitted in the Greeley Ponds Scenic Area.

Southern Portion: (Beginner)

The route follows an old logging road (Livermore Road) and shortly emerges into the Depot Camp clearing, a busy logging site in the early 1900s. Beyond the clearing turn left and head north on the Greeley Ponds Trail. This old tote road travels over a fairly level grade through mostly hardwood forest, crossing the Mad River on a wooden bridge to its north bank. There are some rough and rocky spots but nothing is too difficult on this beginning stretch. At a spur trail (Flume Trail on the right) beginners can turn around here and backtrack to complete a nice 3 mile round trip.

Northern Portion: (Intermediate, Advanced)

The story changes here for the northern portion of the trail as it becomes increasingly narrower and more technically challenging single-track with roots, rocks, mud holes, log steps, loose rock stretches and hairy, technical climbs and descents.

The trail follows the Mad River to its source, Greeley Ponds, after crossing several more streams and bridges. At the south end of Lower Greeley Pond, the trail passes a wide beach which is a nice place to stop for for a break. The ride to the upper pond is short with little elevation change.

Most people stop at the Upper Greeley Pond. The trail continues north for another 1.7 miles to the Kancamagus Highway. Advanced riders only should attempt to continue north of the Ponds. The terrain is technically demanding requiring several hike-a-bikes. After the Ponds the trail passes northwest through Mad River Notch. At about 1 mile from the notch, the trail terminates on the Kancamangus Highway after crossing a bridge over the S fork of the Mad River.

More Information

White Mountain National Forest Headquarters and Supervisor's Office
71 White Mountain Drive
Campton, NH  03223

Phone: (603) 536-6100

Forest Service Website: USFS White Mountains National Forest Office

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