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Road cycling routes
United States
New Hampshire
Rockingham County

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The best road cycling routes in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

4.7

(27)

1,227

riders

110

rides

Road cycling routes in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge traverse a landscape characterized by diverse habitats including mud flats, salt and freshwater marshes, woodlands, and fields. The region features an undeveloped shoreline along New Hampshire's Great Bay, offering views of the water and surrounding natural areas. Routes often utilize well-paved surfaces, connecting towns and providing access to the refuge's varied ecological zones. The terrain generally includes gentle gradients with some moderate elevation changes, suitable for various fitness levels.

Best road cycling routes in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

  • The most popular road cycling route is Packer's Falls – Lamprey River bridge loop from Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a 26.2 miles (42.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 49 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers views of the Lamprey River and Great Bay.
  • Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Newmarket, Lee, and Durham loop from Adams Point, an easy 22.0 miles (35.4 km) path. This route provides picturesque views of Great Bay, meadows, and woodlands.
  • Local road cyclists also love the Downtown Portsmouth to Dover loop via Little Bay Bridge, a 33.6 miles (54.1 km) trail leading through coastal areas and connecting urban centers, often completed in about 2 hours 9 minutes.
  • Road cycling in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is defined by diverse habitats, undeveloped shoreline, and bay views, with routes often featuring well-paved surfaces. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more moderate rides.
  • The routes in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 1,100 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 18, 2026

6

riders

#1.

Packer's Falls – Lamprey River bridge loop from Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

42.1km

01:50

330m

330m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Moderate

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Hiking in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

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Tips from the Community

Keith
October 14, 2024, Riverworks Tavern

Drinks

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MPS
August 4, 2024, Downtown Portsmouth

Definitely worth a visit: museums, historic buildings, Black Heritage Trail, restaurants, shops, ...

Translated by Google

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This point is named after Alexander Scammell, a Revolutionary patriot and soldier who served six years of the war from Bunker Hill to Yorktown, ultimately succumbing to wounds sustained in 1781. It offers a stunning view of both sides of the Bellamy River.

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Adams Point Wildlife Management Area is an ideal spot for getting into nature in the Great Bay area. Shellfishing and waterfowl hunting are two of the leading recreational activities in the area, but the walking trails and beaches are also popular for hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing.

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Alex
January 31, 2024, Greenland Town Square

A quiet town square with some classic architecture to admire including the Greenland Community Congregational Church. Perfect for a rest stop off of the bike.

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Alex
January 31, 2024, Durham Point bridge

This lovely little bridge is a joy to cycle on with fantastic views of the creek below. With little trace of humans to see, it has a real feeling of remoteness whilst cycling through.

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This protected area of woodland offers many trails and paths through the forest to the Bellamy River. There is a dedicated parking area and the land is open to the public. Only certain activities are permitted within this protected area. These include: hunting, fishing, hiking and cross-country skiing.

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Natalie
January 19, 2024, Great Bay View

The calm water of Great Bay glistens through the trees as you pedal along Bay Road. It is a National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of 30 sites where freshwater and saltwater mix in an estuary that have been dedicated to research.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge?

There are over 100 road cycling routes in and around Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored 115 routes in total, with 63 considered easy, 51 moderate, and 1 difficult.

What kind of terrain and road conditions can I expect for road cycling in the Great Bay area?

Road cycling routes in the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge generally feature mostly well-paved surfaces. The terrain includes diverse habitats like mud flats, salt and freshwater marshes, woodlands, and fields, with gentle gradients and some moderate elevation changes.

Are there any family-friendly road cycling routes in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge?

Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. For instance, the Newmarket, Lee, and Durham loop from Adams Point is an easy 22.0-mile path that offers picturesque views of Great Bay, meadows, and woodlands.

What are some scenic highlights or points of interest I can see while cycling in the refuge?

The refuge offers diverse landscapes including mud flats, salt and freshwater marshes, and woodlands. You can enjoy views of Great Bay and its undeveloped shoreline. Specific points of interest include the Peverly Pond Wildlife Viewing Hut and the Boardwalk Trail at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which are great for observing the natural environment.

Can I expect to see wildlife while road cycling in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge?

Yes, the refuge is known for its abundant wildlife. It's a crucial habitat for migratory birds, including New Hampshire's largest concentration of wintering bald eagles. You might also spot osprey, common loons, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. Lucky visitors could even see beavers, river otters, or red foxes.

What is the best time of year for road cycling in the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge?

The refuge is enjoyable for cycling across multiple seasons. Spring and fall are ideal for migratory bird watching. While specific cycling conditions vary, the well-paved routes are generally accessible. Winter offers a different experience, with opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though cycling might be limited by snow and ice.

Are there any circular road cycling routes in the area?

Yes, many routes in the Great Bay area are designed as loops. For example, the Packer's Falls – Lamprey River bridge loop from Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a moderate 26.2-mile route offering views of the Lamprey River and Great Bay.

What do other road cyclists say about their experience in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge?

The road cycling routes in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 1,100 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic bay views and well-maintained surfaces.

Are there any longer, more challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?

For those seeking a longer ride, the Cochecho Falls (Cocheco Falls) – Dover, New Hampshire loop from Portsmouth International Airport is a moderate 44.3-mile route with significant elevation gain, offering a more demanding experience.

How can I access the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge by bicycle?

The refuge's main entrance is accessible by bicycle via Arboretum Drive or through Newington's Old Town Center Historic District. These access points allow cyclists to connect to the various routes within and around the refuge.

Are there any road cycling routes that connect urban centers near the refuge?

Yes, some routes connect nearby towns. The Downtown Portsmouth to Dover loop via Little Bay Bridge is a moderate 33.6-mile trail that leads through coastal areas and connects these urban centers.

What is the difficulty level of road cycling routes in Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge?

The routes cater to various fitness levels. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate rides, with a few more challenging options. The majority of routes (63 out of 115) are classified as easy, making the area accessible for many cyclists.

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