The varied terrain and beautiful scenery of the Monadnock Region make it a great location to go for a walk or take up cycling. This page explores opportunities for biking and walking in the region.
Routes, Pathways, and Trails
The Monadnock Region has a pleathora of recreational Rail Trails and scenic bike routes. On the western side of the region, the Cheshire Rail Trail extends a total of 42 miles from Walpole, NH to just north of Winchendon, MA. The 20.6 mile scenic Ashuelot Rail Trail follows the South Branch of the Ashuelot River starting on Emerald Street in Keene, NH and ending in Hinsdale, NH. The trail will emerge atr the Fort Hill Branch Rail Trail which parallels the east bank of the Connecticut River to a railroad bridge across to Brattleboro, VT. On the eastern side of the region, bicyclists and walkers can travel from Rindge to Jaffrey on the Monadnock Rail Trail and visit Peterborough Common Pathway, which runs 7 miles from South Peterborough to North Hancock. Maps of local bike routes, safety information, and group ride information can be found at the NH Department of Transportation’s Bike-Pedestrian Info Center.
In the Keene area, organizations such as Pathways for Keene (PFK) and the City of Keene Bicycle / Pedestrian Path Advisory Committee, work to promote the development and use of public bicycle and pedestrian pathways in the City. PFK provides maps of the pathways through Keene and of popular cycling routes through Cheshire County.
The Green Bike Program
The Green Bike Project is a program that allows Keene State students to check out a bicycle (coated in green) for FREE. There are more than 200 bikes that the program has put into circulation for KSC’s student population. Bikes and locks can be checked out of the Keene State College Mason Library. Bike helmets are also available to borrow.
Connect with others!
Meet other cyclists in the area by joining the Monadnock Cycling Club.The club meets regularly during the week (typically starting from Keene) and is open to riders of all skill levels. Their website is a source of information about regional cycling events and group rides. To find out about group rides in the Eastern Monadnock Region call the Peterborough EMS at (603) 924-7231.
To connect with walkers in the area check out the City of Keene’s Take a Hike! website.This site contains info on the Cheshire Walkers walking club and local walking routes.
Need motivation?
Participate in Walk NH! Each person who participates chooses a goal distance for number of miles to be walked. every person who reaches their chosen goal will receive a “I Walked NH” patch and a certificate signed by Governor Maggie Hassan and First Lady Susan Lynch, MD. For more information on biking and walking programs in the state, check out the Bike-Walk Alliance of NH
Consider signing up to be a Healthy Monadnock Individual Champion. Healthy Monadnock is a community engagement initiative designed to foster and sustain a positive culture of health throughout Cheshire County and the Monadnock Region. Visit Healthy Monadnock’s website to access blog postings, resources, and articles focused on integrating walking and bicycling into your daily life.