Hard Wood Mountain Adventure Big Loop
Cycling Route
Details
40.7 mi
3,511 ft
Whether you choose fatbikes, mountain bikes, or big tire road bikes this ride will leave you wishing you had rode your other bike. A pretty tame ride out to Plainfield leads to the rail bed trail. From there you will find yourself on a pretty easy flat ride all the way to Groton. So easy you will wonder why you are on a fat bike or a mountain bike. The rail trail crosses Hwy 232 and only a little further you will find the entrance to Silver Ledge Trail/Hardwood Mountain Rd. It feels steeper than it is and as you get to the top you will wonder if bringing your road bike was such a good idea. As you crest the climb and descend Hardwood Mountain Road you will come to a beaver dam crossing where you will carry your bike or soak your bottom bracket. From there it's a mix of rolling hills and gravel back to Barre. Check out the alternate shorter version if you want a ripping descent that ends in Pizza and Root Beers in Plainfield!