Franconia Notch Bike Path and Kinsman's Notch from Woodstock Brewery, 10:00 am

Thursday, October 15th, 2015

I returned from Connecticut yesterday via Kinsman's Notch, The Kanc and Bear Notch Road. The foliage was absolutely spectacular! Every twist and turn in the roads produced another jaw dropping brilliant palette of fall color, particularly the variety of deep reds and oranges.

I decided that we should head over there to enjoy the colors at the pace of a bicycle, and the particularly slow ambling pace of a bicycle climbing the Franconia Notch Bike Path and Kinsman's Notch.

For this ride we start and finish in Woodstock, at the public parking lot behind the storefronts across from the Woodstock Brewery. Starting here cuts out some mileage, reducing the ride to only 37 scenic miles.

The route goes up the bike path via the Old Man Memorial to Echo Lake, then exits the bike path to head down Route 18 by Millersill Ski Area. The route then cuts over to the glider airport in Franconia via Wells Road. We then ride Route 116 via the tennis camp and end up on the Kanc, climb Kinsman's and cruise back to the Brewery in Woodstock.

I think the bike path is actually a more difficult climb than Kinsman's. The bike path twists and turns, goes up and down - you use every gear you have, and you shift constantly...Kinsman's starts as a very gradual steady grade with great views, then increases grade at the top near the pond. The trip back down to the brewery is a downhill-all-the-way cruise...make sure your brakes are working well!

For those that want a shorter option, just enjoy the bike path all the way to its end and then turn back and enjoy the mostly downhill cruise to the brewery, for about 28 miles. The Kinsman's Notch riders will be there eventually to join you. The sunshine might allow for one last outdoor burger and beer on the patio.

To get to the parking lot in Woodstock:  Join the Leaf Peepers and drive the amazing colors of Bear Notch Road and the Kanc to Lincoln, following the Kanc past the Route 93 interchange into Woodstock. Just as you are slowing down, after crossing the river, BEFORE approaching the traffic light in Woodstock at the Route 3 junction, there is an entrance to the public parking lot on your right. It is a big lot behind the storefronts on Route 3. If you miss this entrance, take a right into Woodstock onto Route 3 and drive about a block, looking for the parking lot entrance driveway on your right. It is BEFORE you reach the Woodstock Brewery.

Let's be ready to ride at 10:00 am. It will be chilly in the early morning, warming to the mid to high 50's with plenty of sunshine and very light breeze. Perfect.

Carpool from the Attitash parking lot (far end, away from the lifts) at 8:50 am. It is a one hour drive to Woodstock. I hope the foliage is as spectacular as it was on Tuesday! If you have a NPR or NHPR discount book, bring it for the 2-fer deal at the Brewery.

Here is a map:

http://www.mapmyride.com/us/deerfield-nh/franconia-notch-bike-path-and-kinsman-no-route-88390075