From daring scenic sky rides to relaxing on a throwback train trip, the White Mountains region is filled with fun ways to see the sights.
Lately though, we’ve been craving a decidedly unexpected adventure. It’s a mix of lakeside biking meets railroad riding, and it’s group friendly too. Need we say more? Join us on a journey with Granite State Rail Bikes in Laconia, NH! This outpost just south of the White Mountains offers one of the most unique things to in New Hampshire: rail bike excursions. We booked a tour for a recent work outing, and can’t sing the praises enough.
What to expect? The journey itself is 5 miles and 90 minutes or riding round trip, and travels along a rail line dating back to 1848. Highlights include trestles with great views of Laconia’s historical and industrial side, plus water and woods views, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Keep reading for a glimpse of what it’s like to ride a rail bike in New Hampshire.
On our way into the historic Laconia Railroad Station to pick up our tickets, we were treated with a sneak peak of our ride for the day – four-seater rail bikes with bright yellow wheels and a basket up front to store belongings. The inside of the Granite State Rail Bikes station was just as much of a visual treat, with an arched wood ceiling, immense stone fireplace, and rounded stained glass windows transporting us to another era of travel.
Once we were checked in and received our rail bike number for the day, the friendly staff outside gave us a quick rundown on pedaling, hand signals, and braking (the latter of which is performed by the passenger in the front right seat, so plan accordingly). The seats were adjusted to accommodate our various leg lengths, and then we were off!
We made several quick, safe road crossings as a group, and then the staff generously spaced our railbikes along the tracks so we could enjoy the peacefulness of pedaling through the woods with just our small group and good conversation. With the four of us pedaling as one, only moderate effort was required to keep the bikes moving (although a few gentle inclines did offer a challenge). As we rolled along, we remarked on the natural beauty all around us: the fluttering leaves of trees in late summer, the birdsong filtering through the woods.
We took a guess at the names of wildflowers waving at us from the edge of the tracks and admired the breezy, deep blue views of Lake Winnisquam as we pedaled beside it. Did you know this gem of a lake is the 4th largest in New Hampshire? While this lake is well loved and traveled, our quieter perspective along the shore made it feel at times as though Winnisquam was all ours to enjoy.
The 2.5 miles passed by in easy appreciation. On arrival at our turnaround point, we got a real treat – private access to Winnisquam’s scenic shore. Large wood benches let the more tuckered out of our crew take a break to look out over the water, while the more adventurous of us made it down to the water’s edge for photos and waving hello to passing boaters. The Granite State Rail Bikes crew joined us in happy conversation, and it all felt like a perfect, familiar pastime.
But, as they often do, our plans for the rest of the day beckoned. We boarded our railbikes once more, vigor renewed, and retraced the tracks past water and woods to Laconia proper, basking in the beauty and endorphins along the way.
Ready to book your tour with Granite State Rail Bikes? Learn more here.
Book your tickets online ahead of time to guarantee your journey! Visit the Granite State Rail Bikes website for more information, and to learn about other offerings like the Granite State Scenic Railway (Lincoln, NH) and the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad (Laconia, Meredith, and Weirs Beach, NH).
Did you know Granite State Rail Bikes can also accommodate special trips for larger groups? Trip departure time and length of tours can be customized for your group outing, and picnic lunch trips are also available. If you are interested in a group outing, please call to book your reservation at (603) 745-2135 (for groups renting five rail bikes or more).
A few important things to note about your Granite State Rail Bikes experience: closed-toed shoes are required, and comfortable/loose fitting clothing is highly recommended. A camera, water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small bag are also great ideas (as it is easy for items to fall out of your pocket while pedaling).
