Sign up for our guided rides and explore what Ascutney Trails has to offer with local guides. We’ll have options for families, youths, beginner, intermediate, advanced and ladies-only guided rides too! Sign up is at the event only at the Ascutney Trails Association tent. Rides will go out at 9am, 10am, 1pm & 2pm all weekend. All mileage and elevation are a mapped estimate and may vary.
We have rated our rides using our Flow Rate Tech Rating. Click here to learn your Flow Rating!
Details
Green and Gravel – Beginner – Flow Rating 2-3
This is a perfect ride for the kids on our newly reopened Pine Twister trail. A shorter distance with low elevation gain, wide boardwalks, swoopy turns and dirt road options for the steeper bits make it fun for all.
3.3 miles, 387 ft elevation gain
Trailhead: AOC, Trailforks Link
Going on A Hayride – Beginner – Flow Rating 4-5
Ride the easy way out (and back) via grassy singletrack and a boardwalk through fernery. This loop covers a lot of ground through open fields, taking you to the area’s favorite trail. Your swooping ride down Hayride will leave you smiling. If you’re up for some more traditional singletrack after the first 5-ish mile loop, add another 1.5 miles (approximately) on Last Mile and Lou’s Loop.
5.7 miles, 759 ft elevation gain, Trailhead: AOC, Trailforks Link
Wind Up Glide Down – Beginner – Flow Rating 4
After a warm up on Gravelle’s Grinder, climb the meandering Wind Up for valley views as you head into the forest via Last Mile to the Utility Road and Deer Run for some lower angle singletrack. Popping out into Mile Long Field you’ll ride the iconic Hayride and finish with one last switchback climb up Home Again before traversing boardwalks back to the AOC.
4.5 miles, 539 ft elevation gain, Trailhead: AOC, Trailforks Link
Swoops and Loops – Beginner – Flow Rating 4-5
The most fun you’ll have on a novice trail. Ride the iconic Swoops and Loops trail clockwise and finish it up with a Cloudspin on the newly built trail in Weathersfield Town Forest. This ride is well-suited to families and beginners of all ages with terrain and features that help riders get comfortable: wide bridges, boardwalks and a variety of double and singletrack. One steep hill and switchback can be walked up or down, depending on the comfort of the rider. Ride it all or choose a loop, it all swoops!
6.7 miles, 497 ft elevation gain, Trailhead: State Park, Trailforks Link
Lou’s Loop – Beginner – Flow Rating 4
This loop caters for the advanced beginner, Ascutney-style. It includes some intermediate terrain that the real beginner may find challenging, yet help with progression. A rocky brook crossing, a bridge passing by a beautiful waterfall, and steep side-hill singletrack are all worth the trip, even if you feel more comfortable walking your bike on these short sections.
4.3 miles, 583 ft elevation gain, Trailhead: AOC
Field and Forest Cruising – Intermediate – Flow Rating 5-6
A moderate tour from the AOC Trail head of mostly flowy terrain on classic Ascutney singletrack. Enjoy valley views from the fields and ski slopes when not in the forest. You’ll encounter boardwalks, bridges (not too skinny) and rock gardens, and finish with downhill flow.
4.3 miles, 678 ft elevation gain, Trailhead: AOC, Trailforks Link
Forest Flow Through Paradise – Intermediate – Flow Rating 5-6
Start at the Town Forest trail head and finish back at the AOC to sample our most popular intermediate terrain on the Town Forest side. You’ll ride some of the best flow at Ascutney Trails through varied forests of hardwoods and hemlocks, including the popular Paradise Flow, Nirvana and Southern Belle.
8.2 miles, 1,158 ft elevation gain, Trailhead: Town Forest, Trailforks Link
Ascutney Iconic – Intermediate – Flow Rating 6-7
This is true Ascutney and features our signature singletrack, switchbacks, brook crossings, bridges and rock gardens. The ride ends with our new flow trail for a happy flow finish. The higher mileage and few sections of advanced trail make this more of an advanced intermediate ride, and is a great sampling of both our ski area/mountainside trails and our Town Forest network.
8.1 miles, 1,301 ft elevation gain, Trailhead: AOC, Trailforks Link
A Bit Boulder – Advanced – Flow Rating 6-7
Start at the Town Forest trailhead and finish back at the AOC for a tour of some more challenging trails. This covers a lot of intermediate-advanced terrain connecting more technical, rocky trails including Falls from Grace, Boulder Dash, Cloud 9.9 and Quarry Chase. Non-rock lovers will have some options of go-around routes, so strong intermediates are welcome.
6.2 miles, 989 ft elevation, Trailhead: Town Forest, Trailforks Link
Rock’n’Rollin – Advanced – Flow Rating 7-8
Start at the Town Forest trailhead and finish back at the AOC for an end to end tour of Ascutney Trails. A mix of tech and flow with some solid climbing, this route adds in the jumps, berms and features of Paradise Hill Flow. A very scenic ride for those looking for some technical trails.
8.6 miles, 1,249 ft elevation, Trailhead: Town Forest, Trailforks Link
Traversing the Trails – Advanced – Flow Rating 7-8
This adventure covers our most technical terrain, with flowy breaks amongst stunning scenery. Ridgeback, South Ridge Run and Jim’s Jams are for granite lovers with some steep rock roll downs and ridge-riding challenges as well as dramatic cliffs, but no drops. This is our most physically and technically challenging tour, but may be ridden at an easier pace. Once you’re back at the top of Mile Long Field, its taster’s choice on how to get back to the AOC.
9 miles (approximately to MLF), 1,529 ft elevation (approximately to MLF)
Trailhead: AOC, Trailforks Link
Flow Ratings
Flow Rate 1
You have never ridden a bike before or it’s been years since you have.
Flow Rate 2
You’ve never ridden trail but occasionally ride on dirt roads or bike paths and you work up a sweat with regularity doing other activities.
Flow Rate 3
You’ve ridden trails and are learning how to downshift properly when climbing (you know how to shift in advance of a steep pitch without any painful derailleur noises) and to brake appropriately (so you don’t go over the handlebars) on steeper descents. You’re an active person and exercise weekly.
Flow Rate 4
You’re into mountain biking and are building skills to handle rocks and roots on climbs and descents. You live an active lifestyle and exercise regularly.
Flow Rate 5
You trail ride regularly and are looking to take your mountain biking to the next level. You’re working on riding more technical features and holding speed through turns. You’re comfortable on hour-long rides and want to go farther.
Flow Rate 6
You’re ready to roll down that scary rock face and are envious of your friends who know how to do a tail whip in the bermy singletrack. You’ve got the fitness to power up the hills with energy to spare.
Flow Rate 7
You’re comfortable on all terrain, but still ride in control. Maybe you’re a little cautious on gnarly features. You’ve gotten into Strava and push to PR on climbs.
Flow Rate 8
You’re first to the top and fastest to the bottom. You’ve competed in cross country, downhill or enduro races and spend far more money than you should on bikes, gear and travel. You’ve chosen biking over relationships at some point in your past. Maybe even this weekend.