Highland Mountain Bike Park is nestled in the picturesque North East, New Hampshire offers a plethora of mountain biking trails that are sure to excite any rider. From epic bike parks to hidden gems, there’s something for everyone in this region. This summer, we’ve dedicated our time to exploring this area of the country.
When I first visited a few years ago, I had no idea what kind of riding was available here, or if there was any at all. Last summer, we got a taste of it when we visited Highland Bike Park—the mecca of bike parks, as some call it. And let me tell you, it was nothing short of amazing. But more on that later. We also had the chance to explore some rail trails and enjoy light gravel riding. So, this year, we decided to bring all our bikes to fully embrace the variety this region offers.
History
Highland Mountain, located in Newfields, New Hampshire, is often touted as America’s bike park. Just a quick 40-minute drive north of Manchester, it’s the perfect spot for some exhilarating lift laps. Highland Mountain used to be a ski hill from 1968 to 1995, boasting a 700-foot descent, one triple chairlift, and a decision not to invest in snowmaking machines. As a result, the skiing experience wasn’t ideal. However, the new owner of Highland had an encounter with mountain biking back in the early 2000s that left a lasting impression. He fell in love with the sport and wanted to bring a top-notch mountain biking facility to New Hampshire, where he calls home. Fast forward 20 years, and Highland has transformed into one of the best bike parks in the East, if not the entire country.
Bike Park Laps
Our first visit to Highland last summer involved a day of renting bikes and bringing along a friend who had never experienced the park before. We wasted no time diving right in. Starting on the green trails and gradually progressing to the blues, we began to find our comfort zone. The progression felt a bit different for us, coming from Utah, where the riding style is distinct. The rental bikes initially shook our confidence, but as we rode Fancy Feast and Cat Paw a few times, we gradually moved on to Upper and Lower Happy Hour. Glancing at the trail map, we noticed the abundance of double black trails, which appeared intimidating.
This season has been a game-changer. We’ve had the opportunity to ride at Highland multiple times, and it has significantly accelerated our skill development. Nearly all the trails are open and ready for us to shred! With the exception of Lunch Lady and the slopestyle jumps towards the bottom, we’ve tackled everything. Threshold stands out as a wild and chunky trail at the top, leading to a lower section with exhilarating berms and drops that never fail to put a smile on our faces. We’ve found ourselves favoring the lower section over the upper. Another favorite is Enchanted Forest, a technical trail that offers numerous line options. On average, we manage to complete 10-14 laps per day, each one offering a unique experience.
Drop it likes its hot
We have tried to hit every drop here that we are comfortable with. Most of this time its just a mental game when it comes to new features. While I ride within my comfort zone most of the time, pushing the limits is a good challenge. I ride within my skills but sometimes I just nope out on things and that’s okay. I like to stay safe and keep riding.
Cat’s Paw, Happy Hour, Threshold, Bone saw, NE Style, Tombstone, and the skills area. While we haven’t ridden NE style yet, (closed still) and tombstone looks intimidating. I believe these two trails have the biggest drops here from what I can tell but I could be wrong. Theres also the slop style area with a big ol drop but ill avoid that part since I know my skills can’t handle the jumps yet. So far my favorite drops have been on Bone Saw and Cat’s Paw. The latte being a blue flow trail with everything very approachable. Bone Saw is quite different though, It’s got some bigger and higher speed drops. Two of the features are at least 5-6 feet but with the steep landings and speed required they become 8-10 feet. While there are many more drops on this mountain there’s something for everyone to progress on.
Highland Pub
At the end of an adrenaline-filled day, we love stopping by the Highland Pub, especially on Thursdays when they offer happy hour from 3-6 pm. Cheaper beer and a quieter atmosphere during the week provide a relaxed way to conclude our day. Our personal favorite is the Hellion IPA. Now, I’m not typically an IPA enthusiast, but this one has a delightful orange juice kick to it that I thoroughly enjoy. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s their own brew, exclusive to the pub, and cannot be found anywhere else. Despite not being locals, we’ve become regulars at the pub. The bartender knows our names, and even the sales rep for the beer brands they stock recognizes us. He has provided us with fantastic recommendations for drinks and food all over the Northeast.
The pub also features something called the “Mug Club.” It’s a special club where you purchase a mug that is kept there throughout the season, and you can get refills of your favorite beer at the same price, but in a larger 22oz size instead of the usual 16oz (perfect for happy hour pricing too). The mug design changes every season, making it a unique collectible. However, they limit the club to just 100 members. They first offer it to past participants, and if they decline, the next person in line gets the opportunity to join. I’m currently on the waiting list, and they estimate it will take around three years before I’m called up for a spot. The club costs $100, includes a free brake bleed for your bike, and at the end of the year, the mug is yours to keep. With the extra beer per pour, you need to consume approximately 48 beers to help offset the cost. But considering how frequently we plan to ride here, it’s definitely worth joining. For now, it’s just a waiting game.
With its incredible trails, vibrant culture, and overall vibe, Highland Bike Park offers something special for everyone. If you haven’t heard of it yet, I highly recommend checking out my favorite YouTube channel, Skills with Phill. He frequents this park and rides all over New England, making it look both effortless and challenging at the same time. After watching his videos and experiencing the trails firsthand, it’s quite fascinating to compare the jumps and obstacles I conquer to what he effortlessly rides. It truly is a whole different adventure. The claim of being America’s bike park may be bold, but it’s undeniably true. Every visit here presents a fun-filled adventure that never gets old.
