Upper Valley Loop Trail

On-road bicycle route connecting Norwich, Hartford, Lebanon, and Hanover. This loop forms the central hub of the Upper Valley Trail Network.
Trail Activity
Bicycling
Length
15.30 miles, Loop
Difficulty
Moderate
Towns
Hanover (NH), Hartford (VT), Lebanon (NH), Norwich (VT)
Surface
Road, Paved
Pets
Unknown
Fees
No

Description

PLEASE NOTE: Be sure to read description below. The Upper Valley Loop Trail uses existing roads and bike lanes, some of which may not be suitable for children or beginner cyclists. The Upper Valley Trails Alliance is continuing to work with our community leaders to advocate for improved infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. 

The Upper Valley Loop Trail forms the foundation for an Upper Valley Trail network. This trail provides a 16-mile bikeable route that offers a primary transportation opportunity in the Upper Valley, connecting via public transit, trail links, and sidewalks to the many cultural, social, and economic resources located in this region.

Most of the roads that have been included as part of this route offer paved shoulders or bike lanes. Crossing of the temporary Route 4 bridge between White River Junction and West Lebanon will be a bit more congested than other portions of this route until a new bridge is in place. Likewise, a proposal to provide an off-road multi-use trail parallel to Mount Support Road in Lebanon will make that trail section more enjoyable and safer.

As with some of our nation’s famous multi-state trails, many sections of the loop trail needed to be initially located along or near road corridors but in time, improvements will be made to provide for your preferred trail setting from walking and nature exploring to multi-modal trails for commuters, athletes, and more. Currently two great off-road options that parallel portions of the bikeable loop are:

  • Wilder Multi-use trail in Hartford which provides for walking, strollers, wheelchair accessibility, and bicycle use
  • Hazen Trail walking path located between I-91 and the Connecticut River in Norwich and Hartford

In Lebanon, the Mascoma Street section may have a great alternative in the way of the Mascoma River Greenway which is likely to extend the Northern Rail Trail to Glen Road at the Miracle Mile (Route 4) in the coming years.

The specific route alignment between Mount Support Road at Lahaye Drive in Lebanon, and Route 120 at DHMC North Access Road is currently being finalized and is therefore unsigned. The use of a wide paved shoulder along Route 120 can be used to complete the loop for those people comfortable with the higher automobile speeds and traffic volume on Route 120 - that section is signed as a State Bike Route. The Trails Alliance is currently working with DHMC to consider safer options.

Hanover has a suggested east route as well as a suggested west route. 

This multi-community Loop Trail effort has resulted in a green and white standardized Upper Valley Trails "LOOP" sign that guides riders along the route.

Other Information

Over ten years ago, in 1999, the founders of the Upper Valley Trails Alliance realized the importance of trails to our cities, towns and villages. Trails for education and recreation, pathways for health improvement, safe routes to school, alternative commuting corridors, and places for community building, “Solace in Nature,” and athletics.  

The concept of a trail network that would include an Upper Valley Loop Trail was conceived at that first meeting and over the years many trail alignment studies have been completed. The vision called for a central trail hub or corridor that would connect Hanover and Lebanon, NH with Norwich and Hartford, VT, with spokes or threads traveling to other communities, Park and Rides, and conservation lands.

Special thanks to the many hours that Steering Committee members, town and city officials, and volunteers have offered to make this trail possible.

Trail Manager

Visit Upper Valley Trails Alliance online for more information or contact:

Upper Valley Trails Alliance

Upper Valley Trails Alliance
PO Box 1215
Norwich, VT 05055
Phone: (802) 649-9075
info@uvtrails.org
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know your limits – it’s okay to turn back. Your home is the ultimate destination, not the summit.
Legend
Hide All

Trailhead Information

Use Trail Finder map to identify various options to reach the loop.

Consider the use of public transit bike carriers or Park and Ride facilities (Huntley Meadow in Norwich or Route 5 Park and Ride by Bugbee Street in Hartford) to get you near or on the loop with your bike.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures!
Hang Tight!
Nearby services are loading
No Results
No Services Found
SHARE THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Trail Finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…