Ware River Diversion Dam loop from Oakham
Ware River Diversion Dam loop from Oakham
4.7
(9244)
18,459
riders
Ware River Diversion Dam loop from Oakham
01:53
28.3km
300m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Ware River Watershed
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
6.53 km
Ware River Diversion Dam
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
6.63 km
Stone Pump House and Waterfall, Ware River Watershed
Highlight (Segment) • Waterfall
Tip by
7.23 km
Ware river
Lake
20.1 km
Cusky Pond Access
Nature Reserve
28.3 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
13.5 km
11.3 km
2.19 km
1.24 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
15.7 km
9.83 km
2.71 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (330 m)
Lowest point (180 m)
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 7 July
17°C
14°C
89 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Ware River Diversion Dam loop from Oakham is one of those touring cycling routes that offers a real mix of experiences, challenging you with varied terrain over its 17.6 miles (28.3 km). Rated moderate, this route packs in 998 feet (304 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 1 hour and 52 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option if you're looking for a ride that blends improved rail trail sections with more rugged, unpaved paths, making it best suited for cyclists with a gravel or mountain bike, or those on a touring bike who don't mind pushing through some tougher spots.
What to expect on Ware River Diversion Dam loop from Oakham
This Ware River Diversion Dam loop Oakham cycling route takes you through a landscape rich in water features and remote forest. You'll find sections of the Mass Central Rail Trail near Oakham, which have seen significant improvements, offering hard-packed surfaces with a light crushed stone topping and views of the Ware River and historical rock cuts. However, don't expect smooth sailing the whole way; other segments, particularly on the Ware River Rail-Trail, are largely unpaved and can be quite rough. Expect sandy patches, roots, puddles, and potholes, which can be tough for traditional touring bikes. The area is known for significant beaver activity, with numerous dams and swampy ponds adding to the peaceful, natural atmosphere, though some find the remote forest scenery quite subtle.
Planning your visit
As this area is part of the Ware River watershed, managed for drinking water supply, public access is regulated to protect water quality. You can enjoy cycling on designated trails from dawn to dusk. Given the varied terrain, especially the unpaved and rougher sections, a gravel bike or mountain bike will offer a much more comfortable experience than a standard touring bicycle. Be prepared for choppy transition points where the trail intersects roads, which can be tricky for some bikes.
Trail details
- Distance: 17.6 miles (28.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 998 feet (304 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 52 minutes
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