The best part about this out-and-back race is that it takes place almost 100% on a paved bike path that is in the woods meandering through the Franconia Notch State Park. There is just a half-mile portion at the start/finish on a road. It is mostly downhill in the first half and uphill in the second half but nothing too crazy. Also, the weather can vary greatly...can be snowing at the start/finish and sunny at the halfway turnaround. Another caution is that this is a smaller (maybe 200-300 runners) fairly no frills race.