South Manchester Rail Trail

New Hampshire

5 Reviews

View Trail Map
View Map
Print
Complete
Favorite
Send to App

Register for free!

Register for free with TrailLink today!

We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your own favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Leave reviews for trails
  • Add new and edit existing trails

South Manchester Rail Trail Facts

States: New Hampshire
Counties: Hillsborough
Length: 1.5 miles
Trail end points: South Beech St and Perimeter Rd (Manchester)
Trail surfaces: Asphalt
Trail category: Rail-Trail
ID: 6759180

South Manchester Rail Trail Description

The South Manchester Rail Trail is a developing bike/pedestrian path that currently runs through the City of Manchester's southeast neighborhoods to the border with the Town of Londonderry. The rail-trail utilizes the Right-of-Way (ROW) of the abandoned Boston and Maine Railroad.

Currently stretching 1.5 miles between South Beech Street and Perimeter Road, the South Manchester Rail Trail is paved and 10ft wide. Heading south from South Beech Street, the rail-trail links to Precourt Park/Nutts Pond recreational area and provides access points from the local neighborhood side streets. The southern end is on Perimeter Road at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. On the other side of the airport, the Londonderry Rail Trail meanders 4.5 miles south.

This completed section of the South Manchester Rail Trail is referred to as the Nutts Pond Segment and is generally residential/wooded in nature.There are plans to extend the trail north from South Beech Street to Manchester's Heritage Trail and Riverwalk, but this section has not yet been designed. This connection would provide a link to the Piscataquog Trail, which crosses the river and stretches northeast to the Goffstown Rail Trail.

The South Manchester Rail Trail serves the surrounding communities as a safe accessible link to businesses, parks, ponds, brooks, and other amenities.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available mid-route at Precourt Park (on Driving Park Rd, off of South Willow St).

Manchester Transit (MTA) provides access to the trail via multiple bus stops along the route.

Visit the TrailLink map for all transit options and detailed directions.

South Manchester Rail Trail Reviews

Smooth paved rail trail, from start to finish. Park at Walmart, for ez access. Saw some turtles, squirrels, and big fat bunny ¿. Friendly people walking, bike riding, and an elderly lady on a mobility scooter. FUN!!!

Smooth paved rail trail, from start to finish. Park at Walmart, for ez access. Saw some turtles, squirrels, and big fat bunny ¿. Friendly people walking, bike riding, and an elderly lady on a mobility scooter. FUN!!!

Nice trail

I live in the area & have walked my dog using the section from S. Beech to Gold Street for years. A new section from Gold to Perimeter Road is finally completed as well. I can't wait to try the new section in the summer when I can ride my bike or rollerblade.

sad to see this trail turn to a homeless camp

For several years, I have taken my dogs for a walk/run on this trail. Other than being in the path of the airport, with planes flying overhead, it was a quiet and wonderful place. Wild life and beautiful flowers were very much enjoyed. The last 6 months, has made me seek other places to walk/run my dogs. There are homeless camps, trash, and graffiti everywhere. I wish this short trail were better maintained by the City

great short trail

I walked this trail before it was paved. It's always been a nice walk by nutts pond. Easy access to the shopping area of south willow street. But as the other guy said its only a portion of what it could be.

Accordion

A City Trail we need to finish

Also known as the South Manchester Rail Trail, this is the former Manchester & Lawrence Railroad bed - only part of route from downtown Manchester towards airport was ever completed. They keep talking about making it a bike path to the airport, but little progress has been made and it has become a dumping ground and Graffiti ridden path, littered with trash though concerned citizens hold annual cleanups. Extending it to Perimeter road on the south end would make it worth riding just to watch plane departures and arrivals. On the northern end, extension is blocked by Queen City Ave which is fenced on both sides. it will require a pedestrian bridge over that main thoroughfare, and then it could be completed to the former B&M Railyards where connection could be made with Manchester's River Walk, by the Fisher Cat's Ballpark, and the Piscataquog River Trail which goes across the Merrimack River on a former rail trestle, and will soon connect with the Goffstown Rail trail. This would be a great trail to complete

Nearby Trails

Go Unlimited Today!

  • FREE Account
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Post your trail reviews
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Get a free map in the app!
Register for FREE
  •  
Purchase Unlimited

Explore by City

Explore by City

Explore by Activity

Explore by Activity

Log in to your account to:

  • View trail paths on the map
  • Save trails to your account
  • Add trails, edit descriptions
  • Share photos
  • Add reviews

Log in with Google

Log in with Apple

OR

Register for free!

Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more!

Register with Google

Register with Apple

OR

Your account has been deleted.