TrailLink.com (powered by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy) TrailLink.com (powered by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy)
Sugar River Trail:
New Hampshire
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
Also known as the Sugar River Recreational Trail, this picturesque 9.8-mile path stretches from Newport to Claremont along the banks of the Sugar River. Wildlife is abundant amid the secluded woodlands. Stay alert to spot deer, rabbit, beaver, raccoon, fox, wild turkey, or even an occasional moose around the next bend. The trail's surface varies from firm cinder/ballast to soft sand. Traveling west from the Newport trailhead, the first 2 miles are particularly soft. River crossings add to the Sugar River Trail's scenic allure, and covered bridge aficionados can anticipate a special bonus-two spans that once carried trains over the Sugar River: Pier Bridge (east of Chandler Station) and Wright's Bridge (named for S.K. Wright, who sold the right-of-way to the Sugar River Railroad). Both were built by the Boston & Maine Railroad and are on the National Register of Historic Places. Unlike covered bridges on New England roadways, these are much narrower and taller, with 21 feet of vertical clearance. Additionally, the trail has nearly a dozen other bridges, ranging from small wooden plank structures to steel truss bridges that span the Sugar River and its side streams. If the trail inspires you to see more of the region, finish your day by hiking, fishing, boating, camping, or just relaxing in one of two nearby state parks. The beach at Mt. Sunapee State Park is a great place for a swim after you get off of the trail, and you can take rented kayaks and canoes for a spin on Lake Sunapee. In Washington, Pillsbury State Park offers heavily wooded hiking and mountain biking trails. Seasonal camping is available in both parks. Call for reservations, fees, and hours of operation. The Sugar River Trail is one of just six rail-trails in New Hampshire that permit motorized use year-round; be prepared to share the trail with ATV users and snowmobilers. Also keep watch for equestrians.
... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Newport trailhead, take Interstate 89 to State Route 103 west. In Newport, follow State Route 10 north for a quarter mile past the town green, then turn left on Belknap Avenue. The well-marked trailhead parking lot is on the right. To reach the Claremont trailhead, follow the above directions to Newport, then follow State Route 11/103 toward Claremont. Where the highway becomes local Washington Street, look for the trailhead parking sign.
... Click to read more
Seasonal Restrictions:
None
... Click to read more
Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
ATV trail not so good for biking
By bruce gordon on June 06, 2005
The trail guide mentions the sandy condition of the first part of the trail but not the fact that it has become 6-8 inches deep as the result of Heavy atv use. We gave up after the first 2 miles as at least 10 atv's and the dust that came with them drove us from the trail. The trail is so soft in places it's like riding in sand dunes. Nice location but not good for biking.
Tough for Biking
By Shirley on October 06, 2003
"We biked on this trail on October 5, 2003. It is one of the most scenic bike paths we have been on, but at the same time one of the worst riding paths we have ever been on. It is too soft in so many place to ride a bike on. It is used very heavily by ATVs and I'm sure they loosen up the path even more. We won't go here again until there is great improvement."
Beautiful but sandy surface
By Holly Fisher on July 13, 2002
"This trail was beautiful, riding along the Sugar River. The conditions made it more difficult. It was very sandy in parts. The change from a harder surface to loose sand which continued especially from Newport to Kellyville made for a good workout."