Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in New Hampshire, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Trail is nice and flat, some soft dirt (minimal), and small rocks across bridge. Trail needs a good chain drag, roots cut back, and rake. Otherwise it’s a good dirt trail with lots of shade. Excellent for walking dogs too!
First time and loved it! I rode the entire route, starting at the south end parking lot. (42.758592, -72.471175) This trail has some unique features and the scenery is beautiful as you ride next to the river and through the woods. As a former rail, this trail has nice and gradual elevation changes and has fun bridges, which all seem to be maintained well.
At the time of my ride (end of Aug, '25) there were a couple of detours around mile 14 and 16 (heading north) but they have good (not great) detour signs listed to continue the route with a short road detour. As some folks mentioned, there are a few areas that look like they would be pretty wet during the wet season, but I had no issues with any area of the trail and never had to stop for downed trees in the way.
I rode my gravel setup (no suspension, 35mm tires) and had a blast! I'd highly recommend the trail and hope to be back for another spin soon.
We started at Walpole after searching for the trailhead parking lot finally parked our car thanks to the locals at the Irving station. We almost didn’t recognize the trail because it was grass. There were no markings and we found ourselves initially at the river at the boat launch because we didn’t realize that was the trail we were following. After backtracking, we followed the other grass trail toward Keene. Although there were portions that were dirt and gravel, the 9 mile ride that we managed to cover at 6 miles an hour with primarily grass. After an hour and a half, we realize we are only halfway to our destination of Keene and we turned back.. I recommendation would be not to start in Wall Paul, but to start and keen where the trail is paved
We went there today! What a super fast fun trail! Lots to see and do ! Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day!!!
Salem to Derry - entirely paved Awesome trail will do it again!
Started at Salem Depot and went north to Derry…awesome ride Entire path is pavement
The scenery along the Presidential Trail is varied and spectacular. The views of the Presidential Range are awesome and the Gorham end of the trail is almost as beautiful as it winds along the Moose River through a narrow valley. The trail surface is also varied and it's very bumpy in spots. I found it almost painful to complete the trail on a gravel bike, which is why I only rated it with four stars. A short-travel full-suspension mountain bike is probably ideal for this trail. This was definitely one of the most beautiful rail-trails I've ridden and I can't wait to ride it again during the autumn.
Starting at the rocket site in Warren there was heavy ATV traffic kicking up enough dust to make the bike ride less enjoyable than it would be w/o them. The section from GlenCliff to E.Haverill where ATVs are not allowed is heavily overgrown and could really use a fully groomed makeover. We ride gravel bikes not mountain bikes and bailed out onto Rt 118 partway along due to poor trail conditions. Scenic corridor with untapped potential if given some tender love and care.
Paved. Runs through Lebanon. This trail is a must if you are going to do the Northern Rail Trail.
Longest trail in State and is deservedly well rated by most. It is a consistently groomed crushed stone trail with few roots and rocks. Not many places to stop and sit which on a long ride can be helpful. Make sure to ride to the statue at the southern trail head.
Most of the trip is a rail trail of good quality. The ride through Tilton is on the road and can be tricky at one intersection. The "About this Route" provides a good description. The Tilton end of the trail by MacDonalds and Super 8 is not for trail parking. Use the address shown which is within 1 mile of the end of the trail. Franklin is a great town to visit.
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