This trail is approximately 6.5 miles one-way from downtown Wolfeboro to the intersection of Cotton Valley Road and Cotton Mountain Road. There, the rails continue, but they are not filled with fine gravel as is the case with other parts of the trail - they have the original ties and rock, with (as of June 2011) a lot of vegetation growing up through the ties. I wouldn't suggest trying to bike that area, although a mountain bike might be able to make it.

Even on a warm and sunny Saturday morning in late June, there was plenty of parking in the Wolfeboro municipal lot which is a bit behind the old train depot. Along the route, the trail alternates between being hard-packed fine gravel running next to the old rails, and hard-packed fine gravel between the old rails. At each point where you need to switch, there is a wooden platform between and flush with the metal rails, making it pretty easy. (At one point I chose to switch over before the wooden area, hit the rail at the wrong angle and almost fell but I caught myself - use the wooden area.) The trail is scenic and goes over some bridges, along a filled-in area of a lake, and through the woods. At one point you go past a public beach on Lake Wentworth - the next time we ride this will bring a picnic lunch and stop at the beach on our way back. The only drawback I saw was that the trail between rails is pretty narrow and if you have another cyclist coming in the opposite direction, it's a tight squeeze. The trail seemed to be used but not heavily so, making our ride enjoyable with a secluded feel. We saw other cyclists here and there, and some walkers along areas closer to Wolfeboro.

This trail is a very picturesque ride. It is a 6.8 mile ride from the old Wolfboro train station to the intersection of Cotton valley rd. and Cotton Mtn. Rd.. Don't know why some of the trail is between the rails and some of the trail is next to them. Still, it is a great ride.

The section from Fernald Station to Cotton Valley is really a dream to ride now. Horse activity is gone and it is a real ride through a wild area with very little traffic. Elevation gain from Fernald to Cotton Valley is very gentle and the ride back is a dream. Bring your binocs because there are a couple of areas that are great for bird watching. Can't wait to see the rest of the trail get done all the way to Route 16.

Extensive work by the Cotton Valley Railroad Club on the 3 miles of new trail have now really made it a great ride. The trail goes by a beaver pond with great views and bird watching. The total elevation gain is about 110 feet from Fernald Station and it is a real easy ride on the return trip. Horse activity seems to have subsided. The trail also passes through some interesting tornado damage from 2008. The rails are left in place and in some places, where you ride between the rails, it is a little tight if bikers are coming the other way.

This additional, recently finished section of the trail is great except for the rough surface created by horses. It may be great for hiking but the vibration on bike riding is less than fun.

I rode this trail again over the weekend. I'm very impressed with the additional 3 miles that have been completed. It's an easy trail to follow. I definitely will be back!

TRAC as completed an additional 3.5 miles from the Rt 109 trailhead to the Cotton Valley Siding.

New section is open for use, but there is expected to be a grand opening ribbon cutting sometime this summer.



Ian MacMillan
Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club
Member- Board of Directors

"This trail is only accessible by bike for 4 miles on the Wolfeboro side. This is very scenic, beautiful, easy trail.
The Sanbornville end of the trail is only completed for 1 mile."

"Beautiful trail crossing 2 causeways and very scenic.
From Wolfeboro, first 3 1/2 miles finished in stone dust and gravel all of which is wheelchair accessible. The first 1/2 mile is Russell Chase Trail, the remainder recently named Cotton Valley Trail. Another 3+ miles expected to be built 2003-04"

"The mile from Wolfeboro to Wolfeboro Falls is excellent- smooth, hard, clear, an excellent path for any mode. From Wolfeboro Falls to Sanbornville (most of the trail length) it is an abandoned rail bed with rails in place. Our hybrid bikes (and their riders) were not up to the challenge. A very narrow, not well cleared path on one side of the rails is all that is available for biking.
This would be OK for hiking on the rails. Someone (snowmobile club?) keeps the brush at bay so it is passable for hiking."