We LOVE this trail but were disapointed this afternoon to find out that the trail is closed less then half a mile in due to construction. We were told by some other walkers that it looks like they are cutting through the tail to build a development. I assume that there will be a bridge or something after they are done so that the trail will still be usable. Hope it doesnt take too long! We love to bike this trail.

This review was submitted in Sept of 2010.
The Windham Rail Trail is a bittersweet expierience for most roadbike enthusiast. The scenery is absolutely beautiful but trail etiquette is non-existent. I've been riding the trail all summer and on more occasions than I can count I've almost been injured because people walking the trail are absolutely clueless. Most have zero comprehension of the command "on your left!" Most walkers when hearing those words actually move INTO your right of way. There are people who walk their dogs on 20ft leashes, parents with kids on bikes with training-wheels taking up the entire roadway, senior citizens walking on the wrong side of the trail. I've come to the conclusion that unlike many of the rail trails I've ridden on the locals in Windham simply think this is their nature trail and the rest of the world can kiss their butt. It’s made me realize how spoiled rotten I've become riding the Minuteman Trail in Bedford, MA. You can ride that trail 7-days a week and never once put you or your bike in a dangerous situation. here it is 2011 and still it goes on...........
I have had the same experience. I recently tried riding this trail 2 times this week for a quick workout. I found
people do not have their dogs leashed, they walk on the wrong side, or walk 4 across and block the whole trail. I came a cross a mom and her child and called out on your left she moved over but left her child, I am thankful that I have good brakes or it could have been pretty bad. I have also seen Rollerblade users in center of the trail, (no problem with that) but they have headphones on so loud they could not hear anyone calling out. They have finally posted signs with the rules of the road but they do no good.
I have ridden these trails and have not had this problem Nashua River, Minuteman, Bruce Freeman, even trails in Portland Me. So what gives Windham? Rules don't apply to you? Seriously some could get hurt, is that what it is going to take to get people to obey the rules?

This is a great starter trail. I say starter because it is only 4 miles yet it is very a very beautiful and relaxing ride.

There are benches and various areas to sit and take a break. There are also many streams and ponds along the trail which helps make it a very beautiful ride. I wish I could envision the time when the train ran this route because it seems so peaceful.

The Windham Rail Trail is a bittersweet expierience for most roadbike enthusiast. The scenery is absolutely beautiful but trail etiquette is non-existent. I've been riding the trail all summer and on more occasions than I can count I've almost been injured because people walking the trail are absolutely clueless. Most have zero comprehension of the command "on your left!" Most walkers when hearing those words actually move INTO your right of way. There are people who walk their dogs on 20ft leashes, parents with kids on bikes with training-wheels taking up the entire roadway, senior citizens walking on the wrong side of the trail. I've come to the conclusion that unlike many of the rail trails I've ridden on the locals in Windham simply think this is their nature trail and the rest of the world can kiss their butt. It’s made me realize how spoiled rotten I've become riding the Minuteman Trail in Bedford, MA. You can ride that trail 7-days a week and never once put you or your bike in a dangerous situation.

Bittersweet, DSU

I rode this trail on my crossroad bike and was able to go from Route 111 in Windham to Mammoth road in Londonderry. This trail does cross the main road in Derry and goes through parts of the down town area but is well marked. The section at Hood park in Derry that had a "No trespassing" sign has been removed. At that part of the trail it is not obvious where to go but if you go straight across the grass you will come out to a road. It takes a little snooping around but you can find the trail continues on the other side of the road up a driveway to a business. I had to get off my bike as it was a steep ride down on loose gravel to get back onto the trail. . Got back on my bike and ran into a small stream. Someone had put a 2x4 across so I walked my bike across. Got back on the bike and continued. Once you go under route 93 it again looks like the trail ends but if you go straight across the grass, you will find the trail continues all the way to Mammoth Road. The trail does continue across Mammoth road but that is for another day of exploring.
On the way back I was able to avoid the stream by going onto the road that you can see from the trail in the area of the RC flying club and picked up the trail on the grassy part out of Hood park.
If you are adventurous this is a good trail.

This trail is very nice for a family trip. We took a friend and our son out on this trail and had a beautiful time in early spring. It is mostly a level ride with a few stopping points along the way to rest and just take in the wonderful scenery that nature has to offer in Southern New Hampshire.

The trail crosses over the water in a few spots and the wooded areas are just great for riding without the sun beating down on you. It is wide enough for people to walk and riders to bike without feeling congested.

The parking lot at the old depot is under construction, but there is ample parking around it out of the way of congested traffic. We will return to this trail often as it is very convenient for family trips and just a short trip from the Mass border.

This trail which starts at the intersection of Rt 28 and Range rd is an easy walk to Hood park in Derry. There is a sign on the other side of Hood park that warns of private property with no trespassing. Not sure how they plan on connecting Salem to Concord with this trail as planned. You could park at Hood Park to walk the trail back to Windham but it is not clearly marked and does take some investigating to find it. The trail goes by the Depot at Broadway, crosses Broadway to Manning to Hood Park. It is easier to start in Windham and continue to Hood and then it will all fall into place. Not all of the trail is paved but some sections are under improvement. At the beginning in Windham, do not park in the motorcycle business parking area. Round trip was approximately 13 miles.

Good Short Trail to take your kids. It is only about 4 miles. Has a dirt extension of about a mile. Well maintained, pretty easy access of the freeway. If you are looking for a nice easy ride with younger children, this is a good trail to go to.