Cotton Valley Rail-Trail:
New Hampshire
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Description:
On the banks of Lake Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire, Wolfeboro bills itself as "America's Oldest Summer Resort." Vacationers have been escaping to this quaint village since passenger rail service began in 1872. By the early 1900s, seven train stations dotted the 12-mile corridor east to Sanbornville.

Today 6 miles of that route serve as the multiuse Cotton Valley Rail-Trail (a.k.a. Wolfeboro–Sanbornville Rail-Trail). Volunteers from an association of railway motorcar owners work with a committee of local trail enthusiasts to plan and maintain the trail, with an eye toward preserving the railroad's legacy. And in a unique rail-trail twist, sections of the trail actually run between the rails, which are still in place and visible, though you cannot see the ties.

From the trailhead at the restored train depot on Railroad Avenue, the Russell C. Chase Bridge Falls Path leads to the rail-trail proper. Be sure to pick up a copy of the trail brochure, which lists key points of interest marked along the way.

Causeways that lead across Crescent Lake, then along Lake Wentworth, are another stunning feature on this trail—at times you're surrounded by water on both sides, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. Locals use the trail for commuting to work and school, as well as for recreation and traveling between neighborhoods and the Allan H. Albee Public Beach on Lake Wentworth, where you, too, can pause to soak your feet or take a dip.

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Parking & Trail Access:
The Wolfeboro trailhead is at the restored train depot on Railroad Avenue, just west of the intersection of State Routes 109 and 28. Parking is available at the restored depot.

To reach the Fernald Station trailhead from Wolfeboro, head 3 miles north on SR 28. Turn right on SR 109. The trailhead is 0.25 mile ahead on the right side of the road; park on the left. Here, you'll find a kiosk, covered picnic table and seasonal port-a-potty.

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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Great scenic, easy ride... good for a picnic
By bike_gal in June, 2011
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.
Nice ride
By pilots48 in July, 2010
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.
Really improved.
By woodchuck in November, 2009
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.
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