Derry Rail Trail:
New Hampshire
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Description:
Stretching 3 miles north from Windham through woodlands to Derry, the Derry Rail Trail runs on the same former rail bed network on which the Rockingham Recreational Trail is built. This section of trail, which extends from the Windham Rail Trail, begins 600 feet north of the restored Windham Depot. The trail passes through deciduous woods, wetlands and swamps. Beaver activity is responsible for some of the wetlands, and you might spot a beaver lodge or perhaps a beaver at work on a dam.

Near its midpoint, the trail passes beneath a road through a narrow culvert with low overhead clearance; cyclists may want to dismount and walk through. To avoid the culvert altogether, follow the well-worn path up to the road and carefully cross to the other side to pick up the rail-trail.

The town of Derry has two of America's oldest private schools: Pinkerton Academy, founded in 1814 and still operating, and the defunct 1824 Adams Female Seminary. Another claim to fame: Astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American in space, was born and raised in Derry. A restored train depot now houses a restaurant with outdoor seating. Consider pausing for a break here or at one of Derry's other eateries.

Back on the trail, you'll soon cross State Route 102. Here, the trail temporarily leaves the old rail bed on a pathway marked by red brick pavers. North of town, Hood Park signals the trail's end, though the right-of-way continues several hundred feet beyond Hood Park before it dead-ends at a residential complex.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the trailhead in Windham, take Interstate 93 to Exit 3 and head west on State Route 111 toward Windham. After about 1 mile, turn right on North Lowell Road. Just beyond the Interstate underpass, North Lowell intersects with Windham Depot Road; bear right. Park at the restored Windham Depot, about 150 yards up on the right. NOTE: Parking is prohibited at Windham Depot from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise and is strictly enforced.

To reach the Hood Park trailhead in Derry, take I-93 to Exit 4 and head east on State Route 102. In town, turn left on Manning Street, which ends at the Hood Park trailhead. Parking is available.

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NEW TRAIL SECTION OPEN!!
By mconnors67 in November, 2011
Derry Rail Trail Alliance is happy to announce that construction is complete on the section of trail between Bowers Road and Windham Depot! This is the long awaited connection between the Derry Rail Trail and the Windham Rail Trail! Check out our Facebook Page

http://www.facebook.com/railstotrails#!/DerryRailTrailAlliance

and our website www.derryrailtrail.og for all the details!!!
Construction has begun on Phase 2
By mconnors67 in September, 2011
Construction began teh week of Sept 19th on the final 2 miles of trail connecting the existing sections of Derry Rail Trail to the Windham Rail Trail. By Spring there will be 8 miles of paved Rail Trail to enjoy - from Hood Park in Downtown Derry all the way to Roulston Road in Windham!

Additionally, the Derry Rail Trail connects to the 4 mile "Derry Bike Loop Path" at Hood Park. This trail connects many of the major schools and parks around Derry.

Also, an additional mile or so of unpaved Rail Trail - including the "Rail Tail Overpass" is available to the South of Roulston Road in Windham and down to the Salem NH Town line. This section is due to be paved in the coming year or so.

Plans are also underway to continue trail construction from Derry's Hood Park North to Londonderry and on to Manchester where the trial will connect with the many hub and spoke trials being developed by Manchester Moves.

For more info checkout Derry Rail Trail Alliance website - www.derryrailtrail.org
New Interactive Google Map with Descriptions of Derry/Windham Rail Trail Available
By mconnors67 in September, 2009
Check out this link to view an interactive Google Map with descriptions of the Derry& Windham Rail Trails.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=105179405663854662451.000440283af1c4148cde9&ll=42.881562,-71.314745&spn=0.049183,0.07699&t=h&z=14

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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Windham Road to N. High Street
Counties: Rockingham
Trail Length: 3 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Snowmobiling, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6233552

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