Heritage Trail (Manchester)

New Hampshire

5 Reviews

The Heritage Trail is managed by the state of New Hampshire to provide access to recreational and historical attractions across the state. Eventually, the north-south route along the former Boston and Maine Railroad corridor will stretch more than 200 miles from Massachusetts to Canada, following the Merrimack, Pemigewasset, and Connecticut Rivers.

In Manchester, the rail-trail is open in these segments:

A 0.3-mile paved segment known as the Riverwalk offers lovely views of the Merrimack and runs through the Amoskeag Millyard District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as it was the site of the one of the world's largest textile manufacturing companies between 1831 and 1936. The promenade begins near Notre Dame Bridge, travels through Arms Park, and ends at Waumbec Mill (a historical and attractive brick building that houses commercial offices).

Farther south, a 0.6-mile section in downtown Manchester begins at the baseball stadium for New Hampshire's Fisher Cats and ends at Sundial Avenue. In Merrimack River Park, you can cross the waterway on a pedestrian bridge along the Piscataquog Trail, which parallels its namesake river for 2 miles.

Parking and Trail Access

Ample parking is available in Arms Park (between Commercial Street and the Merrimack River).

Riverside walk

October 2021 coopers.nh

Great walk along the riverside. Mostly level, flat and paved surface. Easy walking and quite quiet for a Saturday. Great day for a walk along the river.

Absolutely gorgeous views for autumn folliage! Very easy. We went up via road bikes, parking at the West Side Ice Arena. Easy to navigate, only wish is that it was longer!

October 2020 thelovelylynette

Absolutely gorgeous views for autumn folliage! Very easy. We went up via road bikes, parking at the West Side Ice Arena. Easy to navigate, only wish is that it was longer!

Commercial District

July 2020 david_weiss

This is the first trail that I have ridden that is split into two sections. The second section runs along multiple commercial buildings and is adjacent to the Merrimack river. There are many places on the second part to stop and view the river as there are many places to sit. The most interesting thing is that there was a Mulberry tree growing out of the middle of a stone wall (which is 30 feet down to the river) and which had a lot of ripe berries on it within reach. If I can figure out how to post a picture, then I will do so of the tree. Although not adjacent to rails, I would recommend this trail.

giant bees nest on the trail= call for maintainence

September 2015 morningsky

wondering how it is maintained? there is a giant bee nest? wasp didn't get close enough to know on the underside of wooden fencing. It is the size of a cantaloupe and very active. the fence has a black number beside it that says 202, don't know what refers to but if you see the mark stay to the left side of the trail.