Northern Rail Trail - Grafton County:
New Hampshire
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Description:
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Spanning the scenic Mascoma Valley of central New Hampshire, the Northern Rail-Trail stretches from Lebanon to the Concord town line. Local snowmobile clubs have decked the bridges and removed obstacles for winter use, and most of the 23.8-mile section between Lebanon and Grafton is now bikeable.
Plans are underway to build a four-season trail along the corridor in the Merrimack County towns of Danbury, Wilmot, Andover, Franklin, and Boscawen. Crews have already improved the 3.4 miles from Potter Place to Switch Road in East Andover, while improvements along an 8.3-mile section from Danbury to Potter Place are planned for 2010. Trail advocates will address Merrimack's remaining 23 trail miles as funds become available.
From Lebanon, the trail follows the Mascoma River, crossing it seven times in just the first few miles. Benches are provided at several lovely overlooks. While this stretch is easily navigable in dry weather, heavy rains drench certain sections and put others wholly underwater.
Passing beneath Interstate 89, you'll enter a wooded river valley. Mill Road provides trail access, parking, and a small picnic area with tables. Beyond Ice House Road, the road parallels Mascoma Lake. Pause at one of the lakeshore benches to take in the views.
You'll soon encounter exposed rock along a dramatic cut-a reminder of the considerable effort expended to construct this line. In 1847, native son Daniel Webster gave the keynote address in Lebanon at the railroad's grand opening.
Approaching Canaan, you'll cross a high bridge over the Indian River. Note the old depot, which has yet to be restored. Beyond town, the trail passes through two culverts. These are narrow with little headroom; cyclists should dismount and walk through.
Toward trail's end in Grafton, the general store beckons from across Route 4. This marks the last available parking on the improved section of the corridor, which ends at Zaccaria Road on the Merrimack County line.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Lebanon trailhead near the Lebanon College campus, take Interstate 89 to Exit 18 and head south on State Route 120 toward Lebanon. The trailhead is at the intersection of Taylor and Spencer streets. If the trailhead parking lot is full, street parking is available.
To reach the Grafton trailhead, take State Route 4 east into town. Trail access lies opposite the general store. Park in the dirt pullout on the trail side of the highway.
Additional trailhead parking is available along Main Street off Route 4 in Enfield and at the end of Depot Street off Route 4 in Canaan.
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Northern Rail Trail Grafton Cty
By youker on August 25, 2010
I submitted a picture of the start of theGrafton Cty part of the trail at Zaccaria Road at the eastern end which is clearly passable with a hybrid bike and where there is parking off Rt 4. I also submitted a picture to the Merrimack web site taken in the other direction at the same point where the Merrimack section of the trail is clearly grown up. There are plans to work on this section of the trail soon. Youker 8/25/2010
Northern Rail Trail - Grafton County
By youker on August 25, 2010
I did the Canaan to Lebanon 13.5 miles one way in an hour and a half on 8/24/2010 of this wonderful unpaved trail along the Mascoma River and Lake. The section from Enfield to Lebanon is more heavily used and in better condition, although the section west of Canaan was no problem for a hybrid bike. I saw a lot of road bikes on the Enfield section. The trail is level or gradually downhill from Canaan with good views of both flat and white water river from the many bridges. The section along the lake is particularly scenic. The small maps at the little kiosks at some parking areas give good mileage but the sign at the start in Lebanon near the town green is totally wrong. At Enfield there is a 20 foot dam and a very large old textile mill. The trail runs close to Rt 4 with many places to connect even though the highway is very hilly. Youker
osborn2ride
By osborn2ride on July 10, 2010
I have used this trail twice and it is one great trail. The Northern Rail group has done a great job and it is a very easy ride. It is family friendly and a cross over bike is ok.
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Along the Mascoma River in Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Lebanon to Grafton
Counties: Grafton, Merrimack
Trail Length: 23.8 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone, Grass, Dirt, Cinder, Sand
Trail Activities: Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Snowmobiling, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016493

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