Rockingham Recreational Trail:
New Hampshire
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Description:
New Hampshire's largest city, Manchester, boasts relatively quick access to one of the state's longest rail-trails: the 26-mile Rockingham Recreational Trail (a.k.a. Portsmouth Branch). The rustic trail is rich in railroad structures, left over from a time when the extensive Boston & Maine Railroad network flourished with the growth of New England mill towns. The Rockingham Recreational Trail follows the Portsmouth Branch. Hurt by the mid-20th century decline in local manufacturing, the railroad faltered, and in 1988, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation purchased the Portsmouth Branch for conversion into a rail-trail.
The western trailhead lies just outside the Manchester city limits, right on the shore of Massabesic Lake, Manchester's public water supply. Much of the trail stretches through hardwood and conifer forests. In many places, standing water and bogs on either side of the railbed provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Bring insect repellent if you're on the trail between late spring and fall. If you're here when the snow flies, call out thanks to a passing snowmobiler: As with most trails in New Hampshire, the maintenance of this trail is taken on by local snowmobile clubs.
About 6 miles east of the trailhead, you'll encounter a narrow culvert beneath a road, with limited overhead clearance; consider dismounting and walking your bike.
In East Candia, a historical marker denotes the site of the demolished railroad depot. From this point, the trail again plunges into secluded woodland. The railbed rises above the forest floor at points, while other stretches thread through high-walled cuts blasted through New Hampshire's famous granite during the railroad's construction.
In Raymond, the local historical society has restored the train station. You can't miss the locomotive, caboose, boxcar, and work car on a siding between the trail and the station. Just beyond town, you'll cross an impressive railroad bridge and return to the wooded setting that typifies most of the route.
The Newfields railroad depot marks the trail's end.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Massabesic Lake trailhead from Manchester, take State Route 101 north and east, then take Bypass 28 south. After passing through a rotary, look for the Massabesic Lake boat launch on the left. The trailhead is at the boat launch.
To reach the trailhead in Newfields from the junction of state routes 108 and 85, head north on 108, cross the active rail line, and take the first left on Ash Swamp Road. Go to the end of the road and park at the old depot (do not park near the active rail line).
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Seasonal Restrictions:
None
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Marianna from AZ,
By mbbrokerage on September 21, 2009
Visiting NH from Arizona and found this trail about 1/2 mile from where we were staying. It was wonderful to have such a peaceful and pretty place to ride without all the traffic and the steep ups and downs of NH roads. So delighted that it was there!! Biked it both ways, but not quite all the way to Manchester. It would have been nice to have mile markers or small signs of the street names you cross so could identify where you were. Really appreciated having such a great place to bike ... used quite a bit of insect repellant as lots of bogs beside the trail. Not paved, but hard packed and well maintained!
mile markers would be nice
By jfbrown79 on September 09, 2009
Just moved to Candia, been running/mtn. biking this trail. It's beautiful and a great, accessible trail, but some mile markers would be very convenient to keep up with how far you've gone. Other than that, no complaints, but I'll echo the fact that you definitely want insect repellant in the warm months! It seems after Labor Day the mosquitos aren't so much of an issue.
Easy but long
By pilots48 on August 07, 2009
I decided that I would try to walk the entire length. I did and it took me 8 1/2 hours. It is an easy walk. Gravel all the way. Would also be a great bike ride. The trail is much improved from the 2004 post. Easily passable. One area had some water but there was a way around it. There are a few road crossings. In Raymond there is a place to eat. In Stratham there are also a places to eat.The map says it ends in Rockingham but it actually ends in New Fields. This trail has many other trails off of it in the Manchester area. Didn't meet many people once out of the Manchester area. This Rail Trail basically goes from exit 1, Rt. 101 to exit 11, Rt 101. There are no sanitary facilities along the route other than what you can find in towns along the way. There are a few signs pointing the way to some restaurants and Hannafords. The tunnels have been improved with planks placed inside for snowmobiles.
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