Sawyer River Trail:
New Hampshire
Trail Map
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Description:
The Sawyer River Trail offers a memorable 7.5-mile journey through a pristine mountain valley. Following the old Sawyer River Railroad logging line, the trail is popular with mountain bikers and hikers for its combination of challenging single-track and dirt road sections.
There are a number of ways to attack the trail. The southern half of the 7.5-mile corridor, off the Kancamagus Hwy., is single-track. The northern half, near US Route 302, shares the corridor with Sawyer River Road, a quiet dirt road that closes in winter.
At its junction with US 302, Sawyer River Road ascends steadily at a manageable grade for 4 miles, following the Sawyer River. On your left at the start, watch for the abandoned sawmill village of Livermore, once-thriving hub of the Sawyer River Railroad.
The single-track section of the trail begins shortly after the metal Forest Service gate at the end of Sawyer River Road. If you're looking for a shorter, less-challenging trip, you can drive to this point of the trail and park in the parking area located nearby. Beyond the gate, turn left at the fork and follow signs toward Meadow Brook. The trailhead will be on the right, around the bend.
The trail mostly sticks to the old railroad grade, detouring only to bypass sections flooded by beaver dams. While a generally flat grade affords hikers an easy walk through this stunning valley, the trail still provides cyclists some technical challenges. Watch for old train ties still in place, bridge supports for wooden railroad bridges, and other hints to the corridor's past.
Approaching the trail's end, you must cross the Swift River. There is no bridge, but boulders in the usually shallow river facilitate crossing. Use caution, particularly in the spring or after heavy rains, as high water can make the crossing difficult and dangerous. This is a great spot for lunch, however, and one of the best swimming holes around.
Beyond the river, you'll soon reach the Kancamagus Hwy. trailhead.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the northern trailhead, take Interstate 93 to Exit 35 and follow US Route 3 north to its junction with US Route 302. Take US 302 east through Crawford Notch. Sawyer River Road is on the right about 3 miles before the town of Bartlett. If you reach the Fourth Iron Tentsite, on your left, you've just missed the turn for Sawyer River Road. Park by the gate along US 302 or at pullouts farther up Sawyer River Road.
To reach the Kancamagus Hwy./Route 112 trailhead, take I-93 to Exit 32 to Lincoln and follow Route 112 east. Just beyond Kancamagus Pass, watch for a trailhead sign on the left. Park at the trailhead or along the road.
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