Sugar River Trail:
New Hampshire
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Description:
Also known as the Sugar River Recreational Trail, this picturesque 9.8-mile path stretches from Newport to Claremont along the banks of the Sugar River. Wildlife is abundant amid the secluded woodlands. Stay alert to spot deer, rabbit, beaver, raccoon, fox, wild turkey, or even an occasional moose around the next bend.
The trail's surface varies from firm cinder/ballast to soft sand. Traveling west from the Newport trailhead, the first 2 miles are particularly soft.
River crossings add to the Sugar River Trail's scenic allure, and covered bridge aficionados can anticipate a special bonus-two spans that once carried trains over the Sugar River: Pier Bridge (east of Chandler Station) and Wright's Bridge (named for S.K. Wright, who sold the right-of-way to the Sugar River Railroad). Both were built by the Boston & Maine Railroad and are on the National Register of Historic Places. Unlike covered bridges on New England roadways, these are much narrower and taller, with 21 feet of vertical clearance.
Additionally, the trail has nearly a dozen other bridges, ranging from small wooden plank structures to steel truss bridges that span the Sugar River and its side streams.
If the trail inspires you to see more of the region, finish your day by hiking, fishing, boating, camping, or just relaxing in one of two nearby state parks. The beach at Mt. Sunapee State Park is a great place for a swim after you get off of the trail, and you can take rented kayaks and canoes for a spin on Lake Sunapee. In Washington, Pillsbury State Park offers heavily wooded hiking and mountain biking trails. Seasonal camping is available in both parks. Call for reservations, fees, and hours of operation.
The Sugar River Trail is one of just six rail-trails in New Hampshire that permit motorized use year-round; be prepared to share the trail with ATV users and snowmobilers. Also keep watch for equestrians.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Newport trailhead, take Interstate 89 to State Route 103 west. In Newport, follow State Route 10 north for a quarter mile past the town green, then turn left on Belknap Avenue. The well-marked trailhead parking lot is on the right.
To reach the Claremont trailhead, follow the above directions to Newport, then follow State Route 11/103 toward Claremont. Where the highway becomes local Washington Street, look for the trailhead parking sign.
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Seasonal Restrictions:
None
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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really good trail
By timothivory420 in August, 2011
My wife, 2 year old, and myself enjoyed this trail a lot . Other than some Sandy areas it is a very easy ride for mountain bikes. The bridges are very cool to ride over and see the different types. We went on a 80° day, but with plenty of shade we did not get very hot. Had a tire blow out after first covered bridge, packed a spare so no problem. Along the way we met a lot of nice people. Both ATV and bicycling. All ATV ers were very considerate to allow us to move off to side of trail when passing by. Most stopped to ask us how the trail was and if we were enjoying ourselfs. My family will be coming here again.
A waste
By in078183 in December, 2010
A beautiful trail ruined by ATVers. Very dusty when dry and the ATVs fly by you with no trail etiquette. The trail is very soft in spots too. Not a good place to walk or ride a bike. A shame.
Sugar River Trail
By youker in August, 2010
I can only recommend this trail to those Mt and Hybrid bikers who are prepared to deal with lots of soft sand. The reviews said the first 2 miles were soft sand torn up by the ATVs and Dirt Bikes, but about half of the rest of the trail was soft sand. The ATVs ignore private propeerty and love to make wheelies or what their efforts to tear up the trail are called. The stretches with firm surface were delightful and the views along the river wonderful. In the middle there is a section where the trail is very rocky for 100 yards or so and people ride on the dirt road along side the trail. The managers of this trail could learn from other trails how to improve signs at the trail heads, how to mark the mileage along the trail and how to solve the problem of soft sand tracks. The best signal for the end of the trail parking in Claremont is the sign for Old Newport Road. The small trail parking sign is easy to miss and the start of the trail in Newport is also not well marked. A contractor is re-constructing the RR covered bridges so it is good to walk thru those areas as long as the construction continues. The wonderful old mills in the town of Clarement are a sight to see after your bike trip. Youker 8/26/2010
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Newport to Claremont
Counties: Sullivan
Trail Length: 9.8 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Ballast, Cinder, Sand
Trail Activities: ATV, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Snowmobiling, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016520

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other New England rail-trails in RTC's New England Guidebook.
Trail of the Month: September 2010