The Windham Rail-Trail occupies a scenic stretch of abandoned rail ( Manchester and Lawrence) between Range Road (at Rockingham Rd.) in Salem and Windham Road, about 4 miles to the northwest. At Windham Road, the trail becomes the
Derry Rail Trail and continues for nearly another 4 miles.
The Windham Rail-Trail passes by farm pastures, orchards, ponds and marshes through a corridor of trees. Two notable railroad bridges are also found along the trail; one is a keystone archway built from New Hampshire granite in 1849. The trail also has stone-cut ledges—offering relief from the summer heat and sporting multi-colored ice flows during winter.
Wildlife is abundant along the trail. Watch for deer, moose, owls, turtles, herrons and beavers, as well as many species of duck and geese.
In addition to the old stone walls along the trail, you'll find a cellar hole from an 19th-century sawmill. And the Windham Depot buildings and surrounding property have been designated a historic district by the town of Windham. The depot has been restored as has a beautiful Boston and Maine caboose (C16), which you'll find here.
To reach the Windham trailhead, take Interstate 93 to Exit 3 and head west on State Route 111 toward Windham. After about 1 mile, turn right on North Lowell Road. Just beyond the Interstate underpass, bear right where North Lowell intersects with Depot Road. Park at the restored Windham Depot, about 150 yards up on the right at the caboose. NOTE: Parking is prohibited at Windham Depot (Derry Rail Trail end) from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise and is strictly enforced.
I have been using the trail since March of 2013. I Walk and ride the entire trail from Range Rd in Windham to Derry Depot and I am DISGUSTED with the lack of responsibility of the dog owners. They disregard any ownership of their dogs fecal matter and ...
This trail is 3 miles each way and doesn't have any street crossings. The path uses bridges which makes it great for families with kids.
There are plenty of places to stop and take a brake if you're new to cycling or have small children.
There is no other "Windham Rail Trail" other than the north/south paved section along the former Manchester/Lawrence Railbed. The branch referred to as the "other" non paved section (east/west) is part of the Rockingham Recreational Trail/Freemont Branch. ...