Winnipesaukee River Trail:
New Hampshire
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Description:
The Winnipesaukee River Trail courses along its namesake river, connecting the towns of Franklin and Tilton-Northfield. The trail passes through an unusual upside-down covered bridge—believed to be the nation's only one—listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other historic sites along the trail include mill and dams ruins, which attest to the milling history of the area.

As of August 2011, the western segment of the trail extends from Trestle View Park in downtown Franklin to parking area adjacent to NH 132/Park Street across from Elm Street (near the Hall Memorial Library on NH 132/Park Street) in Northfield. To reach the eastern segment, you have to use Main Street (US 3/SR 11/132) and pick up the trail again near where the road intersects with Grant Street and Morrison Avenue. (There is a temporary link via sidewalk but cyclists should use caution on the busy road.) Head toward the river on Morrison Avenue to find the eastern segment, which runs for about 0.6 mile to SR 140/Tilton Road. This segment of the trail is not yet paved and can be in poor condition.

The two segments will soon be linked and will include a bridge that will empty onto Granite Street in Northfield, with signs guiding you to Elm Street where you can pick up the trail toward Franklin.

If you're a railroad buff, you can visit a collection of antique rail cars in Northfield. If not, you can still pay homage to the rail line without whom this scenic rail-trail may not have been possible.

The Winnipesaukee River Trail is part of a regional trail system that will extend throughout the lakes region of New Hampshire. At the Franklin end of the trail, you can pick up the Northern Rail-Trail – Merrimack County.

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Parking & Trail Access:
Parking is available off Central Street in Franklin, just south of the river. Parking is also available in Tilton, where Park Street intesects Elm Street.
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Parking
By jvlea@aol.com in November, 2011
Is there any parking at the end of the trail at Rt 140 in Tilton, NH? New McDonald?

I have yet to find the trail anyplace else - and parking.

Could someone from the area please e-mail me as I find no contact information for this trail on the website.
jvlea@aol.com
It was "broke" - paving was the fix
By jimlzim in September, 2011
This is in response to the "If its not broke" review. Sorry to hear the paved section is causing you pains. Unfortunately, paving was necessary on the section you mentioned because the section kept washing away with every heavy rain. It was costing a lot of money to repair the section over-and-over, and paving was determined to be the best way to prevent further damage. We hope you can continue to enjoy the non-paved sections of the trail!
If it's not broke, Don't fix it
By Bonshaw in October, 2010
Why was the Trestle View Trail head PAVED?? I am heart sick about this. I am middle age and a working fool . The peace that the trial gave me was a way to rejuvenate. The Paved surface is hard on my feet and knees and causes back spasms. A new parking lot and foot bridge over the river would have been an improvment.
I know there are others that agree.

I hope there is not more blacktop in the future on this beautiful, natural resource.
With sadness, Bonnie Laughy
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