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Alton, NH Trails and Maps

467 Reviews

Looking for the best trails around Alton?

Explore the best rated trails in Alton, NH. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Stevens Rail Trail and Sugar River Trail. With more than 57 trails covering 365 miles you’re bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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Name
Length
Most Popular

Amesbury Riverwalk

1.3 mi

State: MA

Asphalt

Back Cove Trail

3.6 mi

State: ME

Asphalt

Bayside Trail

1 mi

State: ME

Asphalt

Black Pond Trail

0.8 mi

State: NH

Dirt

Bradford Rail Trail

1.3 mi

State: MA

Asphalt

Clipper City Rail Trail & Harborwalk

3.9 mi

State: MA

Asphalt, Boardwalk

Conway Branch

21 mi

State: NH

Ballast, Gravel

Cotton Valley Rail-Trail

12 mi

State: NH

Gravel

Derry Rail Trail

3.6 mi

State: NH

Asphalt

Dover Community Trail

3.8 mi

State: NH

Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt

Eastern Trail

28.9 mi

State: ME

Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Sand

Farmington Recreational Rail-Trail

6 mi

State: NH

Ballast, Cinder, Dirt, Gravel, Sand

Fore River Parkway Trail

2.6 mi

State: ME

Asphalt

Franconia Brook Trail

7.2 mi

State: NH

Ballast

Gloria Braunhardt Bike Path

1.2 mi

State: MA

Asphalt, Dirt, Grass

Goffstown Rail Trail

5.5 mi

State: NH

Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand

Granite Town Rail-Trail

3 mi

State: NH

Ballast, Cinder, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand

Guinea Pond and Flat Mountain Trails

11.5 mi

State: NH

Ballast, Dirt, Grass

Head's Pond Trail

1.75 mi

State: NH

Gravel

Heritage Trail (Manchester)

0.9 mi

State: NH

Asphalt

Accordion

Hillsborough Recreational Rail Trail

7.8 mi

State: NH

Crushed Stone, Dirt

Jay McLaren Memorial Trail

2 mi

State: MA

Dirt, Grass, Gravel

Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail

1.8 mi

State: NH

Asphalt

Lincoln Woods Trail

2.7 mi

State: NH

Ballast

Londonderry Rail Trail

3.3 mi

State: NH

Asphalt

Martin H. Burns Wildlife Management Area Trail

3.4 mi

State: MA

Dirt, Gravel, Sand

Methuen Rail Trail

2.4 mi

State: MA

Crushed Stone

Mine Falls Park

9.7 mi

State: NH

Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass

Mountain Division Trail

9.7 mi

State: ME

Asphalt, Gravel

Nanamocomuck Trail

12 mi

State: NH

Ballast

Nashua Heritage Rail-Trail

1.3 mi

State: NH

Asphalt

New Boston Rail Trail

3.9 mi

State: NH

Dirt

Northern Rail Trail

57.6 mi

State: NH

Cinder, Crushed Stone

Old Eastern Marsh Trail

1.4 mi

State: MA

Asphalt

Oliverian Brook Trail

3.5 mi

State: NH

Dirt

Peanut Trail

1.5 mi

State: NH

Cinder

Piscataquog Trail

2.1 mi

State: NH

Asphalt

Riverton Rail Trail

1.5 mi

State: ME

Concrete, Dirt, Sand

Rob Brook Trail

2 mi

State: NH

Dirt, Gravel

Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Fremont Branch)

18.3 mi

State: NH

Dirt, Sand

Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Portsmouth Branch)

28.1 mi

State: NH

Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand

Rocky Branch Trail (NH)

9 mi

State: NH

Dirt, Gravel

Roland Bergeron Bike Path

6 mi

State: NH

Asphalt

Salem Bike-Ped Corridor

1.15 mi

State: NH

Asphalt

Salisbury Beach State Reservation Trail

0.6 mi

State: MA

Crushed Stone, Grass

Salisbury Point Ghost Trail

1.8 mi

State: MA

Crushed Stone

Salisbury Rail Trail Connector

0.3 mi

State: MA

Asphalt

Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail

5.9 mi

State: ME

Gravel

Sawyer River Trail / Sawyer River Road

7.5 mi

State: NH

Ballast, Dirt, Grass, Sand

South Manchester Rail Trail

0.89 mi

State: NH

Asphalt

Stevens Rail Trail

1.3 mi

State: NH

Dirt, Gravel

Sugar River Trail

9.5 mi

State: NH

Ballast, Gravel, Sand

WOW Trail

2.7 mi

State: NH

Asphalt

Warren to East Haverhill Railroad Grade Trail

10.8 mi

State: NH

Dirt

West Foss Farm Trail

1.6 mi

State: NH

Dirt

Windham Rail Trail

4.3 mi

State: NH

Asphalt

Winnipesaukee River Trail

5.1 mi

State: NH

Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel

Trail Image	Trail Name	States	Length	Surface	Rating
	Amesbury Riverwalk The Amesbury Riverwalk (also known as the Powwow Riverwalk) carries visitors between a resurgent waterfront district on the Powwow River to a modern shopping center on the outskirts of this historical...	MA	1.3 mi	Asphalt	8 reviews
	Back Cove Trail The paved Back Cove Trail rings its namesake tidal basin and offers lovely views of the Portland skyline. You also might spot great blue herons or other birds along the tree-lined waterfront. A...	ME	3.6 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
	Bayside Trail Portland’s Bayside Trail packs a lot into its 1-mile length. The paved pathway provides a pleasant route between commercial and residential areas in the Bayside and East Bayside neighborhoods. Once an...	ME	1 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
	Black Pond Trail The Black Pond Trail itself is short but it can be linked with other trails that run through the forest in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, just northeast of Lincoln. Specifically, the Black Pond...	NH	0.8 mi	Dirt	0 reviews
	Bradford Rail Trail The Bradford Rail Trail occupies a former Pan Am rail corridor, beautifying an area that once lay strewn with garbage and weeds. The city and numerous dedicated volunteers created the mile-long path...	MA	1.3 mi	Asphalt	3 reviews
	Clipper City Rail Trail & Harborwalk The Clipper City Rail Trail is part of the Coastal Trails Coalition, which is developing in the four towns of Amesbury, Newbury, Newburyport, and Salisbury along the Merrimack River and will...	MA	3.9 mi	Asphalt, Boardwalk	5 reviews
	Conway Branch The Conway Branch trail runs for 21 miles along an old rail corridor between State Route 113 in Conway and Polly's Crossing in Ossipee. The trail is popular with snowmobiles and rail car clubs; the...	NH	21 mi	Ballast, Gravel	7 reviews
	Cotton Valley Rail-Trail The Cotton Valley Rail Trail connects the small town of Wakefield, near the Maine border, and the quintessentially quaint New England vacation town of Wolfeboro. In 2017 the towns held a...	NH	12 mi	Gravel	39 reviews
	Derry Rail Trail This exquisitely maintained trail slices through forested areas and wetlands for a wonderful experience in southern New Hampshire. The trail will eventually be part of the Granite State Rail Trail,...	NH	3.6 mi	Asphalt	21 reviews
	Dover Community Trail The Dover Community Trail snakes its way through the heart of the Garrison City—so nicknamed for the fortified log houses, or garrisons, built by 17th-century settlers—-offering a variety of trail...	NH	3.8 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt	8 reviews
	Eastern Trail The 28.9-mile Eastern Trail connects the historic towns along Maine’s southern coast from the woods near Kennebunk to South Portland’s harbor lighthouse. Nearly 22 miles of the route follows off-road...	ME	28.9 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Sand	26 reviews
	Farmington Recreational Rail-Trail The Farmington Recreational Rail-Trail runs for 6 miles between the towns of Rochester and Farmington. The trail parallels the Cocheco River and State Route 11 through a wooded corridor. The trail is...	NH	6 mi	Ballast, Cinder, Dirt, Gravel, Sand	5 reviews
	Fore River Parkway Trail Portland’s Fore River Parkway Trail provides an important transportation link in the community while at the same time offering sweeping views of the Fore River. At the north end of the trail, you’ll...	ME	2.6 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
	Franconia Brook Trail The Franconia Brook Trail runs from just north of the confluence of the east branch of the Pemigewasset River and Franconia Branch. Note that bicycling is not permitted along the route. You can...	NH	7.2 mi	Ballast	1 reviews
	Gloria Braunhardt Bike Path Although short, the scenic Gloria Braunhardt Bike Path travels through forests and pastures full of birds and wildlife. The asphalt pathway parallels the eastern side of the present-day Interstate 95...	MA	1.2 mi	Asphalt, Dirt, Grass	0 reviews
	Goffstown Rail Trail The year 2017 marks 20 years since a rails-to-trails project was first mentioned in the Goffstown Master Plan, and thanks to work by the Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail and support throughout the...	NH	5.5 mi	Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand	11 reviews
	Granite Town Rail-Trail Mile 0.0 - DPW Garage Cross the bridge in the parking area, the trail starts behind the fence, crossing over Great Brook on a old dam. Mile 0.53 - After crossing Union St. you will come to a...	NH	3 mi	Ballast, Cinder, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand	2 reviews
	Guinea Pond and Flat Mountain Trails These connecting trails follow the bed of the old Beebe River Railroad up to Flat Mountain Pond, a large, remote pool high in the Sandwich Range Wilderness. This is a great trip for advanced mountain...	NH	11.5 mi	Ballast, Dirt, Grass	2 reviews
	Head's Pond Trail The Head’s Pond Trail (formerly known as Hooksett Rail Trail) is a 1.9-mile rail-trail that visits two scenic ponds, including the eponymous Head’s Pond, in a woodsy area of Hooksett. The trail’s...	NH	1.75 mi	Gravel	4 reviews
	Heritage Trail (Manchester) The Heritage Trail is managed by the state of New Hampshire to provide access to recreational and historical attractions across the state. Eventually, the north-south route along the former Boston and...	NH	0.9 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews

Accordion

Hillsborough Recreational Rail Trail Hillsborough Recreational Rail Trail connects three communities in south-central New Hampshire: Hillsborough, Deering, and Bennington. The unpaved trail winds along the Contoocook River through rural...	NH	7.8 mi	Crushed Stone, Dirt	6 reviews
Jay McLaren Memorial Trail Nestled in the woodlands on the northern end of Merrimac in the far northeastern corner of Massachusetts, lies the beautiful Jay McLaren Memorial Trail. The town, once known as West Amesbury, had a...	MA	2 mi	Dirt, Grass, Gravel	3 reviews
Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail Lake Winnisquam is New Hampshire’s fourth largest lake, and taking the Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail is one of the best ways to experience it. Meaning “pleasant waters,” Lake Winnisquam provides...	NH	1.8 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
Lincoln Woods Trail The Lincoln Woods Trail runs for 2.6 miles along the east branch of the Pemigewasset River. You can combine the trail with other trails that run through the forest in the White Mountains of New...	NH	2.7 mi	Ballast	1 reviews
Londonderry Rail Trail The smooth paved surface of the Londonderry Rail Trail offers a pleasant, tranquil 3.3-mile adventure for trail users in south-central New Hampshire. Its route follows a corridor once used by the...	NH	3.3 mi	Asphalt	8 reviews
Martin H. Burns Wildlife Management Area Trail The rail-trail through the Martin H. Burns Wildlife Management Area begins at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail station near downtown Newburyport, a coastal...	MA	3.4 mi	Dirt, Gravel, Sand	5 reviews
Methuen Rail Trail Methuen Rail Trail connects three communities in northeastern Massachusetts as it follows the route of the former Manchester and Lawrence Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad. The rail-trail's...	MA	2.4 mi	Crushed Stone	5 reviews
Mine Falls Park Mine Falls Park in Nashua is a 300-acre-plus urban park with a network of approximately 9.7 miles of a variety of trail types. This forested park offers an extraordinary nature experience in the heart...	NH	9.7 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass	9 reviews
Mountain Division Trail The Mountain Division Trail exists as two separate segments of what will eventually be a more than 50-mile-long trail from Fryeburg to Portland. The southern section rolls for about 6 miles between...	ME	9.7 mi	Asphalt, Gravel	17 reviews
Nanamocomuck Trail The Upper and Lower Nanamocomuck Trails in White Mountain National Forest are accessible from Kancamagus Highway (SR 112) west of Conway. The trails are open for hiking in summer and cross-country...	NH	12 mi	Ballast	0 reviews
Nashua Heritage Rail-Trail The Nashua Heritage Rail Trail begins adjacent to City Hall on Main Street in downtown Nashua. It is a short trail that takes you through one of the first neighborhoods that was planned and built in...	NH	1.3 mi	Asphalt	4 reviews
New Boston Rail Trail The New Boston Rail Trail follows the former railroad corridor of the same name for 3.9 miles through densely wooded areas in the town of New Boston. The railroad was in operation from 1893 to 1931,...	NH	3.9 mi	Dirt	4 reviews
Northern Rail Trail Spanning 57.6 miles from Lebanon to Boscawen, the Northern Rail Trail is New Hampshire’s longest rail-trail conversion. Trail development began in 1996 after the state purchased the Boston and Maine...	NH	57.6 mi	Cinder, Crushed Stone	60 reviews
Old Eastern Marsh Trail The Old Eastern Marsh Trail (a.k.a the Salisbury Rail Trail) runs for 1.4 miles between the north bank of the Merrimack River and Mudnock Road in Salisbury. The beautifully landscaped trail was built...	MA	1.4 mi	Asphalt	11 reviews
Oliverian Brook Trail The Oliverian Brook Trail follows the course of Oliverian Brook through the dense forest of White Mountain National Forest. The trail, open to cross-country skiing in winter, heads toward Passaconaway...	NH	3.5 mi	Dirt	0 reviews
Peanut Trail The Peanut Trial is a distinct trail in the town of Newton that spans one-mile. This rail-trail was meant to connect to the Jay McLaren Memorial Trail. However, due to a controversial lawsuit by land...	NH	1.5 mi	Cinder	3 reviews
Piscataquog Trail The Piscataquog Trail, though only about 2 miles long, provides a vital off-road link between the communities on the western side of the Merrimack River (the West Side of Manchester) to several parks...	NH	2.1 mi	Asphalt	12 reviews
Riverton Rail Trail The scenic Riverton Rail Trail—also known as “Sandy Road” by residents of Portland’s Riverton neighborhood—follows the former corridor of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Railroad, which stopped...	ME	1.5 mi	Concrete, Dirt, Sand	1 reviews
Rob Brook Trail The Rob Brook Trail is mostly flat, following the bottomlands of its namesake creek through the White Mountains National Forest. The trail is open to mountain biking and hiking, with cross-country...	NH	2 mi	Dirt, Gravel	1 reviews
Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Fremont Branch) Crossing through wooded areas and featuring magnificent wetland vistas, the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Fremont Branch) offers an 18.3-mile trail adventure from Epping to Windham. The northern...	NH	18.3 mi	Dirt, Sand	6 reviews
Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Portsmouth Branch) The Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail brings at least two superlatives to mind: it’s one of New Hampshire’s longest rail-trails at just more than 28 miles, and it begins in Manchester, the state’s...	NH	28.1 mi	Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand	45 reviews
Rocky Branch Trail (NH) Bicycles are permitted only on the first 2.3 miles of the trail, up to the wilderness boundary (marked with signs). Hiking and cross-country skiing only are allowed past this point.	NH	9 mi	Dirt, Gravel	2 reviews
Roland Bergeron Bike Path The Roland Bergeron Bike Path runs about 6 miles alongside nearly the entirety of Albuquerque Avenue in Litchfield, NH. Completed in 2010, the 8-ft wide asphalt path averages about 5 yards in from...	NH	6 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Salem Bike-Ped Corridor When complete, the Salem Bike-Ped Corridor will run for more than 5 miles on a former Boston and Maine Railroad corridor from connections with the Windham Rail Trail (north) and Methuen Rail Trail...	NH	1.15 mi	Asphalt	3 reviews
Salisbury Beach State Reservation Trail Although less than a mile, the trail running through Salisbury Beach State Reservation offers lovely views of the beaches off the northeastern coast of Massachusetts, just a few miles south of the New...	MA	0.6 mi	Crushed Stone, Grass	0 reviews
Salisbury Point Ghost Trail Currently 1.8 miles, the Salisbury Point Ghost Trail provides a peaceful walk or bike ride through the woods on a well-maintained stone-dust trail. The route is one part of the larger Coastal Trails...	MA	1.8 mi	Crushed Stone	4 reviews
Salisbury Rail Trail Connector The Salisbury Rail Trail Connector, also known as the Gillis Rail Trail Connector, is a 0.3-mile link between two rail-trails: Salisbury's Old Eastern Marsh Trail and Newburyport's Clipper City Rail...	MA	0.3 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail The Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail (also known as Railroad Trail) traverses the woods on either side of Sanford’s scenic Springvale community in southern Maine. Founded by a mill owner in the 17th...	ME	5.9 mi	Gravel	12 reviews
Sawyer River Trail / Sawyer River Road The Sawyer River Trail/Sawyer River Road lies deep in the forested heart of the 1,200-square-mile White Mountain National Forest. The 7.5-mile route traces an old logging railroad that’s now part...	NH	7.5 mi	Ballast, Dirt, Grass, Sand	2 reviews
South Manchester Rail Trail The South Manchester Rail Trail is a proposed bike/pedestrian path that would connect the downtown Millyard area of Manchester to the Town on Londonderry. The South Manchester Rail Trail will utilize...	NH	0.89 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
Stevens Rail Trail About a dozen miles west of Concord, the Stevens Rail Trail offers a quiet, wooded route along the former Concord-Claremont rail line in Contoocook Village. It starts off Krzyzaniak Road and continues...	NH	1.3 mi	Dirt, Gravel	1 reviews
Sugar River Trail Visitors to the Sugar River Trail (also known as the Sugar River Recreational Rail Trail) can be forgiven if they lose track of which side of the river they’re traveling. The 9.5-mile trail crosses...	NH	9.5 mi	Ballast, Gravel, Sand	21 reviews
WOW Trail he WOW Trail is named after the three bodies of water that can be seen from this rail-trail: Lake Winnipesaukee, Opechee Bay, and Lake Winnisquam. This picturesque 2.7-mile trail shares a corridor...	NH	2.7 mi	Asphalt	3 reviews
Warren to East Haverhill Railroad Grade Trail Many rail-trails start at a vintage depot, an old caboose, or a rusty locomotive acquired by the local historical society. The Warren to East Haverhill Railroad Grade Trail, however, starts at the...	NH	10.8 mi	Dirt	6 reviews
West Foss Farm Trail The 83 acre West Foss Farm is one of the properties owned by the University of New Hampshire, Durham. The property was purchased from the Boston & Maine Railroad company, and features a 1.6 stretch of...	NH	1.6 mi	Dirt	0 reviews
Windham Rail Trail The Windham Rail Trail passes through the woodsy periphery of Windham in southern New Hampshire, but it sits in the heart of the future cross-state Granite State Rail Trail. Its connections to the...	NH	4.3 mi	Asphalt	41 reviews
Winnipesaukee River Trail The Winnipesaukee River Trail runs along a rail line that previously connected the paper industry between Franklin and Tilton. Nicknamed the Paper City, Franklin saw the industry boom from the 1900s...	NH	5.1 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel	14 reviews

South Manchester Rail Trail

NH - 0.89 miles

The South Manchester Rail Trail is a proposed bike/pedestrian path that would connect the downtown Millyard area of Manchester to the Town on Londonderry. The South Manchester Rail Trail will utilize...

Londonderry Rail Trail

NH - 3.3 miles

The smooth paved surface of the Londonderry Rail Trail offers a pleasant, tranquil 3.3-mile adventure for trail users in south-central New Hampshire. Its route follows a corridor once used by the...

West Foss Farm Trail

NH - 1.6 miles

The 83 acre West Foss Farm is one of the properties owned by the University of New Hampshire, Durham. The property was purchased from the Boston & Maine Railroad company, and features a 1.6 stretch of...

Piscataquog Trail

NH - 2.1 miles

The Piscataquog Trail, though only about 2 miles long, provides a vital off-road link between the communities on the western side of the Merrimack River (the West Side of Manchester) to several parks...

Accordion

Salisbury Point Ghost Trail

MA - 1.8 miles

Currently 1.8 miles, the Salisbury Point Ghost Trail provides a peaceful walk or bike ride through the woods on a well-maintained stone-dust trail. The route is one part of the larger Coastal Trails...

Eastern Trail

ME - 28.9 miles

The 28.9-mile Eastern Trail connects the historic towns along Maine’s southern coast from the woods near Kennebunk to South Portland’s harbor lighthouse. Nearly 22 miles of the route follows off-road...

Salisbury Rail Trail Connector

MA - 0.3 miles

The Salisbury Rail Trail Connector, also known as the Gillis Rail Trail Connector, is a 0.3-mile link between two rail-trails: Salisbury's Old Eastern Marsh Trail and Newburyport's Clipper City Rail...

Cotton Valley Rail-Trail

NH - 12 miles

The Cotton Valley Rail Trail connects the small town of Wakefield, near the Maine border, and the quintessentially quaint New England vacation town of Wolfeboro. In 2017 the towns held a...

Stevens Rail Trail

NH - 1.3 miles

About a dozen miles west of Concord, the Stevens Rail Trail offers a quiet, wooded route along the former Concord-Claremont rail line in Contoocook Village. It starts off Krzyzaniak Road and continues...

Salem Bike-Ped Corridor

NH - 1.15 miles

When complete, the Salem Bike-Ped Corridor will run for more than 5 miles on a former Boston and Maine Railroad corridor from connections with the Windham Rail Trail (north) and Methuen Rail Trail...

Riverton Rail Trail

ME - 1.5 miles

The scenic Riverton Rail Trail—also known as “Sandy Road” by residents of Portland’s Riverton neighborhood—follows the former corridor of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Railroad, which stopped...

Fore River Parkway Trail

ME - 2.6 miles

Portland’s Fore River Parkway Trail provides an important transportation link in the community while at the same time offering sweeping views of the Fore River. At the north end of the trail, you’ll...

Granite Town Rail-Trail

NH - 3 miles

Mile 0.0 - DPW Garage Cross the bridge in the parking area, the trail starts behind the fence, crossing over Great Brook on a old dam. Mile 0.53 - After crossing Union St. you will come to a...

Back Cove Trail

ME - 3.6 miles

The paved Back Cove Trail rings its namesake tidal basin and offers lovely views of the Portland skyline. You also might spot great blue herons or other birds along the tree-lined waterfront. A...

Windham Rail Trail

NH - 4.3 miles

The Windham Rail Trail passes through the woodsy periphery of Windham in southern New Hampshire, but it sits in the heart of the future cross-state Granite State Rail Trail. Its connections to the...

WOW Trail

NH - 2.7 miles

he WOW Trail is named after the three bodies of water that can be seen from this rail-trail: Lake Winnipesaukee, Opechee Bay, and Lake Winnisquam. This picturesque 2.7-mile trail shares a corridor...

Winnipesaukee River Trail

NH - 5.1 miles

The Winnipesaukee River Trail runs along a rail line that previously connected the paper industry between Franklin and Tilton. Nicknamed the Paper City, Franklin saw the industry boom from the 1900s...

Dover Community Trail

NH - 3.8 miles

The Dover Community Trail snakes its way through the heart of the Garrison City—so nicknamed for the fortified log houses, or garrisons, built by 17th-century settlers—-offering a variety of trail...

Derry Rail Trail

NH - 3.6 miles

This exquisitely maintained trail slices through forested areas and wetlands for a wonderful experience in southern New Hampshire. The trail will eventually be part of the Granite State Rail Trail,...

Peanut Trail

NH - 1.5 miles

The Peanut Trial is a distinct trail in the town of Newton that spans one-mile. This rail-trail was meant to connect to the Jay McLaren Memorial Trail. However, due to a controversial lawsuit by land...

More Alton bike trails

Winnipesaukee River Trail

NH - 5.1 miles

Northern Rail Trail

NH - 57.6 miles

Spanning 57.6 miles from Lebanon to Boscawen, the Northern Rail Trail is New Hampshire’s longest rail-trail conversion. Trail development began in 1996 after the state purchased the Boston and Maine...

Bayside Trail

ME - 1 miles

Portland’s Bayside Trail packs a lot into its 1-mile length. The paved pathway provides a pleasant route between commercial and residential areas in the Bayside and East Bayside neighborhoods. Once an...

Stevens Rail Trail

NH - 1.3 miles

Accordion

Martin H. Burns Wildlife Management Area Trail

MA - 3.4 miles

The rail-trail through the Martin H. Burns Wildlife Management Area begins at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail station near downtown Newburyport, a coastal...

Franconia Brook Trail

NH - 7.2 miles

The Franconia Brook Trail runs from just north of the confluence of the east branch of the Pemigewasset River and Franconia Branch. Note that bicycling is not permitted along the route. You can...

Londonderry Rail Trail

NH - 3.3 miles

The smooth paved surface of the Londonderry Rail Trail offers a pleasant, tranquil 3.3-mile adventure for trail users in south-central New Hampshire. Its route follows a corridor once used by the...

Farmington Recreational Rail-Trail

NH - 6 miles

The Farmington Recreational Rail-Trail runs for 6 miles between the towns of Rochester and Farmington. The trail parallels the Cocheco River and State Route 11 through a wooded corridor. The trail is...

Salisbury Beach State Reservation Trail

MA - 0.6 miles

Although less than a mile, the trail running through Salisbury Beach State Reservation offers lovely views of the beaches off the northeastern coast of Massachusetts, just a few miles south of the New...

Riverton Rail Trail

ME - 1.5 miles

Oliverian Brook Trail

NH - 3.5 miles

The Oliverian Brook Trail follows the course of Oliverian Brook through the dense forest of White Mountain National Forest. The trail, open to cross-country skiing in winter, heads toward Passaconaway...

WOW Trail

NH - 2.7 miles

he WOW Trail is named after the three bodies of water that can be seen from this rail-trail: Lake Winnipesaukee, Opechee Bay, and Lake Winnisquam. This picturesque 2.7-mile trail shares a corridor...

Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail

ME - 5.9 miles

The Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail (also known as Railroad Trail) traverses the woods on either side of Sanford’s scenic Springvale community in southern Maine. Founded by a mill owner in the 17th...

The Conway Branch trail runs for 21 miles along an old rail corridor between State Route 113 in Conway and Polly's Crossing in Ossipee. The trail is popular with snowmobiles and rail car clubs; the...

Heritage Trail (Manchester)

NH - 0.9 miles

The Heritage Trail is managed by the state of New Hampshire to provide access to recreational and historical attractions across the state. Eventually, the north-south route along the former Boston and...

New Boston Rail Trail

NH - 3.9 miles

The New Boston Rail Trail follows the former railroad corridor of the same name for 3.9 miles through densely wooded areas in the town of New Boston. The railroad was in operation from 1893 to 1931,...

Sugar River Trail

NH - 9.5 miles

Visitors to the Sugar River Trail (also known as the Sugar River Recreational Rail Trail) can be forgiven if they lose track of which side of the river they’re traveling. The 9.5-mile trail crosses...

Sawyer River Trail / Sawyer River Road

NH - 7.5 miles

The Sawyer River Trail/Sawyer River Road lies deep in the forested heart of the 1,200-square-mile White Mountain National Forest. The 7.5-mile route traces an old logging railroad that’s now part...

More Alton walking trails

Farmington Recreational Rail-Trail

NH - 6 miles

Rocky Branch Trail (NH)

NH - 9 miles

Bicycles are permitted only on the first 2.3 miles of the trail, up to the wilderness boundary (marked with signs). Hiking and cross-country skiing only are allowed past this point.

Derry Rail Trail

NH - 3.6 miles

Salisbury Rail Trail Connector

MA - 0.3 miles

Accordion

Northern Rail Trail

NH - 57.6 miles

Salem Bike-Ped Corridor

NH - 1.15 miles

When complete, the Salem Bike-Ped Corridor will run for more than 5 miles on a former Boston and Maine Railroad corridor from connections with the Windham Rail Trail (north) and Methuen Rail Trail...

Amesbury Riverwalk

MA - 1.3 miles

The Amesbury Riverwalk (also known as the Powwow Riverwalk) carries visitors between a resurgent waterfront district on the Powwow River to a modern shopping center on the outskirts of this historical...

Winnipesaukee River Trail

NH - 5.1 miles

Nanamocomuck Trail

NH - 12 miles

The Upper and Lower Nanamocomuck Trails in White Mountain National Forest are accessible from Kancamagus Highway (SR 112) west of Conway. The trails are open for hiking in summer and cross-country...

Windham Rail Trail

NH - 4.3 miles

The Windham Rail Trail passes through the woodsy periphery of Windham in southern New Hampshire, but it sits in the heart of the future cross-state Granite State Rail Trail. Its connections to the...

Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail

NH - 1.8 miles

Lake Winnisquam is New Hampshire’s fourth largest lake, and taking the Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail is one of the best ways to experience it. Meaning “pleasant waters,” Lake Winnisquam provides...

Back Cove Trail

ME - 3.6 miles

The paved Back Cove Trail rings its namesake tidal basin and offers lovely views of the Portland skyline. You also might spot great blue herons or other birds along the tree-lined waterfront. A...

Sugar River Trail

NH - 9.5 miles

Peanut Trail

NH - 1.5 miles

Lincoln Woods Trail

NH - 2.7 miles

The Lincoln Woods Trail runs for 2.6 miles along the east branch of the Pemigewasset River. You can combine the trail with other trails that run through the forest in the White Mountains of New...

Methuen Rail Trail

MA - 2.4 miles

Methuen Rail Trail connects three communities in northeastern Massachusetts as it follows the route of the former Manchester and Lawrence Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad. The rail-trail's...

New Boston Rail Trail

NH - 3.9 miles

Londonderry Rail Trail

NH - 3.3 miles

The smooth paved surface of the Londonderry Rail Trail offers a pleasant, tranquil 3.3-mile adventure for trail users in south-central New Hampshire. Its route follows a corridor once used by the...

Roland Bergeron Bike Path

NH - 6 miles

The Roland Bergeron Bike Path runs about 6 miles alongside nearly the entirety of Albuquerque Avenue in Litchfield, NH. Completed in 2010, the 8-ft wide asphalt path averages about 5 yards in from...

Jay McLaren Memorial Trail

MA - 2 miles

Nestled in the woodlands on the northern end of Merrimac in the far northeastern corner of Massachusetts, lies the beautiful Jay McLaren Memorial Trail. The town, once known as West Amesbury, had a...

More Alton running trails

Recent Trail Reviews

Eastern Trail

Between Saco & Bug Light Park is best

September, 2019 by christine13

We did this in two parts: Kennebunk-Biddeford, and South Portland-Saco. To do just Kennebunk to Biddeford & back is a bit too easy and dull - straight, flat, 12 miles round trip; although, you might want to reserve time to explore downtown Biddeford. Biscuits! Doughnuts! Brewery! Etc.

The Portland-Saco stretch is more varied. If you start from Bug Light Park, like we did, I think it comes out to more than 20 miles; for a shorter ride, start from the parking lot on the trail proper. There is the most excellent empanada place in Saco where you should try to have lunch. The marsh is fun with interesting birds.

Piscataquog Trail

trail markers

September, 2019 by janrogthebees

The only thing missing on this beautiful trail are markers. The Goffstown trail has markers starting at 0 mile on 1 side and on the other side it indicates 5.5 MI to the end, and then a marker every .5 mile EX: .5 MI, 1 MI., 1.5 MI. 2 MI. 2.5 MI. etc all the way to the end at 5.5 MI.

Back Cove Trail

Level, popular trail

September, 2019 by jkhiser

Interesting to be able to see the entire loop from the starting point. Only one real incline at the overpass. We added an out and back on Eastern Promenade Trail to get 9.9 total miles.

Accordion

Back Cove Trail

Back Cove

August, 2019 by allymackenzie10

This is a 3.6 mile loop around the bay. The trail gets a lot of use, which makes it very safe. Only one hill. Great trail for bikers, runners, or walkers.

Amesbury Riverwalk

loved this trail but wished there was better signage to make it easy to find it

August, 2019 by georgecat12

loved this trail but wished there was better signage to make it easy to find it

Derry Rail Trail

2019:08: Scenic, great ride!

August, 2019 by madasn

I always pair this trail with the Windham Rail Trail, I typically park at Hood Park in Derry and ride through to Salem. Parking is fine in the Hood lot. I don't think there's a porta-potty but there is one at the Windham lot.

I love this ride, it's near home so it's my default when I just want a quiet place to cruise. There are a few road crossings, all of which are clearly marked.

I find that the ride from Derry to Salem is a little bit easier than in the other direction. Neither direction is particularly challenging though, suitable for all. Can be a great leisurely trip or a workout, whatever you're looking for.

Until recently there weren't a lot of places to stop once you leave Derry center (save for a gas-station off-trail near the Windham trail-head). The Grind (fine coffee) has shops in Derry and just off the trail in Windham. The trail has been extended so that it reaches the Tuscan Kitchen (TK) in Salem. In the new section you can take a bridge to Dunkin' and get a coffee (the staff shared that a bike rack is coming in the future). If you want something more filling, you can leave your bike in the rack at the TK and visit the market or have an outdoor snack. Nice if you're looking for a break in the middle of your ride.

Notables:
- Scenic and peaceful; wetlands pop up throughout the ride offering sounds and views of nature
- You can take it easy or give yourself a workout
- Easy to plan for breaks and snacks with recent extension
- Trail is in good shape, some bumps (there's signage in the bumpiest areas and many random cracks have paint highlighting them)

Cotton Valley Rail-Trail

Beautiful but narrow trail

August, 2019 by budge1998

After reading the reviews I decided to ride this trail as it was a beautiful Sunday afternoon in August. Perfect weather for a bike ride. I decided to bring my mountain bike and I am glad I did (I usually ride my hybrid for Rail Trails.)

I parked in Wolfeboro. Started out my ride at 1:00 PM. Tons of other riders and walkers, a few runners.. The first few miles were beautiful crossing the cog-ways but frustrating with all the other people on the trail. It is narrow and yes, when you are riding in between the rails as noted in other reviews, it can be a bit hairy when other bikers or STOLLERS are coming the other way. If the other biker didn't look very experienced or they were kids I stopped to let them pass. Had to do this several times. I was having second guesses with all the foot traffic but after a few miles it lessened a bit, just a bit, and the scenery was so peaceful. I got to Route 16, and yes the traffic was fast and heavy enough that I decided it wasn't worth it. Plus I'm out of shape and knew I had another 11 miles to go to get back!

I was wondering if I was going to encounter the same traffic going back especially the closer to Wolfeboro I got, but happily the ride back was 100% better. Maybe because is was now 2:30 ish..

There were still plenty of people on the trail but not half as many and I didn't have to stop once.

I loved this trail, but think I will come back again in the fall or during the midweek with less people.

This trail is the best maintained trail I have ever been on. Completely smooth gravel and the edges were just mowed. The hybrid bike would have been fine except the rail crossings.

The rail crossings were never a problem for me but probably because I had the mountain bike with shocks. I would be more cautious if I had the hybrid! Just go slow and be careful. Common sense..

Last thought, if I didn't live 45 minutes from Wolfeboro, this trail would be perfect for running!! Traffic or not!

Northern Rail Trail

Narrow trail

August, 2019 by vikkb34

We rode about 26 miles total. 13 miles there & back. Crushed stone most of the way..We parked in Lebanon parking lot,where it begins. Little grassy in sections.Gets wider in some spots & pretty narrow in some areas. We thought the first 10 miles were nice ,then it was a very narrow trail & buggy.lot of small bridges,some were in need of repair,need to pay attention.There was an area were the rail road ties were exposed about 10 miles from beginning.Just have to watch out..Rode past some lakes& huge rocks that were blasted out for trains..Was a pretty trail .. Could get muddy if rain ..

Dover Community Trail

Watson Rd. to Fourth St.

August, 2019 by kathycar

We biked and geocached this section today. We had an enjoyable ride, but the surface was quite varied. Nothing was paved. We started out on well packed gravel/ dirt on a wide trail, but by the time we were at the other end, following the river, it was single track, mostly through grass, with some roots and a few sandy patches. It didn't resemble most of the rail trails I have been on, but my hybrid bike was fine, and we really enjoyed the variety.

Londonderry Rail Trail

Nice, peaceful trail

August, 2019 by vmoesmith_tl

The Londonderry Rail Trail is a nice, flat, peaceful trail. For an early morning walk, you will greet several other people out walking or jogging. The scenery includes business, residential, and scenic wetlands. Plenty of parking at the bus terminal.

Cotton Valley Rail-Trail

Unsafe for bikes

July, 2019 by carepose

While this is a great trail for hiking my husband and I felt it was way too narrow to share with bikers and hikers. We had to stop riding whenever someone was coming in the opposite direction. We found we were too busy concentrating to enjoy the views. Not a good bike trail.

Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Portsmouth Branch)

Nice Trail

July, 2019 by rebeede

My wife and I road from Newfields to Rt. 125 and then back (the eastern part of the trail). The trail was in good shape and we saw turtles and raccoons. We were on Hybrids, but saw other people on road bikes. Others were walking and some jogging. All in all a beautiful day to be out on the trail.

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