Looking for the best trails around Athol?

Explore the best rated trails in Athol, MA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Southern New England Trunkline Trail and Heritage Trail (NH) . With more than 73 trails covering 649 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.

Recent Trail Reviews

Mass Central Rail Trail

Ware to Gilbertville and Gilbertville to Wheelwright

November, 2024 by arno911

Rode the two sections of this beautiful trail today. From the parking spot in the middle of the Ware trail towards Gilbertville is a nice ride along the river. But a short one. Opposite the old factory the trail suddenly ends and there are handwritten signs "Stop, Don´t go further, Private property..." It would only take a few yards to reach the next road to travel on towards Gilbertville. No chance. Shame on you, property owners! (The trailmap shows a way through, but that might be an error?)

Okay, same way back and on to Route 32 past Gilbertville, where the next trailhead is waiting;-)
Smooth surface, well maintained and even good for kids bikes and flat all the way to Wheelwright. 3 nice old bridges. This is one is fully recommended! Absolutely worth it.

New Boston Rail Trail

A surprising find - better than the trail description

November, 2024 by georgerisktaker

The trail is much better than described, so it has had an upgrade. The trail is a uniform experience from one end to the other. The trail is gravel / dirt with no roots or rocks. It is slightly narrower than some other trails, giving you the feeling you were deeper in the woods. Most of the trail runs along the Piscataquog River and on the other side of the river is Rt 13 (some road noise). The northern trailhead gets close to the Goffstown Rail Trail and at the trailhead you will find road directions (about 2-miles) to get to that awesome trail. 

Southern New England Trunkline Trail

A gravel riding sampler trail.

November, 2024 by walkinator007

This trail is a mixed bag. I mean literally you can expect to see everything from nice paved road, to chunky, rocky eroded sand, and everything in between. A fair amount of light gravel and packed clay and dirt for fast gravel riding. some sandy parts where you’d benefit from a wider tire. some chunky rocks and eroded sections. If you’re doing the whole thing, gravel or hybrid bike at the least. Wider tires and suspension are recommended. I did this on a gravel bike with relatively narrow all terrain tires and it was great most of the time but definitely not optimal for the roughest sections. overall this ia great trail to learn gravel riding and test your bike’s capabilities.

Accordion

Nashua River Rail Trail

Long and fast trail

November, 2024 by georgerisktaker

Very long for a paved trail and the few road crossings do not have much traffic. There are no more roots coming through the pavement than one would expect, and they all are painted white where they exist. A fast trail. There are towns in both the northern and southern part of the trail to grab food and/or drink. The trail is mostly in Massachusetts.

Blackstone River Greenway

Wonderful trail

November, 2024 by walkinator007

This is my favorite trail in the state, very scenic along the river. best part is from woonsocket to lincoln. Some parts of this trail through the city are poorly marked and you need to share the road with cars.

Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Portsmouth Branch)

One of the best in the state

November, 2024 by georgerisktaker

Did on e-bikes with 2" tires in early October. Done in 2-segments of 14 miles each (started in Newfields and then in Manchester and worked way to middle). From Manchester there are several lakes/ponds, so it is more scenic.  Also, this segment has three railbed passes beneath the roads. You can stay on your bike for all but one - watch your head! Also the lead up and down to these tunnels is steep, so get some speed going up to them. From Newfield there are places to eat about 12 miles in.    The trail is mostly crushed stone & some dirt.

Piscataquog Trail

Short trail but a great connector to Goffstown RT

November, 2024 by georgerisktaker

Started at Delta Dental baseball stadium in Manchester.  Look to quickly go over river and i93 on 2 great bridges.  Seamless into Goffstown Rail Trail.  

Londonderry Rail Trail

One of the best!

November, 2024 by georgerisktaker

Excellent paved trail. Like Derry it can have lots of people.  Go during non-peak hours. Too bad it doesn't connect to another trail.  We went ¼ mile south of paved trail which was not bad (could only average 8-10 mph and reversed course at a rutted bridge.  One of the best finds of October (we did 24 trails).

Goffstown Rail Trail

Fantastic trail in every way

November, 2024 by georgerisktaker

Great views along the river.  Great connections to Piscataquog and Heritage trails.  Surprised how quickly we got out of Manchester (started at Delta Dental baseball stadium - this may be on one of the other trails).  Variety of scenery. 

Derry Rail Trail

Part of a great run of connected trails

November, 2024 by georgerisktaker

Excellent and scenic trail. It starts just north of town.  Great connection to Windham Rail Trail.  Avoid peek exercise times as many visit this trail.

Common Pathway

Nice trail ride with a great finishing destination

November, 2024 by georgerisktaker

The Common Pathway is also called the Peterborough RT. This RT adjoins the Old Railroad Trail and is about 5 miles north of Monadnock RT (we did all 3 trails the same day). The trail is mostly crushed stone but some asphalt as well as road ride. Some rough spots but no issue. Started at Trailhead for Old Railroad Trail and headed toward Peterborough. It is a nice town with several good eating and drinking places. Good trail and the Contoocook River runs along most of the trail. We did not do the trail south of Peterborough as it went from town, along 202 (traffic at 50+ mph) and was not reviewed as being an interesting ride.

Old Railroad Trail

Rustic and bumpy deep woods ride (good feel)

November, 2024 by georgerisktaker

e-Bike with 2" tires. The trail adjoins Peterborough (Common Path) RT. Rough trail with roots and rocks, so speeds above 10 are impossible to maintain. On a positive note, you really feel like you are in the woods. We were able to go slightly longer than the miles posted. A tiring short ride, but doable. Wife hated it, as too bumpy. Recommendation: ride Peterborough (Common Path) first as it is much easier.

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Accordion

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