Explore the best rated trails in Barnstead, NH, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Border to Boston Trail and Boxford Rail Trail . With more than 77 trails covering 494 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.
Starting at the Town Hall, the first half mile is on busy Route 113. There is a marked bike lane on both sides, but the sidewalk was not good for my recumbent trike and the road twists and turns, so visibility isn't great. I'll skip this part next time. At the half mile, Route 113 turns away and the trail goes along the river on a little traveled one way street. At a little over a mile, it's back on a two way street that has good visibility so it feels reasonably safe. As noted above, at 441 Main Street, the trail turns left onto a railroad roadbed, which is now a power line right of way, and continues southeast for almost two miles, with two road crossings. This is wide asphalt in excellent condition.
Although there are empty woods on the west side for much of the two miles, this is not a wilderness trail. I think there was at least one building in sight for the entire time.
In addition to parking at both ends mentioned above, there is parking at a National Grid facility at 452 Main Street, right at the head of the railroad trail.
The trail is now wide asphalt in excellent condition, with clean, well groomed sides. Most of it is very close to the river, so, while foliage may obscure panoramic cross river views, it's still pleasant for a downtown trail.
Started on the Wakefield side off RT 16. I enjoyed the challenge of the rails still in place. Keeps it fun and challenging! Each crossing had a sign saying to walk your bike over the rails, not sure how so many people fall walking there bikes over the rails. The rails can be challenging when passing oncoming people. I’m not ranking the trail lower for this, but some people would only get a one ¿¿ review ¿ Bring a picnic and enjoy the state park!
We’ve biked this many times. It quickly takes you from Lowell, with its National Park, etc to countryside and the center of small towns along smooth, paved, well-maintained trail. Nice to swim in Hart Pond, too, in season, on return trip to Lowell. Trail keeps getting better and better, great facilities along the way as trail is extended.
Perfect place to ride for a beach day/ride. Explore the full state park and triple your mileage. A lot to see. And enjoy the ocean.
The trail is sandy for approximately the first one and a half miles on the Newport end. So what. If you fall off your bike, it will hurt less. The rest of the trail more than makes up for it. You get to ride across two railroad covered bridges - name another bike trail in New England that has that. There is also a microbrewery backed right up to the trail, and they are open early on Fridays so you can do 3/4 of the out and back ride and then grab a slice and a beer before finishing in Newport. Very scenic - saw several turkeys and a heron in back to back years.
This is one of the prettiest trails in the state. It runs along the Sugar River almost the entire ride and there are numerous bridges, including two covered rail bridges. I rode and e-bike with 2.1" tires. I agree with the other reviews concerning bikes, sandy but rideable. I left from Newport, and the sand was only an issue during the first 1.5 miles and then sporadically thereafter. I found the best way to deal with the back tire sliding out in the sand was to use higher levels of assist than I would normally have used. This trail can easily be top rated if it had a firmer surface. I passed 2-ATVs and 2-motorcycles and all four were exceptionally courteous. I did the Bobby Woodman trail too as part of my ride as the two trails are seamless.
This section was our continuation from the Ghost Trail. This is a short ride but well worth it. Clean trail, no weeds covering the path and most importantly no surprise potholes. Just a beautiful peaceful shaded ride. When my sister and I reached the northern end we actually decided to go to lunch at Marquis’ Lobster Pool. After lunch we rode back to the trail and headed towards Newburyport. There are no signs from the Ghost Trail pointing you towards that direction.
This route was a continuation from Amesbury’s River Walk Trail which was a bit hard to find because there is no signage pointing you in the right direction. As I continued on it proved to be a well groomed path/ride. Road was in very good condition and weed control was well taken care of. This trail started out paved then turned into well packed crushed stone/dirt. A mountain bike would work well here but it was very manageable with a road bike as well. Beautiful ride through the woods. We continued on to the Ghost Trail from here.
Parked in the parking lot on Water St. There are no signs pointing you towards the start of the walking/bike path. Once I found it I was on my way. Then the path went downhill in a bad way. Overgrown weeds and thorns in the paths way and not to mention all those little pot holes and low lying branches. Some areas it was hard to stay on your side of the yellow line. Very poor path maintenance until you get to the back of Stop & Shop. Then again you’re on your own to find the continuation of the route. No signs at all pointing you in the right direction. What a shame. It could’ve been a very enjoyable ride. Hope they clean the area soon.
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