Explore the best rated trails in Candia, NH, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Mystic River Greenway and Somerville Community Path . With more than 103 trails covering 695 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.
2.5 stars. Entered the trail a the far western end on Hancock Rd. near Skatutakee Lake. Biked eastward for several miles. Mixed surface (dirt, cinder, sand & forest floor). This trail is rough and best suited for fat-tire or full-suspension mountain bikes. You could do it with a gravel bike but be ready for a very bumpy ride. Partially buried track ties and roots cover roughly over a 3rd of this segment of the trail. The swamps and brook are absolutely beautiful. There are a few benches for a peaceful stop. The trail has a gentle decline most of the way so be prepared for the uphill on the return trip. Mostly shaded so sunscreen isn't needed but bug spray might be a good idea if stopping for prolonged periods. The bridges are beautiful & well maintained. The signage is discreet & informative. This is a wonderful all season trail that I plan to return to in foliage season. It has a lot of potential but in its current condition it has a LONG way to go to become a destination that will attract tourists & generate $$$ for the local economy.
Pleasant ride on this crushed stone surface, using my hybrid. Very short section that still has rails and ties and requests that bikes go around on the sidewalk, but easily joins back up to the actual trail after about 100 yards. The eastern end terminates in the Squannacook wildlife management area, with walking trails to follow down toward the river. If you are looking for a nice short ride that's under 10 miles total, this is a good one to choose. Stop for a bite at the local diner in Townsend center, or an ice cream.
The trail in the north is 80-90% full sun exposure in the summer. Just be aware if you're going out for a long run. It did start to get shady about 2 miles after the skate park.
I have been going to different trails around my area and this was by far the nicest even with no pavement just a nice ride
I parked at Lexington lot & took my atb after reading how rough the path is. Pleasantly surprised. I'll take my road bike next time.
As of June 1, 2026, the first half of this trail starting in Bedford, MA is nice, but due to construction, it stops about halfway - I believe somewhere in Lexington. You can choose to exit the trail and go onto Massachusetts Avenue to ride in the bike lane, but that involves riding right alongside traffic and can be very stressful and dangerous. My husband and I did this today and I don't think I will do this again. At any point, someone in a parked car adjacent to where you are riding can open up their door right into you. Also, the bike lane often shares a lane with cars and is pretty scary for people not used to this. I hope the rest of the Minuteman bike path opens up to bikers again soon!
There's another couple of miles of mostly paved trail that goes beyond the parking lot in Lebanon. That's an excellent section of the trail. It took us all the way to Glen Road in West Lebanon.
I started in Acton and went up to Chelmsford. Plenty of parking and clean bathrooms—bonus! I really enjoyed this trail and look forward to doing the southern half soon.
I parked at the Delta Dental stadium and proceeded south in this trail. I was alone. I saw some unhoused people’s tents by the water. At first I felt fine, I saw another woman walking her dog, but there wee very few people on the path. The a person passed me on a bike and then circled back to me, following me. I felt unsafe. I wanted to keep going, but it was clear to me this person would following me. I had to quickly retreat to my car. I don’t usually feel vulnerable, and I was terrified. Later I told a local friend about my experience and she told me that recently a person had abandoned their baby on this trail, aka it’s not a safe place to walk by yourself, especially as a wow man.
I parked on 4th street and headed up stream. Met one dog walker along this stretch. The calm river views were peaceful and the trail mostly wide gravel. Crossing over Whittier St the trail becomes narrower with a challenging set of turns to go under RTE 16. The river becomes more lively and there is a nice view of rapids. The trail widens with more gravel when you reach the parking lot on Watson Road. I met several more dog walkers along this stretch
Other reviews are fair. Lots of starts and stops for a shorter trail, but also some nice lengths and well maintained. Being from the area, I knew what to expect. I had more fun dodging and beeping my horn at bunnies on my night ride, than I did going around children on my day ride. Nice either way.
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