Explore the best rated trails in Conway, NH. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Eastern Promenade Trail and Franconia Notch Recreation Path. With more than 39 trails covering 335 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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The Franconia Notch Recreation Path runs the length of the Franconia Notch State Park in the White Mountain National Forest. Commonly called the Recreation Path, the 8.7-mile trail visits most of the...
Old salts should love the Eastern Promenade Trail, as it skirts the shoreline of Portland’s Casco Bay and Portland Harbor. The 2.1-mile paved trail is always within sight of the water and is one of...
The Auburn Riverwalk passes through the heart of the old mill district of the Twin Cities of Auburn and Lewiston. The 1.6-mile paved and gravel path offers many scenic views of the Androscoggin River,...
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If you find yourself exploring the town of Littleton, New Hampshire, do yourself a favor and hit the riverwalk. Though only half a mile long, the riverside walkway is beloved by tourists coming to see...
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...
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...
The trail sits on the northwestern shore of Lake Auburn. A former roadway, the wide gravel path can accommodate various kinds of uses including, running, biking, walking dogs. And in the winter, the...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
In Woodsville the trail starts across from the Subway Restaurant across from the the Oceans Job Lot Store and next to the Woodsville Machine Shop and YES Yankee Electrical Supply up and down a short...
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...
The Norway Branch Rail Trail sits on the former railbed of the Norway Branch Railroad which once connected the communities of Norway and South Paris. The trail runs from Beal Street in the west to...
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...
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...
The West Milan Trail follows a portion of the Upper Ammonoosuc River along State Route 110 northwest of Berlin. The mult-use trail is relatively flat and follows a scenic mountain valley...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Located in the scenic Presidential Range in the White Mountains, the Presidential Rail Trail is a scenic and pleasant route, providing an alternative view of Mount Washington and the surrounding area....
The York Pond Trail begins at the Berlin Fish Hatchery (just past the locked gate), going through a notch in the Mountains to the south and west to Bunnell Brook. The trail leads to Willard Notch,...
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...
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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.
The trestle trail is part of a network of rail-trails converted from and old logging railroad in the White Mountains. It is close to the Zealand Trail, the Sugarloaf Trail, and the Hale Brook...
The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail carries its users for 19.2 miles along the scenic river that shares its name and is itself a destination for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The trail passes through a...
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...
The Auburn Riverwalk passes through the heart of the old mill district of the Twin Cities of Auburn and Lewiston. The 1.6-mile paved and gravel path offers many scenic views of the Androscoggin River,...
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...
The Norway Branch Rail Trail sits on the former railbed of the Norway Branch Railroad which once connected the communities of Norway and South Paris. The trail runs from Beal Street in the west to...
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Locals lovingly describe the Cross Vermont Trail as a patchwork quilt that will ultimately form a 90-mile trail from Lake Champlain in the west to the Connecticut River in the east. A component of the...
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...
The trail sits on the northwestern shore of Lake Auburn. A former roadway, the wide gravel path can accommodate various kinds of uses including, running, biking, walking dogs. And in the winter, the...
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...
Locals lovingly describe the Cross Vermont Trail as a patchwork quilt that will ultimately form a 90-mile trail from Lake Champlain in the west to the Connecticut River in the east. A component of the...
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...
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...
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...
The York Pond Trail begins at the Berlin Fish Hatchery (just past the locked gate), going through a notch in the Mountains to the south and west to Bunnell Brook. The trail leads to Willard Notch,...
The Bethel Pathway is a bucolic pathway open for walking, mountain biking, walking dogs and in the winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The trail begins on Sunset Road as a crushed stone...
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...
The trestle trail is part of a network of rail-trails converted from and old logging railroad in the White Mountains. It is close to the Zealand Trail, the Sugarloaf Trail, and the Hale Brook...
The West Milan Trail follows a portion of the Upper Ammonoosuc River along State Route 110 northwest of Berlin. The mult-use trail is relatively flat and follows a scenic mountain valley...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Most of the Wild River Trail falls within the Wild River Wilderness and is off-limits to bikes. At it's southern end, the trail meets the Wildcat River Trail, near Bog Brook. From here, you can bike...
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...
The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail carries its users for 19.2 miles along the scenic river that shares its name and is itself a destination for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The trail passes through a...
If you find yourself exploring the town of Littleton, New Hampshire, do yourself a favor and hit the riverwalk. Though only half a mile long, the riverside walkway is beloved by tourists coming to see...
The Norway Branch Rail Trail sits on the former railbed of the Norway Branch Railroad which once connected the communities of Norway and South Paris. The trail runs from Beal Street in the west to...
My wife and I rode this trail a few years ago on touring bicycles and really enjoyed it. We returned recently and were unable to use the trail due to atv’s and four wheelers chewing up the surface to the point that it was impossible to ride. Let’s hope NH doesn’t decide to ruin the other rail trails in the state. Really a shame
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.
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.
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!
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 ..
Last July, I reported that the bridges were a pretty sketchy to go over with horses. I am so happy to report that the bridge's planks have been replaced. I've ridden several days lately and each time the gentlemen brush-hogging were so polite turning off their motors so they wouldn't spook the horses. All the bikes and hikers I have met are so sweet and friendly. I just love to ride my horses on this trail. Thank you to whomever is responsible for maintaining the P R/T!
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.
My wife and I had our first experience biking this trail this week. We found it very enjoyable until we both had a bad accident. There are several areas on the trail where you have to cross the rails which are sticking above grade and will through you off the bike.
I sustained a 2 inch laceration and multiple abrasions and contusions which required an ER visit. My wife injured her shoulder and knee.
After reading past reviews complaining of this same problem over several years, I can not understand why this problem has not been corrected since it would be easy to remedy!!! Disappointed that peoples safety is not of paramount importance!!
I hope that this will be addressed in the near future.
I did this in the summer of 2018. as others have mentioned, quite rough in spots. quite wet in spots. and sandy, i hate sandy.
could be a nice trail but as it is, i wouldn't recommend it for bikes, even a mountain bike. also, beware of the dogs.
with the exception of the Northern Rail Trail, New Hampshire needs to step up their game regarding their rail trails.
We started our ride at the Hannah Duston parking lot in Boscawen. The RTC map takes you to where the ride starts but not the parking area. The parking area is shortly after you get off I-93. It's a Park and Ride lot. There are good signs to indicate which way the ride starts. It starts 0.5 miles down the street. The first mile or so is out in the open. After that, it goes into a shaded area. At this time of year, the mosquitoes are plentiful and ready to bite. The surface of the trail is crushed gravel and easily ridden with a hybrid or mountain bike. Sadly, we had to cut our ride short after about 5 miles due to a bike malfunction. We plan to go back and give it another try. An additional point of interest is the monument to Hannah Duston, which is located to the left of the trailhead kiosk, across a little bridge. It sits on the banks of the Merrimack River.
The first section of the Mascoma River Greenway - which was a section of the Northern Railroad - open in 2018 from High St. in downtown Lebanon westerly two miles to Glen Rd. in West Lebanon. Surface is 12-foot wide pavement. The MRG is not a continuation of the Northern Rail Trail, but the distance between on local streets is very short.
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