Explore the best rated trails in Hillsborough, NH, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Winnipesaukee River Trail and Laverack Nature Trail at Hawkins Brook . With more than 72 trails covering 518 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.
A few too many crossings at the Leominster end, but its a fine trail. Last quarter mile or so on the Fitchburg end isnt so much a trail as it is street riding.
This trail is a 4-mile (round trip) trail in Belmont. Although short, it is clean, well cared for, and packed with treasures and great views. The trail has plenty of parking and includes a book trail for kids, two covered bridges, a cornfield, small water views, seating options, and fields of flowers. Although I found the four gates to be part of the adventure of checking out a trail for the first time, some people may not appreciate having to get off and on their bike. However, the trail does go through a private farm, so be respectful and enjoy the views as you navigate each gate.
Yes, the comments about all the root heaves along the paved trail are true, but otherwise a very attractive ride. The TrailLink description is very accurate. Might be special in foliage season.
We rode mountain bikes from Claremont to Newport. Nice easy ride. Only met a few others on the trail. We saw a blue heron, 2 hawks, blue jays, and beautiful mushrooms. There were spots on the trail that had a good bit of gnats. The covered bridges are wonderful.
Pretty nice, short portion of paved trail. I parked at IHOP to check it out, lots of parking. Methuen did a good job with their section, now is time for Lawrence and Salem to pave their sections to connect with Windham and Derry. With just this one section finished it is likely only locals that currently use it but it will be great when it is part of the larger network.
I have ridden the Methuen/Salem/Windham/Derry links of this former rail line and today did this section. It is flat, nicely paved with good parking options, traveling through some suburban and commercial stretches, a few wooded areas, even past a former reservoir but is mostly uninteresting. However, when the missing pieces are connected, and the embarrassingly poor Salem section is finally paved it will be great to travel all the way from the Lawrence, MA line to at least Manchester airport and then hopefully on to Lebanon some day.
Beautiful 1st ride on the Norwottuck Rail Trail. We parked at the Marshalls in Hadley (trail starts right behind the building) and road a little over 10 miles into EastHampton and back. It was a very easy ride (my 1st ride of this length) on asphalt.
Trail lacked any evidence of maintenance. Rode from Hinsdale to Winchester.
I haven't been on this trail for a few years so was disappointed to find there is still an issue with bumps from tree roots and small sink holes. I did not do the entire trail because of this. It is too bad because it is a nice trail.
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.
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