Explore the best rated trails in Lebanon, NH, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Cross Vermont Trail and South Barre Bike Path . With more than 40 trails covering 425 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.
I have ridden this trail from one end to the other! Parts are wonderful and parts washed out and muddy!
This portion of the Cheshire rail trail has almost no incline is completely straight and runs past a former major manufacturing complex, which is now vacant. Other sites include Keene police department and Keene ice and American house.
Did this trail in the summer of 2024. I agree with some of the previous reviewers that signage could be a little clearer but that's a MINOR concern. The ride was quite pleasant & would make a great lunch hour break for locals. Absolutely no issues with road surfaces and traffic on the nearby highway was very light that day so no competing with cars. Very short trail so make sure you have other activities planned. Visit nearby Hoyt's Landing on the CT river for a nice end of ride picnic :-)
I've walked and biked this trail many times. Quite scenic in spots where it follows the Winnipesauke River but less so as it passes by backyards. Its a great way to get through the Tilton-Franklin area without having to ride the commercial strip on Route 3. There are attractions at either end, food mostly including a brewery, that offer a fun reward. Can also be combined with the Norther Rail Trail with a short road ride.
I've ridden this trail many times and it never disappoints. I have ridden all of it in sections and each one has it's own charm. In the Grafton-Canaan stretch it can feel remote even though the highway is nearby. The section from Boscawen to Andover always has folks on it though I have never found it too busy to enjoy. The save can be said for Lebanon out towards Canaan. There are services available along the way though it might require some road riding to access some of them. The Friends of the Northern Rail Trail group does a great job, is responsive to user comments and is working to address issues like toilet access. That being said there are long stretches where you have to be willing to use the bushes. It's absolutely a carry-in/carry-out situation so its a good idea to be prepared.
I do not recommend this trail. We have biked this trail a few times in the past, but we biked it on May 2, 2025 and found that is has gone downhill. We started at the Tilton end and had issues right away. First McDonalds and the motel at the start point have posted customer only parking signs (not sure if that is enforced). Going through Tilton business area was not good as we had to walk the bikes on the sidewalk since there is no bike lane and not safe to ride in the street. We had to ask where the trail was as we didn't remember as it had been a few years. Luckily once we got on the trail we remembered the rest of the turns as there are NO signs. The trail is very rough and only about 1/8 mile is paved at the Franklin end. There were also some questionable characters along the way and what looked like a homeless camp at the Franklin end. As one review stated, this trail needs policing. It is too bad because there is interesting history on the trail and nice views of the river.
I did this as an extension of a ride down from Newport on the Sugar River Trail. I agree with the comment above about the section along Washington street by all the box stores where you are essentially riding on the verge of the highway. It doesn't seem like it would take much to fix that section up and make for a more seamless connection to the Sugar river trail. It would also be nice at the end of the trail in Claremont to give some indications to local services (food!).
Last ride of 2024 and was it super! I have a gravel bike so no real issues with the multi-use aspect of the trail as it was in pretty good shape though you could expect to have a difficult time with skinny tires or after a prolonged dry spell. Very scenic, perhaps the most scenic trail I have ridden on in NH. I tacked on the portion into Claremont to get in the mileage and the part that closely parallels the highway is a bit sketchy.
Some big hills and a few water crossings. Pretty difficult in the snow a few icy spots. Was still enjoyable.
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.
My wife and I are both injured(fortunately not serious) after both of us thrown off our bikes simultaneously on a small poorly surfaced wooden bridge just north of Keene NH. The wooden boards were uneven and some rotted causing our bikes to wedge in a step-off causing us both to fall off our bikes. The trail had several road crossings just outside of the town of Keene which are very dangerous. There are tiny stop sign markings on the trail and no large or blinking light warnings on the crossing roads which have poor visibility in both directions due to curving of the road. I would not recommend this trail for transient travelers trying a new RT on vacation. This is for locals only who know the trail well in my opinion.
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