Explore the best rated trails in North Hampton, NH, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Heritage Trail (NH) and Swampscott Rail Trail . With more than 97 trails covering 587 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.
Great trail to ride on, well maintained crushed stone path. We got on at mile 13.4 in Portsmouth and rode to mile 6.8 then turned around and headed back. A lot of tree coverage which is nice for shade but not much variation in scenery. Not sure if there is more to see further south on the trail. That being said, it’s still a great place to get outside and exercise!
Smooth cider trail all bikes, well signed, 3 road crossings well marked, full canopy not a lot to see except Hampton Airfield. Recommend stopping at Airfield after riding at restaurant and watch small planes.
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.
We are bike-packing across the country with e-bikes. A good rail trail is such a nice escape from the road traffic - this one was a delight. Mostly solid packed surface, smooth, a few muddy spots. Very scenic with a mix of woods and wetlands. Watch your head on the tunnels. Highly recommend!
Just rode the trail south to the Sudbury line. The east west trail is finished to the west for another 8 miles. It connects to the Hudson Trail at the end.
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.
Ran on this trail in the winter and was great! Very comfortable for running :)
Rode the two sections of this beautiful trail today. From the parking spot in the middle of the Ware trail towards Gilbertville is a nice ride along the river. But a short one. Opposite the old factory the trail suddenly ends and there are handwritten signs "Stop, Don´t go further, Private property..." It would only take a few yards to reach the next road to travel on towards Gilbertville. No chance. Shame on you, property owners! (The trailmap shows a way through, but that might be an error?)
Okay, same way back and on to Route 32 past Gilbertville, where the next trailhead is waiting;-)
Smooth surface, well maintained and even good for kids bikes and flat all the way to Wheelwright. 3 nice old bridges. This is one is fully recommended! Absolutely worth it.
Rode this trail several times since mid-September. It is a nice length - 8 miles so not too long for a round trip. It is a new trail with all crushed stone, and it is a straight run and sufficiently wide. The scenery is typical woods. The trail crosses roads 2-3 times that are not too busy and all have lights. The parking lot, which is immediately south of the Airfield Café, is a decent size. The northern part of the trail ends by Route 1. Although I have not done it, you should be able to find your way into the city of Portsmouth from here using Islington St. or Middle Rd.
The trail is much better than described, so it has had an upgrade. The trail is a uniform experience from one end to the other. The trail is gravel / dirt with no roots or rocks. It is slightly narrower than some other trails, giving you the feeling you were deeper in the woods. Most of the trail runs along the Piscataquog River and on the other side of the river is Rt 13 (some road noise). The northern trailhead gets close to the Goffstown Rail Trail and at the trailhead you will find road directions (about 2-miles) to get to that awesome trail.
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