Explore the best rated trails in Portsmouth, NH, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Mystic River Greenway and Middleton Rail Trail . With more than 87 trails covering 505 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.
Starting at the Town Hall, the first half mile is on busy Route 113. There is a marked bike lane on both sides, but the sidewalk was not good for my recumbent trike and the road twists and turns, so visibility isn't great. I'll skip this part next time. At the half mile, Route 113 turns away and the trail goes along the river on a little traveled one way street. At a little over a mile, it's back on a two way street that has good visibility so it feels reasonably safe. As noted above, at 441 Main Street, the trail turns left onto a railroad roadbed, which is now a power line right of way, and continues southeast for almost two miles, with two road crossings. This is wide asphalt in excellent condition.
Although there are empty woods on the west side for much of the two miles, this is not a wilderness trail. I think there was at least one building in sight for the entire time.
In addition to parking at both ends mentioned above, there is parking at a National Grid facility at 452 Main Street, right at the head of the railroad trail.
The trail is now wide asphalt in excellent condition, with clean, well groomed sides. Most of it is very close to the river, so, while foliage may obscure panoramic cross river views, it's still pleasant for a downtown trail.
Our family loves this trail for it's wide, flat route that provides great views of the bay, connections to other trails like the Back Cove Trail and the Bayside Trail, and connections to the Old Port and Eastern Prom (beach, playground, greenspace, etc.).
First, be aware that the description is not accurate. The north end of this trail, from the dead end near I-95 to 2300 feet south of Pye Brook Road (PBR) is in Boxford, not Topsfield.
The portion north of PBR is a single rut, usable, but not great. From PBR south to the Boxford-Topsfield border it's a little over a yard wide, packed fine stone, not quite as firm as asphalt, but perfectly satisfactory for my trike. At the border, the trail becomes a single rough rocky track, barely usable and very uncomfortable on my trike. I can't comment further south, because I turned around.
Started on the Wakefield side off RT 16. I enjoyed the challenge of the rails still in place. Keeps it fun and challenging! Each crossing had a sign saying to walk your bike over the rails, not sure how so many people fall walking there bikes over the rails. The rails can be challenging when passing oncoming people. I’m not ranking the trail lower for this, but some people would only get a one ¿¿ review ¿ Bring a picnic and enjoy the state park!
We’ve biked this many times. It quickly takes you from Lowell, with its National Park, etc to countryside and the center of small towns along smooth, paved, well-maintained trail. Nice to swim in Hart Pond, too, in season, on return trip to Lowell. Trail keeps getting better and better, great facilities along the way as trail is extended.
Perfect place to ride for a beach day/ride. Explore the full state park and triple your mileage. A lot to see. And enjoy the ocean.
This section was our continuation from the Ghost Trail. This is a short ride but well worth it. Clean trail, no weeds covering the path and most importantly no surprise potholes. Just a beautiful peaceful shaded ride. When my sister and I reached the northern end we actually decided to go to lunch at Marquis’ Lobster Pool. After lunch we rode back to the trail and headed towards Newburyport. There are no signs from the Ghost Trail pointing you towards that direction.
This route was a continuation from Amesbury’s River Walk Trail which was a bit hard to find because there is no signage pointing you in the right direction. As I continued on it proved to be a well groomed path/ride. Road was in very good condition and weed control was well taken care of. This trail started out paved then turned into well packed crushed stone/dirt. A mountain bike would work well here but it was very manageable with a road bike as well. Beautiful ride through the woods. We continued on to the Ghost Trail from here.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
