Find the top rated inline skating trails in Barnstead, whether you're looking for an easy short inline skating trail or a long inline skating trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a inline skating trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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.
The trail in the north is 80-90% full sun exposure in the summer. Just be aware if you're going out for a long run. It did start to get shady about 2 miles after the skate park.
I started in Acton and went up to Chelmsford. Plenty of parking and clean bathrooms—bonus! I really enjoyed this trail and look forward to doing the southern half soon.
I parked at the Delta Dental stadium and proceeded south in this trail. I was alone. I saw some unhoused people’s tents by the water. At first I felt fine, I saw another woman walking her dog, but there wee very few people on the path. The a person passed me on a bike and then circled back to me, following me. I felt unsafe. I wanted to keep going, but it was clear to me this person would following me. I had to quickly retreat to my car. I don’t usually feel vulnerable, and I was terrified. Later I told a local friend about my experience and she told me that recently a person had abandoned their baby on this trail, aka it’s not a safe place to walk by yourself, especially as a wow man.
I parked on 4th street and headed up stream. Met one dog walker along this stretch. The calm river views were peaceful and the trail mostly wide gravel. Crossing over Whittier St the trail becomes narrower with a challenging set of turns to go under RTE 16. The river becomes more lively and there is a nice view of rapids. The trail widens with more gravel when you reach the parking lot on Watson Road. I met several more dog walkers along this stretch
It’s spring on the Rockingham and everything is in bloom! Lots is rocks blooming in the trail as well, so be careful. The horses have really chewed up the surface just past Chiver’s Pond towards Manchester - really lumpy and washboarded. It makes for some uncomfortable bicycling. All in all still a very pretty trail with lots to see along the way.
Gorgeous walk. We made the mistake of bringing our bikes and missed the no bike sign. Woops. Lessons learned. Great walking path with kids and pups.
I'm used to riding on gravel and I have ridden sections of this trail many times so I know what to expect. This last winter and spring have been pretty hard on the trail. Obviously some knuckleheads on bikes and horses have been on the trail when its been wet and soft and in spots its chewed up. There is also a need for some more driveway pack in sections as the larger stones that underlay the wear surface are poking through. The culvert under Hooksett Road is washed out and very rough, some drainage work needs to be done at this location. Not sure who is actually responsible for maintenance.
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.
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.
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