Find the top rated birding trails in Brattleboro, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Trail has beautiful scenery, paved, flat, plenty parking at Berkshire Mall just go, you’ll be glad you did. Ate at Pizza House in Adams, food was great just 1 minute off the trail.
Just did this yesterday (9/14/20) starting from Woods Crossing to the northern terminus at the American Legion then back, going past my parking location to the MA line. From the border up to I'd say the Rt. 202 section, it was quiet, saw 2 people but mainly around the Rt. 202 starting point. Comparing to sections north of it, the southern area is more wooded and a narrower trail but easily ridden with a hybrid bike. Anything with skinnier tires would probably have a harder time for the whole length of it. The northern section was quite busy, many walking, enjoying the weather. It is a little more scenic and the trail is wider. Trail is mainly gravel or hard packed dirt throughout though a little loose sand in the southern section in a few spots but not much. At some trail entrances, there is a sign which gives you some pointers as to what you will see along that stretch, gives you something to to try and see instead of just staring down the path.
We started in Walpole at Blackjack Crossing. First few miles were tough! But the remaining 12 miles into Keene were great. Some great views and remnants of the railroad. Some beautiful cuts in the stone. Highly recommend!
Though the trail roughly parallels a major road, you are away from it at least half the time. You need to cross it twice but they have walking signals. Every car at the other side street crossing stopped and waved you on. There are some benches, but didn't notice any picnic tables.
The mostly tree-shaded path itself is either improved or unimproved dirt, on this dry late-summer ride I'd rate the surface a B+ with mountain bikes. Roots, just a few patches of sand and a few raised sewer covers. Path to Goffstown is definitely uphill most of the way, but just enough to keep you pedaling. Going toward Manchester is a delight. Mid week there was sparse but steady traffic, probably the most parking places I've seen on a trail.
Beautiful swimming spot around mile 4.2, just off the path . Probably other places, too, as the trail parallels water much of the way. Goffstown end has shops and eateries, there is an ice cream in the middle. The southern end continues to Manchester, we started on a paved continuation trail about 1/2 mile toward Manchester (Douglas Street football field parking lot).
A very nice ride I'd highly recommend for most non-street casual bikers (or walkers/joggers). The wooded swimming spot on the lake is a real bonus.
I rode the northern section today. Actually started near the Walpole bridge and rode some other snowmobile trails and some side roads to the junction with the rail trail, then on to Keene. Saw no one until I reached the dump. Trail was a lot of fun, but in much better shape south of the dump then to the north. Very slow grade, north of the dump it was great in places and pretty bumpy in others. I rode a basic mountain bike and had no trouble. Heard there was a bad section somewhere but never encountered anything that was really unrideable except one bad embankment. Trail was also easier to follow and more obvious the further south you went, multiple snowmobile crossings further north. This was the first time I tried this sort of thing and I had a very good time. I enjoyed the terrain and seeing where the remnants of the old line.
Mason resident here. A great place for visitors to park and access the rail trail is on Depot Road (which is a paved road). The parking area has ample space to park cars, horse trailers, etc. for setting up. This parking access point is up the road past the town fire station on the right hand side if you're accessing it via Valley Rd. There's also a board the town set up with a trail map one can review before setting off on your journey. Otherwise, it's a nice flat surface to walk, bike, and ride on. Hope this information is helpful to someone new who is looking to find a safe and proper place to park and go.
The trail is a must do for all! It is smooth asphalt the whole trail. Virtually flat the whole trail. Lots of beautiful spots for photo opportunities. A great little farm store and deli just seconds off the trail to pick up a fantastic lunch and sweets with picnic tables on the trail just minutes away! This is a must do trail. I can’t wait to go back and ride it again.
This is an ATV trail. Plain and simple. Loose surface, LOTS of ATV traffic, and even the occasional donkey. Yes, donkey....kinda cool actually!
If you have a hardtail or full suspension bike with proper aggressive tires, you're probably ok. If you're riding a hybrid...not so much. I think you'll be disappointed.
No useful detour. Will be working into fall 2020
We pulled off on a very sleepy Knapps Road and headed South from there. It had just rained and the woods were damp, quiet, and fragrant-no bugs to speak of. This would be a great short ride on a hot day as the trail is 95% shaded. The track is often single lane narrow but widens occasionally as when on the gravel driveway to a lodge. Just as the southern portion met a lovely stream and looked really interesting, the trail officially ended. We were tempted by the ATV tracks beyond but decided not to violate the Private signs. Hope that leg gets added! We poked along, it was barely an hour back and forth.
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