Find the top rated running trails in Claremont, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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We parked along Jeffers Hill Rd at the west end of the trail in East Haverhill. We rode about 0.25 miles east and came to a gate completely across the trail with "Road Closed" signs. We returned to the car, drove east along Route 25, and parked in the grass where the trail crosses the highway near the Oliverian School (not official parking, but there weren't any "No Parking" signs). We rode back towards the gate and were able to ride up to it without seeing any road closed sign. Perhaps the gate is to prevent ATV's from riding onto the Oliverian School property. We then retraced our route back to the car.
We continued on the rail trail, now heading east again. Not too far after we crossed the power line corridor, the trail was washed out where the grade steepens. We walked our bikes maybe 70 yards until we got to the concrete barriers in a rock cut. Even though it's been dry, there was a puddle in front of the barrier. There was one spot that we could use to get across to the barrier and lift the bikes over. The following 20 or 30 yards had several trees down across the trail.
The next section was pleasant to ride, although overgrown in places. We dropped down off the trail near Oliverian Pond, rode up Route 25, then climbed back up onto the trail. We continued on another mile or so to the AT crossing. This was our endpoint as we had ridden the section up from Warren previously. It did not look like ATVs used any of the trail we rode on.
We decided that riding the trail in one direction was enough of an adventure for the day and rode Route 25 back to the car instead. It was an easy mostly downhill ride.
We are two seniors riding gravel bikes with 47mm tires.
This trail is a 4-mile (round trip) trail in Belmont. Although short, it is clean, well cared for, and packed with treasures and great views. The trail has plenty of parking and includes a book trail for kids, two covered bridges, a cornfield, small water views, seating options, and fields of flowers. Although I found the four gates to be part of the adventure of checking out a trail for the first time, some people may not appreciate having to get off and on their bike. However, the trail does go through a private farm, so be respectful and enjoy the views as you navigate each gate.
If you are a dedicated mountain biker than this would be a 5 star. Don't do this trail if you don't have a mountain bike or those fat tires. I was on a mountain bike, and my son had a regular bike. The beginning of the trail is easy and lovely. Once you connect with the trail (beautiful water views) the trail becomes mostly rock with some sand. Passed 1.8 miles the trail is impassable with our bikes. Somehow we made it out and back without falls or bike damage. I have biked other ski trails that were more compacted sand and dirt with some rock. This is not that kind of trail.
We rode mountain bikes from Claremont to Newport. Nice easy ride. Only met a few others on the trail. We saw a blue heron, 2 hawks, blue jays, and beautiful mushrooms. There were spots on the trail that had a good bit of gnats. The covered bridges are wonderful.
Trail lacked any evidence of maintenance. Rode from Hinsdale to Winchester.
I did the entire trail, excepting the on-road portion in New York. Each section (the two in Vermont and the central part in New York) was quite different from the others, so I've broken my review into 3 parts.
The northern Vermont section (Poultney to Castleton) was in good shape and appears to get a lot of use, maybe 3 to 1 walkers to bikers. The surface of quarter inch gravel was not ideal, but enough has been brushed aside over the years that the ride was smooth and comfortable. It is well-maintained, mowed with no washouts or potholes, and just the right number of historical signs. It is generally well-shaded but probably the least scenic of the three sections.
The southern Vermont section (West Pawlet to West Rupert) was much more open and scenic, especially near Rupert, but Vermont's choice of quarter inch gravel surface is still generally in place so slows down the ride. A short detour to the general store in West Rupert for ice cream was a treat, as was a trail-side stream at the southern end to cool off in. The gentle slope made the northbound ride here more enjoyable than the southbound one. The trail was as well maintained as the northern portion. Ratio probably 4 to 1 bikers over walkers/joggers but fewer of both than the northern section.
The middle section in New York (West Pawlet to Middle Granville) was completely different. Parts of the surface were cinder (perfect for riding) while other parts were completely grass covered (and mowed) and as a result felt much like riding on someone's lawn - soft and slow. The scenery was less interesting, but the section in Granville was nice, with a park and B&B right on the trail. I didn't have time to explore the town, though. Despite the sunny Sunday, I saw few others using this part of the trail.
All in all, the trail was OK and has a lot of potential. With a better stone dust surface, I would have given it a 5-star. If the 4-mile break in New York between sections were completed, this would become a destination ride. With fall colors, it would be exceptional.
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.
There's another couple of miles of mostly paved trail that goes beyond the parking lot in Lebanon. That's an excellent section of the trail. It took us all the way to Glen Road in West Lebanon.
I'd ridden this trail a couple years ago, doing it in small sections, and had found it to be a nice ride with a decent surface, quite reasonable for my older hybrid. I only did about 6 miles today, from Keene southward before turning back, and those couple of detours noted in another review are still in place - taking you out onto the road for short stretches likely to avoid power line work being done.
Tough to do on a mountain bike, unless you're an expert. not maintained at all. I would say an ok hiking trail. But not all that scenic. Not what it's billed to be by a long shot.
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.
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