Find the top rated birding trails in Hartford, 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.
Starting at the rocket site in Warren there was heavy ATV traffic kicking up enough dust to make the bike ride less enjoyable than it would be w/o them. The section from GlenCliff to E.Haverill where ATVs are not allowed is heavily overgrown and could really use a fully groomed makeover. We ride gravel bikes not mountain bikes and bailed out onto Rt 118 partway along due to poor trail conditions. Scenic corridor with untapped potential if given some tender love and care.
Paved. Runs through Lebanon. This trail is a must if you are going to do the Northern Rail Trail.
Most of the trip is a rail trail of good quality. The ride through Tilton is on the road and can be tricky at one intersection. The "About this Route" provides a good description. The Tilton end of the trail by MacDonalds and Super 8 is not for trail parking. Use the address shown which is within 1 mile of the end of the trail. Franklin is a great town to visit.
Great views and we enjoyed the changes in grade and the turns, but a very short trail. Must be combined with Winni Trail, but that is also short.
Most of the trip is paved and runs through the town of Laconia. There appear to be homeless people (campers at least) on one portion of the trail. Short trail that must be combined with the WOW trail for a longer ride (still short).
Paved. Fast. Hilly with turns. Not a rail trail and the change was great fun. Do not travel when crowded. Lots of sights to see.
After reading most of the recent reviews, I was not expecting much from this trail. But I figured that at worst, I'd ride a few miles and get breakfast. To make a long story short, I rode 17 miles before deciding that I'd better head back for the car.
To be sure, this is not a trail for casual biking or road bikes. The surface is really irregular and you do have to watch where you are going. But with a gravel or mountain bike, it is doable and 100% enjoyable. And though all of the ORV drivers were polite, and there weren't many the day I rode, I'll admit that it would have been even more pleasant without them.
I'm old and have only been riding for a couple of months. So if I can enjoy it, anyone should be able to.
Visited this trail 8/2/25. It rained the previous day which helped with the dust and packing the loose sections. NOT for skinny tires!! I was fine with my gravel bike but had it been dryer it would have been tougher but doable. There were a few ATV's & dirt bikes but they were VERY respectful and always gave us plenty of room on the trail. The river is gorgeous with plenty of access points to get your feet wet. If you're starting out on the Claremont side I'd recommend parking at the Home Depot just down the road from the trailhead. It's slightly uphill all the way to Newport which makes for a very easy ride coming back. Spoke to a local police officer parked at the trailhead and he said they're going to start patrolling the trail very soon to nab speeding ATV's which I consider a bonus.
I’m glad I didn’t believe a lot of past reviews. This trail is great. Very smooth and a beautiful ride. I highly recommend it!
Did this trail in the summer of 2024. I agree with some of the previous reviewers that signage could be a little clearer but that's a MINOR concern. The ride was quite pleasant & would make a great lunch hour break for locals. Absolutely no issues with road surfaces and traffic on the nearby highway was very light that day so no competing with cars. Very short trail so make sure you have other activities planned. Visit nearby Hoyt's Landing on the CT river for a nice end of ride picnic :-)
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.
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