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.
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I doubt very many people bike the trail. The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail, in it's current condition, is best for ATVs. The trail is strewn with rocks, stone, loose gravel and lots of ballast.
Mountain bikes with large wheels and strong plus-sized tires may find it a breeze, but this was not a fun pedal on knobby 2.2 inch Mountain Kings on 26" rims.
However, this trail is very scenic, with lots of places to swim or float; the Bath Village Bridge was a joy to discover.
On my return from Littleton, and swim in the river there, a deer came running across the adjacent field, turned and crossed the trail, pausing momentarily to snort, then leapt through a thicket and disappeared.
South of Lisbon I spotted a black bear crossing the trail after climbing up the steep embankment from the river.
I've been a hiker for about 20 years. For some reason I'm not into it that much anymore, so I bought my Trek D-3. This trail is perfect for smooth hard dirt riding. I only did about 8 miles round trip from the Webster Beach area. I'm new to biking and noticed I'm using different muscles then hiking. But I am retired and try to get out every day. Soon 8 miles will be nothing. That should be coming up and I'm going to go back to this rail trail. It's very shady and relaxing. I plan on doubling that mileage on my next visit here.
The trail definitely has some potential if there was more participation from landowners, some of whom appear to be quite hostile to the idea. It appears that the trail did or attempted to cross through private land on the Townsend section northward towards a connection with the Jamaica section but you soon run into a labyrinth of blocked trail and more No Trespassing and Posted signs than I have ever seen in one spot anywhere in my life. They did dissuade me that day and I turned around which is most unfortunate. Laws being what they are in Vermont, there is nothing illegal about this of course. In many states, including Texas surprisingly there is a law against closing off a certain amount of shoreline areas to passersby and swimmers etc. in order to promote this activity which is ultimately beneficial to all, locals and visitors alike.
Very nice trail. Wish we had more time to spend here.
Rode a hybrid the approx.12 mile stretch out and back between Rts. 302 and 2. This is not a typical rail trail with a uniform surface. It’s a dirt surface with occasional protruding rocks. Not for road tires or slicks. That said, the surface and trail conditions were good and it was easy to maintain a nice pace.
This stretch is essentially two long but very gradual hills. The trail is shaded throughout and travels through beautiful forest, past streams and wetlands with occasional views of ponds.
The trail is quiet and secluded but nearby state park campgrounds are easy to reach and there’s a short side trail to Kettle Pond. Looking forward to riding this trail again - after the black flies have flown south for the winter.
Clear sunny day in May. Excellent conditions with sunshine and a gentle breeze to keep away the bugs. No ticks encountered. Walked 3.5 miles from the Blackjack Crossing trailhead.
Trail is in great shape although the first .25 mile (going north to the very end from the parking area at the end of Blackjack Crossing) is overgrown and a bit muddy. The first .25 mile stretch going south is the same, but then the surface is very good with crushed rock. There are muddy spots as you pass through the deep cut areas, but other wise, excellent. We walked but mountain bikes would fare very well. Road bikes NOT recommended.
Couple of week ago I took the Winnipesaukee River Trail from my house in Northfield to Franklin and while biking route 3 I came across the Northern Rail Trail going southbound to Concord, then biked back. It was a nice 40 mile bike ride round trip. Next year I would like to bike northbound from the Winnipesaukee River Trail to the North Rail Trail northbound to West Lebanon NH. My only concern is where to connect onto this trail so I am not back tracking too far. I have driven route 11 beside the trail to find the best access to get on after getting off the Winnipesaukee River Trail. Any suggestions or best route would be great. Love both trails and plan to bike them more next season.
Abominable surface, where you can pass, is very narrow and obstructed. A real waste of time and a disappointment.
Terrible for bikes. Lots of dead fall, trash and railroad ties. 1/2 mile from "trailhead" there is a huge locked gate (chain link) which means you back track and ride through town to get to the other side of the river
Went from the southern end of the trail on the MA border to Troy. The trail seems to be in better shape than some of the other reviewers experienced. There are some roots, loose gravel, rocks, but nothing that any decent mountain bike can't handle. I wouldn't take a hybrid on this trail and forget about a street bike. The view of Monadnock from the Rockwood Pond was stunning and like a postcard with the changing color of the leaves. As far as finding the trail head, that one is easy. Set your GPS to McCallister Road, Fitzwilliam and you can't miss it. You can see the gate and a sign that directs you to the start of the trail. I will continue on the trail from Troy and write a second review.
Biked Cheshire and Ashuelot late Sept 2017. Parts were in good, not great condition, some mud, rocks, narrow grassy trail. huge mud puddle about 9 miles into Cheshire trail. Its Access point at NH-MA line impossible to find. Had to go to Keene to find trails.
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