Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Laconia, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding 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.
I was involved with the development of this trail so my review is somewhat biased. The eastern half in Merrimack County (Danbury to Boscawen) is in beautiful shape (due to federal financing) with a nice stone dust surface. The western half (Grafton to Lebanon) is much more scenic but was done mostly by volunteers with some local funding so has a highly variable surface, great in areas and poor in others.
Highlights include the trail in Lebanon as it crisscrosses the Mascoma River, in Enfield where it runs several miles alongside Lake Mascoma and downtown, and all of Merrimack County thanks to its trail surface.
I dearly wanted to give it a 5-star rating but had to admit that it was a bit of a slog going through the central (and high point) towns of Grafton and Orange. Wish the state of New Hampshire would put some resources into this trail, which would truly make it a premiere destination and top-rated 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.
I have ridden the Methuen/Salem/Windham/Derry links of this former rail line and today did this section. It is flat, nicely paved with good parking options, traveling through some suburban and commercial stretches, a few wooded areas, even past a former reservoir but is mostly uninteresting. However, when the missing pieces are connected, and the embarrassingly poor Salem section is finally paved it will be great to travel all the way from the Lawrence, MA line to at least Manchester airport and then hopefully on to Lebanon some day.
We started from Echo Lake parking lot, first going north all the way - not that interesting, and pretty steep. Then went south all the way to the end of the trail - much more fun. On the way back you'll have a lot of climbing, but it's pretty moderate and there are plenty of nice stops along the way. For a perfect ending, finish at the lake!
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.
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 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
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