This trail is paved going through the center of Laconia and then following Rt 3. It is great for walking, biking and running. It is very well maintained and passes multiple beach areas where one can stop. It is a 5 star trail.
The original trail was 2.7 miles long. The current trail is 4.3 miles long. Unlike some trails that just cover up old tracks, this one follows an active trail system. The trail and the tracks are well separated by fences. The first 3/4 of the trail are flat with the last 1/4 of the trail having some small rises and falls. I have been mapping trails for a few decades and will attempt to send a new .gpx file of the current trail with it's extension to the developers of this web site.

I primarily use this trail as a connector to the new Garrison Trail from Hale St. Really great for that. I’ve used it as a scenic rest stop for a snack, and i’ve seen Herons in the swamp.

Although some reviews were disappointed with the trail surface, I thought it was much better than others I have ridden. I found minimal ruts. I did like that it ran parallel to the Cocheco River. The sounds of the running river and views of it were great. The part that ran through Dover itself were refreshing. It also runs by the Dover Baseball fields. Porta-Potties were available at the ball fields although they were in poor shape.

Got on the trail by the little river, but found the trail was only one mile in one direction and 1/3 mile in the other. Surface was too much loose sand and gravel for running and biking. Probably a fun trail for ATVs or dirt bikes, but avoid for running or biking.

Lovely trail but in some spots not wide enough for a bicycle in each direction. Also somewhat hilly so unless you’re in tip top shape or riding an E-bike could be a struggle. If you do decide to ride be aware crossing the rails. I took quite a spill because the angle was not sharp enough and the front tire slid out from under me. #wearahelmet

I was quite disappointed with this trail. Here is why:
1) Very close to a major noisy highway (Rt. 11)
2) The first half is sandy and 4 wheelers have made it rough.
3) Nothing much to see. It says that it runs along a river. Perhaps but I never saw a river.
The ride back from Farmington to Rochester on Rt. 11 was much more scenic. Thus the 1 star rating.

I was so excited to spend my June birthday on the trail! The site reads an ATV trail only to unload and start out just to see a sign ATV use in winter months only on snow cover. Why was this not listed???

Nice trail from the Franklin parking end. Entry is across the street under the trestle. Don't bother with the Tilton section. Not well marked, busy road, along a train track.

Great trail. Starts with a pretty good hill but a nice paved ride or hike. Nice covered picnic area about half way on the trail. We stopped at one of the benches nearing the end and enjoyed a snack and lovely view of the lake. Very nice trail. Well done