Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Pittsfield, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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.
Pleasant ride on this crushed stone surface, using my hybrid. Very short section that still has rails and ties and requests that bikes go around on the sidewalk, but easily joins back up to the actual trail after about 100 yards. The eastern end terminates in the Squannacook wildlife management area, with walking trails to follow down toward the river. If you are looking for a nice short ride that's under 10 miles total, this is a good one to choose. Stop for a bite at the local diner in Townsend center, or an ice cream.
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 started in Acton and went up to Chelmsford. Plenty of parking and clean bathrooms—bonus! I really enjoyed this trail and look forward to doing the southern half soon.
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
It’s spring on the Rockingham and everything is in bloom! Lots is rocks blooming in the trail as well, so be careful. The horses have really chewed up the surface just past Chiver’s Pond towards Manchester - really lumpy and washboarded. It makes for some uncomfortable bicycling. All in all still a very pretty trail with lots to see along the way.
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.
I'm used to riding on gravel and I have ridden sections of this trail many times so I know what to expect. This last winter and spring have been pretty hard on the trail. Obviously some knuckleheads on bikes and horses have been on the trail when its been wet and soft and in spots its chewed up. There is also a need for some more driveway pack in sections as the larger stones that underlay the wear surface are poking through. The culvert under Hooksett Road is washed out and very rough, some drainage work needs to be done at this location. Not sure who is actually responsible for maintenance.
Starting at the Town Hall, the first half mile is on busy Route 113. There is a marked bike lane on both sides, but the sidewalk was not good for my recumbent trike and the road twists and turns, so visibility isn't great. I'll skip this part next time. At the half mile, Route 113 turns away and the trail goes along the river on a little traveled one way street. At a little over a mile, it's back on a two way street that has good visibility so it feels reasonably safe. As noted above, at 441 Main Street, the trail turns left onto a railroad roadbed, which is now a power line right of way, and continues southeast for almost two miles, with two road crossings. This is wide asphalt in excellent condition.
Although there are empty woods on the west side for much of the two miles, this is not a wilderness trail. I think there was at least one building in sight for the entire time.
In addition to parking at both ends mentioned above, there is parking at a National Grid facility at 452 Main Street, right at the head of the railroad trail.
The trail is now wide asphalt in excellent condition, with clean, well groomed sides. Most of it is very close to the river, so, while foliage may obscure panoramic cross river views, it's still pleasant for a downtown trail.
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