Find the top rated birding trails in Waterboro, 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.
I do not recommend this trail. We have biked this trail a few times in the past, but we biked it on May 2, 2025 and found that is has gone downhill. We started at the Tilton end and had issues right away. First McDonalds and the motel at the start point have posted customer only parking signs (not sure if that is enforced). Going through Tilton business area was not good as we had to walk the bikes on the sidewalk since there is no bike lane and not safe to ride in the street. We had to ask where the trail was as we didn't remember as it had been a few years. Luckily once we got on the trail we remembered the rest of the turns as there are NO signs. The trail is very rough and only about 1/8 mile is paved at the Franklin end. There were also some questionable characters along the way and what looked like a homeless camp at the Franklin end. As one review stated, this trail needs policing. It is too bad because there is interesting history on the trail and nice views of the river.
Rode this trail several times since mid-September. It is a nice length - 8 miles so not too long for a round trip. It is a new trail with all crushed stone, and it is a straight run and sufficiently wide. The scenery is typical woods. The trail crosses roads 2-3 times that are not too busy and all have lights. The parking lot, which is immediately south of the Airfield Café, is a decent size. The northern part of the trail ends by Route 1. Although I have not done it, you should be able to find your way into the city of Portsmouth from here using Islington St. or Middle Rd.
Biked in October on e-bikes with 2" tires. From 33 Chestnut St (Dover). Went S (1 mile) and back then N (3 miles) and back. South is as much town as trail and is well paved. It also is tricky to find your way on the trail as it goes through the back of stores. We found someone to follow. The trip north is mostly dirt terrain and has many rocks and sewer caps. The trail varied from narrow to wide and had 2-spots where continuance was difficult to find, including spots by the bridge and a private drive (trail is on right of fence). You cannot maintain speeds over 12 mph on this part of the trail. Whereas, I didn't mind picking my way through the terrain, my wife hated it.
A real rail trail.¿ A little danger if you hit the rails.¿ You move from within, to the sides a lot. Worth the risk. Great scenery and condition. Biked with e-bike with 2.1" tires. Expect Wolfeboro to be crowded during summer and fall weekends. After the 12-mile ride to Wolfeboro, there are many wonderful places to stop for a bite to eat and drink. Of 20 Rail Trials we rode in October, this was one of the top two crushed stone trails we rode in NH.
Short, but there are some local add-on trails at both ends of the trail. Add on trails are mostly dirt and mostly for mountain bikes but our e-bikes allowed us to add a mile to the adventure.
We started in Manchester and rode east. The first 3 miles the surface was packed gravel with fall leaves but no rocks. We rode another 2 miles and found the path very bumpy with thicker gravel and rocks protruding. We have 2 inch tires but it wasn’t fun for us. We wanted to bike to Raymond but turned around. We have biked on other packed trails in NH without any issues but this path was worse after 3 miles.
Lovely easy trail. Brand new with lots of benches and area information.
Sept 30th not a good trail ! We ran into several meth heads and police taking them into custody, Scarey stuff to say the least. We will not be back.
Really enjoyed our ebike ride to and from beginning to end and back. Easy parking right over the bridge from Mill apartments on the left! So well maintained, scenic and safe feeling for 2 seniors. Delicious pizza in Lisbon Falls.
So, the positives first. It's a well paved trail with views to a picturesque river.
However, forget the "ring your bell" or "on your left" helps. The proximity to Rt 1 (sometimes within 15 ft. or so) - and the associated traffic noise - all but end any communication, signals, or thoughts of a nice scenic contemplative ride. Also, parking at either end was sparse. And, yes, somewhat thankfully, it is short. A one and done.
Nice easy trail until it crosses the stream then turns into more challenging path. Small elevation changes. Lots of mosquitoes since it goes next to a stream/bog/swamp
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
Map Search
_155871_st.jpg)
_183285_st.jpg)
_209077_st.jpg)
