Explore the best rated trails in New Hampshire, whether you're looking an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Nashua River Rail Trail and Northern Rail Trail. With more than 62 trails covering 484 miles you’re bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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This is the first trail that I have ridden that is split into two sections. The second section runs along multiple commercial buildings and is adjacent to the Merrimack river. There are many places on the second part to stop and view the river as there are many places to sit. The most interesting thing is that there was a Mulberry tree growing out of the middle of a stone wall (which is 30 feet down to the river) and which had a lot of ripe berries on it within reach. If I can figure out how to post a picture, then I will do so of the tree. Although not adjacent to rails, I would recommend this trail.
A beautiful trail along the Sugar River, with some gorgeous covered bridges, which my wife and I much enjoyed. The ATV users were generally polite. But note: (1) Some parts of the trail have very, very sandy soil. My wife, an accomplished RAGBRAI rider, had to portage her Diverge, with 35mm tires, at one point, as did I coming back, riding a Warbird with 40mm Maxxis Ramblers. (2) The ATVs kick up great amounts of dust, so be prepared. (3) The entire trail is slightly downhill from Newport to Claremont, as the Sugar flows to the Connecticut. (4) Unless you ride at a decent pace, you may have bug problems.
We started on the eastern end. About a mile in there is some construction with heavy machinery and a very rough trail. Other than that, the trail is in good condition. For about a mile, the views are stupendous but most of the trail is in a forest canopy. There is a beautiful pond with lots of marshland.
The BIG issue is the bugs. The horseflies are terrible. In the hour and a half we were out we each got bit a dozen times and swatted away hundreds. I'm not sure if this is all the time or seasonal, or just this section of the trail, but it'll keep us from this segment.
Next time we'll go to the mid-point and try from there.
We started at the far north end in Nashua where there is a decent sized lot. About a mile in you cross the state line where there is a second parking lot. Pepperell is about 3 miles from there, and there is an ice cream stop there you should hit. Trail is well kept, and marked. We completed the whole thing round trip in 2.5 hours. For small ride do Nashua to Pepperell.
My new favorite week day extended ride from manchvegas thru goffstown for 14 miles.... love this ride now ending in new boston. Little rough at times near 114. Been riding this about the last 1.5+.
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.
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.
We took the advice of a previous reviewer and began our ride at the athletic fields on Kroc Street in Keene. We headed southwest and ride to Monadnock Speedway . The first several miles are well pack and relatively smooth. After that the trail is a mixed bag. A couple short sandy sections, a couple very muddy areas, and some narrow grassy riding. The grades are easy and overall the trail is very rideable. On our next outing here we will start by the Speedway, where there is enough parking for several cars.
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.
We started on the southern end. Once you get past the paper mill and the smell it gives off, it turns into a pretty enjoyable walk. A few interesting things to see along the way. Not gorgeous but not ugly either.
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