Find the top rated horseback riding trails in New Hampshire, 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 rode from Bowman in Randolph down to Gorham on a gorgeous day. The trail is just stunningly beautiful--quiet and forested with the Moose River running alongside for much of the way and spectacular views of the mountains from spots where the trail passes through meadows. We stopped for a picnic and a cold swim in the Moose River east of the Dolly Copp. The trail is in great shape; it is a treasure!
This trail seems little-used. Rode a gravel bike starting at the parking lot at the south end. Several trees down in the trail and some puddles and running water (to be fair, it had rained the night before). The trail surface varies and while it’s manageable, this isn’t a trail for someone looking for a leisurely rail trail cruise. Nice views of the Connecticut River.
From West Swanzey toward Winchester, trail isn't as good for biking as it has not been improved as much as the Keene to West Swanzey portion.
There are two errors in the directions:
About 2.5 miles past the pedestrian bridge, you’ll cross Sawyers Crossing Road, where the circa 1859 Cresson Covered Bridge sits about 500 feet to the right (should read 'to the left'). The trail crosses the river in 0.3 mile near West Swanzey in an area considered moose territory. Passing on the east side of West Swanzey, a 0.3-mile detour right onto Christian Hill Road (should read 'right onto Railroad Street and then right onto Main Street which') leads to the 1832 Thompson Covered Bridge. (FYI: Main Street becomes Christian Hill Road at the bridge over the rail trail and one cannot turn right or left onto either road because the trail passes well below the road level).
I just completed a 300 plus mile bike packing trip in NH. I hit some pretty rough gravel roads and trails intentionally - but tried out several rail trails as well. I have to say this one was the least user friendly for a cyclist. I rode a from a few miles outside Lisbon to Bath. The ballast stones and underlying washboard was pretty bouncy even on my 40 mm tires with about 30 psi. I did like how uncrowded it was and the location, but otherwise it was pretty miserable riding.
We rode this trail in late June while staying at Canon Mountain RV park. The views were beautiful. We stopped at scenic spots and found picnic tables for lunch and a card game. Beautiful and well maintained.
Tried it out with dat wheel bike- I like a smoother ride for relaxation and to enjoy scenery.
This is a great trail! I have been riding horses on this trail for about 5 years, sometimes from the Gorham parking area others off the Dolly Copp road. The past few years I have parked off of Dolly Copp Rd. The ATV folks are very nice at the Gorham parking area, but it can get very crowded!
This week it was quiet, so we started from the Gorham side. But I was disappointed and scared on the bridges over Moose Brook (Gorham Side) many boards are rotten and broken, very unsafe for horses and others. I would love to help fix these, as this trail is a gem !
I doubt very many people bike the trail. The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail, in it's current condition, is best for ATVs. The trail is strewn with rocks, stone, loose gravel and lots of ballast.
Mountain bikes with large wheels and strong plus-sized tires may find it a breeze, but this was not a fun pedal on knobby 2.2 inch Mountain Kings on 26" rims.
However, this trail is very scenic, with lots of places to swim or float; the Bath Village Bridge was a joy to discover.
On my return from Littleton, and swim in the river there, a deer came running across the adjacent field, turned and crossed the trail, pausing momentarily to snort, then leapt through a thicket and disappeared.
South of Lisbon I spotted a black bear crossing the trail after climbing up the steep embankment from the river.
I live near one of the main stopping points for this Rail Trail. It's gorgeous in any and every season. I noticed a lot of people saying there isn't a stopping point from Ayer until you get to Pepperell - don't forget about Groton! If you stop near the bus depot and go up the road, there is a health food place with some GREAT smoothies as well as a Dunkin' Donuts and a convenience store. From Pepperell to Nashua, there aren't any major stops, but there is a vending machine with a few chairs if you bring a couple dollar bills!
Overall, this is a great, family-friendly, small town Rail Trail. It cuts through some of New England's best small towns (in my entirely biased opinion) and both terminal points are worth a little look around (though Ayer might be more accessible, especially with kids!).
I've been a hiker for about 20 years. For some reason I'm not into it that much anymore, so I bought my Trek D-3. This trail is perfect for smooth hard dirt riding. I only did about 8 miles round trip from the Webster Beach area. I'm new to biking and noticed I'm using different muscles then hiking. But I am retired and try to get out every day. Soon 8 miles will be nothing. That should be coming up and I'm going to go back to this rail trail. It's very shady and relaxing. I plan on doubling that mileage on my next visit here.
6/27/18: well maintained trail for the first mile (from Whittier). Last 1/2 mile by the stables is not well maintained and not good for trail running. Beautiful scenery, very flat and mostly very dry. A few trees down, but nothing you couldn’t lift a bike over. Bring your bug spray and keep moving.
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