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Hillsborough Recreational Rail Trail connects three communities in south-central New Hampshire: Hillsborough, Deering, and Bennington. The unpaved trail winds along the Contoocook River through rural and wooded landscapes for nearly 8 miles. It follows a branch of the former Boston and Maine Railroad and in some places you can still see the rails; you'll also cross trestle bridges and pass the Bennington Depot.
Parking is available in Deering at the Deering Fish and Game Club. Follow Route 149 towards Deering, take your first right off Route 149 and travel about 2 miles; take the first right after the road turns to dirt and look for the parking signs on the right.
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.
Abominable surface, where you can pass, is very narrow and obstructed. A real waste of time and a disappointment.
Terrible for bikes. Lots of dead fall, trash and railroad ties. 1/2 mile from "trailhead" there is a huge locked gate (chain link) which means you back track and ride through town to get to the other side of the river
I walked this trail from the Deering Fish and Game to Angelo's Restaurant in Bennington. It was difficult in some area and there were quite a few ATV's passing by. I can see where it might by hard to ride a bicycle on this trail, but I made it on foot. I came across a few salamanders and was very surprised by a large blackish snake on my way back.
Just rode the trail and I would suggest leaving this one to the arv and dirt bikers. It is for the most part all soft sand that you can not stop peddling with out coming to a stop.
There are no trails off of this particular run. Its a good one test out a first time rider, but for the experienced rider its quite boring. good test run after a machine repair?? the local clubs have done a great job for snowmobile use though!!
We took this trail today and were disappointed with it's condition. It had portions with too much sand that made it difficult to traverse. Also, the trail is open to ATVs and Powered Dirt bikes which have a habit of chewing up the trail unfortunately.
If you take this trail I would recommend that you have a bike with the wider tires.
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