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Print Friendly MapThe smooth paved surface of the Londonderry Rail Trail offers a pleasant, tranquil 4.5-mile adventure for trail users in south-central New Hampshire. Its route follows a corridor once used by the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad, which started operations in the mid-1800s as a way to connect Manchester with Boston. The railroad ceased operations in the 1980s, and the creation of the rail-trail began in earnest in 2012.
As part of the future 125-mile Granite State Rail Trail, which one day will stretch from Massachusetts to the Vermont border, the Londonderry Rail Trail will eventually span 6 miles and serve as a connection between the developing South Manchester Rail Trail to the north and the Derry Rail Trail to the south.
A good place to begin your journey is at the trailhead on Sanborn Road. A small parking lot sits adjacent to Sanborn Road just east of the trail, and additional parking is available across the street at the North Londonderry Elementary School (when school is not in session).
The trail begins by traveling east through quiet, wooded neighborhoods, with the first mile south from the trailhead forming a straight shot on an elevated embankment—a remnant of the original railroad corridor infrastructure—but with a few dips down across neighborhood streets. The trail’s surface is well maintained, and signage is good for the entire length of the trail.
The trail opens up as it passes the North Londonderry Park & Ride, the second key parking area for the route, before passing under I-93 and veering south toward the center of town. Immediately following the underpass, you’ll pass some tranquil ponds and wetlands located on the east side of the trail.
After a few street crossings, the route follows Independence Drive a short distance before entering another beautiful wooded section. The remaining miles take you through some tranquil wetland areas—you might forget your proximity to I-93 and the town in this pristine natural sanctuary—before terminating at NH 28. Watch for turtles and other wildlife as you cross through a peat bog in this section of trail.
Please note that there is currently no parking at the southern terminus, and travel to and from this point would be challenging for nonmotorized users due to the current infrastructure. Plans are in the works to extend the trail across NH 28 and eventually create a seamless connection with the Derry Rail Trail to the south.
To reach the trailhead at the northwestern end of the trail from I-93, take Exit 5 toward SR 28 N, and follow signs for North Londonderry/Manchester. Head west onto SR 28 N/Rockingham Road, and go 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Sanborn Road, go 0.1 mile, and turn right into the parking lot (located directly across the street from North Londonderry Elementary School).
To reach the parking lot at the North Londonderry Park & Ride from I-93, follow the directions above to SR 28 N/Rockingham Road, and go about 0.3 mile. Turn right onto Symmes Dr., and then turn right into the access road to the parking lot. Turn right into the parking lot and you’ll see the trail toward the rear of the lot on your left. Be sure to pay attention to the signs, as some spaces have time limits or are dedicated for bus and/or commuter use only.
There is currently no dedicated parking at the trail’s southeast terminus.
We started at airport and went out 2.5 miles and then turned around. Easy path, smells wonderful, leaf changing colors breathtaking! We loved the scannable QR codes that teach you along the way about plants, trees, sites etc. we learned quote apt!
Start at Londonderry (by airport) trail is 4.5 miles ends at A neighborhood… google the mile trek to Derry Trail Head - the Derry trail is 3.9 miles (make sure you stop at the Grind on the Rail Trail for lunch! In Derry!) then connects to the Windham Rail Trail which is 4.3 miles and will continue another 5 miles in Salem NH.
Great trail real nice walk lots to see parking closed on the southern end
I have found a nice way to link to the Windham Depot to Derry Trail. At the southern end, cross over Rockingham Road onto Seasons Lane and turn left onto Coteville Rd. At the end of Coteville there is a short path through the woods that comes out on Franklin St Ext. Follow Franklin and turn right onto Mitchell Ave. At the end of Mitchell is a path that goes to the Windham Depot.
This is one of my family’s favorites as it was the first rail trial we ever did. The trail is all paved, pretty much flat throughout, and easily accessed. Apparently they are planning to add an additional few miles on the northern end by 2022. The only drawbacks are that it can get crowded, it can be buggy (it is near a lot of wetland), and of you like challenging trails it isn’t the best choice for you. Overall we love it
The Londonderry Rail Trail is a nice, flat, peaceful trail. For an early morning walk, you will greet several other people out walking or jogging. The scenery includes business, residential, and scenic wetlands. Plenty of parking at the bus terminal.
This is a very nice trail. It’s a very easy , flat, smooth surface. The parking lot is large enough to give you time and room to get your bike and gear together. The only thing I wasn’t thrilled with is having to cross busy roads and the space between the bollards could be a little wider.
Beautiful scenic trail, wide, not too crowded!
I truly enjoy this trail and noticed that graffiti was covered recently, however right after it was covered new graffiti was done😔. I wish there were security cameras in that area to catch whoever is doing this and heavy fines. We should be working together to make it better. Why ruin a nice trail?
Excellent trail however, it is a bit short. When it is eventually linked to Derry to the south and Manchester to the north it will be one of our states best trails.
I live at the beginning of the trail. There are always nice people on it. I run it almost daily. The scenery is nice and they just opened the second stretch into Derry.
We are so thrilled to have this trail. We live at the end of phase three on Seasons lane and look forward to its opening. We walk and bike the trail. It's fantastic to see others out enjoying it as well. It brings the community together Love the 603 tasting room in between as well :0
Deb
Well maintained, no grade paved trail. Easy to access from public parking. Now paved 2 miles - south to Liberty Road.
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