Looking for the best trails around Bristol?

Explore the best rated trails in Bristol, NH. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Cross Vermont Trail and Warner Rail Trail and Bagley Rail Trail. With more than 51 trails covering 441 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.

Recent Trail Reviews

Ammonoosuc Rail Trail

Ed

June, 2023 by edlodge1

I live three miles from this trail. I'd like to echo others that this trail is NOT SUITABLE for bicycling, It has been chewed up by recreational and commercial ATV operators. It is doable with balloon tires but even then -- not enjoyable. Even strollers would find the walking difficult under foot. (If you're determined to bike here, the stretch in both direction off of Streeter Pond Rd. is likely the smoothest).

Ammonoosuc Rail Trail

Gigi

May, 2023 by trovan685

This trail is not suitable for bicycles. It’s a shame because it’s a beautiful recreational trail and would be such an asset to the area but the ATV traffic has ruined it. Don’t come here if you want to bike or even walk

Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail

early spring bike ride

April, 2023 by cantabty

The trail is very well marked with easy parking. Lucky I had my fat bike today for todays ride. Trail conditions changed from dry, wet, icy packed to snow plowing. It was fun to experience all seasons in one day with a bike to handle deep mud. It’s early spring and expected.

Accordion

Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Portsmouth Branch)

Ebiking the trail.

April, 2023 by cantabty

My first time on the trail was a great experience. The path is hard packed gravel and wide enough for various types of traffic. Foot and bike traffic. The scenery was nice, but it is early spring. I plan to return in June. The path will be very different with the tree and plants in full bloom.

Village Spur Rail Trail

Utility road

April, 2023 by ctdastrup

Like the title says, it’s not really a trail, it’s a utility access road. Cool water creek runs along it though. Seen about 15 other people and dogs on the utility road also.

Mountain Division Trail

Can’t wait for the trail to extend

December, 2022 by andrew.walton72

My family goes out to Shaw park often and get right on the trail. We can’t wait for the trail to extend past our house in Steep Falls!

Cotton Valley Rail-Trail

awesome trail for all with common sense

November, 2022 by 9pq57wv6pf

Amazing to see all the ratings of this trail . Amazed at bicyclists who need to complain because they are having issues with crossing the rails . It does not take a college education to know that when you need to cross a obstruction in your path anywhere , you need to do so at as close to a 90 degree angle as possible . If you read the map , the posted signs , or see a obstruction and you question your skills you should stop and walk . I know it must be so hard to unclip and re clip your feet into your ordeals

Franconia Notch Recreation Path

Awesome ride on ebikes. Late I the fall season so there was no traffic on the trails. Paved and clear, easy ride. Well worth it for the views.

November, 2022 by bova.chris

Awesome ride on ebikes. Late I the fall season so there was no traffic on the trails. Paved and clear, easy ride. Well worth it for the views.

Franconia Notch Recreation Path

Fun trail

October, 2022 by carl.sweezey

The trail is great Awesome views the up hills balance out the down hills. Only issue is a lot of ignorant people that walk 4 abreast and you have to almost stop to get around them. Next trip back I think I’ll bring an air horn ¿¿

Common Pathway

Mostly Bike

October, 2022 by mbdsvn6q9d

Too urban to be considered a hike or bike; winds along community roads along river. Not a hike.

Mountain Division Trail

Nice calm ride on an e-bike.

September, 2022 by brian.c.ricker

It’s fairly narrow in most spots, but very quiet, and serene.

Cotton Valley Rail-Trail

Very nice and unique rail-to-trail project

September, 2022 by galen.wright74

Just did this trail from Wakefield to Wolfeboro (and back) on Sunday. It’s a very nice and unique rail-to-trail project. I have ridden many rail-to-trail projects over the years, and have been involved with developing and maintaining trails in the past. I have been on trails built on top of old/removed railroad right-of-ways. I have been on trails built next to old railroad right-of-ways. But… I have never been on a trail actually built on an existing railroad right-of-way. I have seen several reviews complaining about this setup, however, I don’t think people understand the significance of this from an operational and historical perspective. Yes, having the trail lay between the railroad track gauge does limit space. And, this trail does cross the tracks back and forth quite a bit, which may pose a safety risk to those that are not cautious. But, with all of that being said… having the ability to operate motorized rail equipment on this trail is exciting and it gives visitors to this trail a unique perspective on seeing how the rail line worked.

The trail itself is of sand and light crushed stone construction, and it seems to be relatively well maintained. There were a few rutty places. You will definitely need a mountain or trail bike for this trip. However, I actually ran across members of the trail club doing maintenance Spent some time talking to them, and they were very friendly and informative. There is lots to see along the route, and Wolfeboro is a neat little tourist town. I drove over from Maine to try this trail out, and it was definitely worth the trip.

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