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Print Friendly MapHillsborough 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.
What will it take to get the Bennington to Deering Rail Trail suitable for bicycle??? It is a very difficult ride with even fat-tired riders because of the loose terrain. And then if you try to avoid it by riding the road, that is almost impossible also due to all the pitfalls and holes. This could be such an attraction.
I tried the Jaffrey to Rindge trail this weekend and there was NO COMPARISON! Fun, enjoyable ride while this one remains disappointing.
Please put this one on your list to help!!!
Took our ATVS down this trail today. Very well groomed, mainly flat surface (dirt and gravel). There is a large parking lot to unload. The trail signage was a bit confusing at times—one sign saying ATVS were permitted and others saying prohibited. If you park at the Fish and Game Road the trail head on the right takes you down a pretty short trail—so I would recommend starting on the left trail head which is decent in length. V
This is an ATV trail. Plain and simple. Loose surface, LOTS of ATV traffic, and even the occasional donkey. Yes, donkey....kinda cool actually!
If you have a hardtail or full suspension bike with proper aggressive tires, you're probably ok. If you're riding a hybrid...not so much. I think you'll be disappointed.
We biked this trail on hybrid bikes. The trail was flat but there were several areas that had loose sand. We walked the bikes along the airport due to the sand and loose gravel. We parked at the intersection of River Rd and Union St, the trail is right across the street from the pullout.
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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