Rail-Trails:NorthernNewEngland

1stEdition

Copyright©2018byRails-to-TrailsConservancyCoverandinteriorphotographscopyright©2018byRails-to-TrailsConservancyMaps:Lohnes+Wright;mapdatacourtesyofEnvironmentalSystemsResearchInstituteCoverdesign:ScottMcGrew;Bookdesign:AnnieLongLibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataNames:Rails-to-TrailsConservancy.Title:Rail-trails:NorthernNewEngland:thedefinitiveguidetomultiusetrailsinMaine,NewHampshire,

andVermont.Othertitles:Greatrail-trailsseries.Description:Firstedition.|Birmingham,Alabama:WildernessPress,animprintofAdventureKEEN,

[2018]|Atheadoftitle:TheOfficialRails-to-TrailsConservancyGuidebook.|“DistributedbyPublishersGroupWest”—T.p.verso.

Identifiers:LCCN2018006304|ISBN9780899978970(paperback)|ISBN9780899978987(ebook)Subjects:LCSH:Rail-trails—NewEngland—Guidebooks.|Rail-trails—Maine—Guidebooks.|Rail-trails—NewHampshire—Guidebooks.|Rail-trails—Vermont—Guidebooks.|Hiking—NewEngland—Guidebooks.|Hiking—Maine—Guidebooks.|Hiking—NewHampshire—Guidebooks.|Hiking—Vermont—Guidebooks.|Bicycletrails—NewEngland—Guidebooks.|Bicycletrails—Maine—Guidebooks.|Bicycletrails—NewHampshire—Guidebooks.|Bicycletrails—Vermont—Guidebooks.|Bicycletouring—NewEngland—Guidebooks.|Bicycletouring—Maine—Guidebooks.|Bicycletouring—NewHampshire—Guidebooks.|Bicycletouring—Vermont—Guidebooks.|Outdoorrecreation—NewEngland—Guidebooks.|Outdoorrecreation—Maine—Guidebooks.|Outdoorrecreation—NewHampshire—Guidebooks.|Outdoorrecreation—Vermont—Guidebooks.|Railroads—Rightofway—Multipleuse—UnitedStates.|NewEngland—Guidebooks.|Maine—Guidebooks.|NewHampshire—Guidebooks.|Vermont—Guidebooks.

Classification:LCCGV191.42.N3.R352018|DDC796.510974—dc23LCrecordavailableathttps://lccn.loc.gov/2018006304

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Frontcover:NewHampshire’sWinnipesaukeeRiverTrail,photographedbyAnthonyLe;backcover:Vermont’sMissisquoiValleyRail-Trail,photographedbyDennisCoelloAllrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyform,orbyanymeanselectronic,mechanical,recording,orotherwise,withoutwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher,exceptforbriefquotationsusedinreviews.

SAFETYNOTICE:AlthoughWildernessPressandRails-to-TrailsConservancyhavemadeeveryattempttoensurethattheinformationinthisbookisaccurateatpresstime,theyarenotresponsibleforanyloss,damage,injury,orinconveniencethatmayoccurtoanyonewhileusingthisbook.Youareresponsibleforyourownsafetyandhealthwhileinthewilderness.Thefactthatatrailisdescribedinthisbookdoesnotmeanthatitwillbesafeforyou.Beawarethattrailconditionscanchangefromdaytoday.Alwayschecklocalconditions,knowyourownlimitations,andconsultamap.

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AboutRailsto-TrailsConservancyeadquartered inWashington, D.C., Railsto-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is a

nonprofitorganizationdedicatedtocreatinganationwidenetworkoftrailsfromformerraillinesandconnectingcorridorstobuildhealthierplacesforhealthierpeople.

RailwayshelpedbuildAmerica.Spanningfromcoasttocoast,theseribbonsof steel linked people, communities, and enterprises, spurring commerce andforgingasinglenationthatbridgesacontinent.Butinrecentdecades,manyofthese routes have fallen into disuse, severing communal ties that helped bindAmericanstogether.

When RTC opened its doors in 1986, the rail-trail movement was in itsinfancy.Mostprojectsfocusedonsingle,linearroutesinruralareas,createdforrecreation and conservation. RTC sought broader protection for the unusedcorridors,incorporatingrural,suburban,andurbanroutes.

Yearafteryear,RTC’seffortstoprotectandalignpublicfundingwithtrailbuilding created an environment that allowed trail advocates in communitiesacross the country to initiate trail projects. These ever-growing ranks of trailprofessionals, volunteers, and RTC supporters have built momentum for thenationalrail-trailsmovement.Asthenumberofsupportersmultiplied,sodidtherail-trails.

Americansnowenjoymorethan23,000milesofopenrail-trails,andastheyflocktothetrailstoconnectwithfamilymembersandfriends,enjoynature,andgettoplacesintheirlocalneighborhoodsandbeyond,theireconomicprosperity,health,andoverallwell-beingcontinuetoflourish.

AsignatureendeavorofRTC isTrailLink.com,America’sportal to theserail-trails,aswellasothermultiusetrails.WhenRTClaunchedTrailLink.comin2000, our organization was one of the first to compile such detailed trailinformationonanationalscale.Today, thewebsitecontinues toplayacriticalrole in both encouraging and satisfying the country’s growing need foropportunities to ride,walk, skate, or run for recreation or transportation. Thisfree trail-finder database—which includes detailed descriptions, interactivemaps, photo galleries, and firsthand ratings and reviews—can be used as acompanionresourcetothetrailsinthisguidebook.

Thenationalvoiceformorethan160,000membersandsupporters,RTCiscommitted to ensuringabetter future forAmericamadepossibleby trails andtheconnectionstheyinspire.Learnmoreatrailstotrails.org.

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TableofContentsAboutRails-to-TrailsConservancyForewordAcknowledgmentsIntroductionHowtoUseThisBook

MAINE

AroostookValleyTrail

AuburnRiverwalk

Bangor&AroostookTrail

BelfastRailTrailonthePassagassawaukeag

CalaisWaterfrontWalkway

DownEastSunriseTrail

EasternPromenadeTrail

EasternTrail

FourSeasonsAdventureTrail

KennebecRiverRailTrail

KennebecValleyTrail

LagrangetoMedfordTrail

MountainDivisionTrail

NarrowGaugePathway

PapermillTrail

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SaintJohnValleyHeritageTrail

Sanford-SpringvaleRailTrail

SipayikTrail

SouthernBangorandAroostookTrail

WhistleStopRail-Trail

NEWHAMPSHIRE

AmmonoosucRailTrail

AshuelotRecreationalRailTrail

CheshireRailTrail(CheshireBranchRailTrail)

Vermont’sMissisquoiValleyRail-TrailinSheldon

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CommonPathway

CottonValleyRailTrail

DerryRailTrail

DoverCommunityTrail

FortHillRecreationalRailTrail

FranconiaNotchRecreationPath

GoffstownRailTrail

Head’sPondTrail

LakeWinnisquamScenicTrail

LondonderryRailTrail

MineFallsPark

MonadnockRecreationalRailTrail

NewBostonRailTrail

NorthernRailTrail

PiscataquogTrail

PresidentialRailTrail

RockinghamRecreationalRailTrail(FremontBranch)

RockinghamRecreationalRailTrail(PortsmouthBranch)

SawyerRiverTrail/SawyerRiverRoad

SugarRiverTrail

WarrentoEastHaverhillRailroadGradeTrail

WindhamRailTrail

WinnipesaukeeRiverTrail

WOWTrail

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VERMONT

BeebeSpurRailTrail

CrossVermontTrail(Montpelier&WellsRiverRailTrail)

DelawareandHudsonRail-Trail

EthanAllenParkTrails

IslandLineRailTrail

LamoilleValleyRailTrail

MissisquoiValleyRail-Trail

SouthBurlingtonRecreationPath

StoweRecreationPath

Ti-HaulTrailandShelburneBayParkRecPath

ToonervilleRail-Trail

WestRiverTrail

WillistonVillageBikePath

PhotoCreditsSupportRails-to-TrailsConservancy

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Forewordor those of you who have already experienced the sheer enjoyment and

freedom of riding on a rail-trail, welcome back! You’ll find Rail-Trails:NorthernNewEngland to be a useful and funguide to your favorite trails, aswellasanintroductiontopathwaysyouhaveyettotravel.

Forreaderswhoarediscoveringforthefirsttimetheadventurespossibleona rail-trail, thankyoufor joining the rail-trailmovement.Since1986,Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has been the leading supporter and defender of thesepriceless public corridors. We are excited to bring you Rail-Trails: NorthernNewEngland,soyoutoocanenjoysomeoftheregion’spremierrail-trailsandmultiuse trails. These hiking and biking trails are ideal ways to connect withyourcommunity,withnature,andwithyourfriendsandfamily.

I’vefoundthattrailshaveawayofbringingpeopletogether,andasyou’llsee from thisbook,youhaveopportunities inevery stateyouvisit togetonagreattrail.Whetheryou’relookingforaplacetoexercise,explore,commute,orplay,thereisatrailinthisbookforyou.

SoIinviteyoutositback,relax,pickatrailthatpiquesyourinterest—andthengetout,getactive, andhavesome fun. I’llbeouton the trails too, sobesuretowaveasyougoby.

Happytrails,

KeithLaughlin,PresidentRails-to-TrailsConservancy

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KevinBelanger BenCarterEliGriffen

WillieKaridisAnthonyLe KevinMillsLizThorstensen

BrandiHorton

Acknowledgmentspecial thanks to editorsGeneBisbee andAmyAhn for theirwork on this

book.Wearealsoappreciativeofthefollowingcontributorsandtoallthetrailmanagerswecalledonforassistancetoensurethemaps,photographs,andtraildescriptionsareasaccurateaspossible.

TorshaBhattacharyaAndrewDupuyKatieGuerinAmyKapp

JoeLaCroixSuzanneMatyasDerekStrout

PatrickWojahn

Maine’sBelfastRailTrailonthePassagassawaukeag

NewHampshire’sCottonValleyRailTrail

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Introductionail-Trails: Northern New England highlights 60 of the top rail-trails and

othermultiusepathways inMaine,NewHampshire,andVermont.These trailsofferabroadrangeofexperiencestosuitnearlyeverytaste,fromvibrantcitiesto remote forests, fromsweepingcoastalvistas tonarrowwooded ravines,andfromchallengingmountainbikingadventurestorelaxingwaterfrontstrolls.

Thoughshort in lengthat2.1miles, thepavedEasternPromenadeTrail inPortland,Maine,providesbeautyinabundanceasitskirtstheshorelineofCascoBay and PortlandHarbor through a 73-acre park. On the opposite end of thespectrumistheDownEastSunriseTrail,an87.9-milecrushed-stone,gravel,andsandtrailthatparallelstheGulfofMainefromPembroketoEllsworth.Amajorcomponent of the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway (ECG), the Down EastSunriseTrail features avarietyofwoodsy andmarshy landscapes as it travelsover28bridgesand throughanumberofcoastalvillages—includingMachias,siteofthefirstnavalbattleoftheAmericanRevolution.

TheFranconiaNotchRecreationPath inNewHampshireprovidesapaved—buthilly—andscenicroutethattraversesthelengthofFranconiaNotchStatePark in the White Mountain National Forest. Here, you can see naturalattractionssuchasFlumeGorgeandtheOldManoftheMountainHistoricSite.

And not to be outdone: Vermont’s Island Line Rail Trail—a member ofRTC’s Rail-Trail Hall of Fame—is the highlight of the region, with LakeChamplainvirtually at trail users’ feet for long sectionsof its 13.4miles.ThepathrollsthroughwaterfrontparksinBurlingtonandColchesterandcrossesthelakeona3-milemarblecausewaytoSouthHeroIsland.

Several trails in this region are being stitched together in the developingECG,whichaims to link trailsacross15states, fromMaine toFlorida.You’llfind many ECG-designated pathways in this book. You’ll also learn about anumber of trails that make up Maine’s Interconnected Trail System, which

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comprisesthousandsofmilesofall-terrainvehicleandsnowmobileroutesinthestate.

NomatterwhichroutesinRail-Trails:NorthernNewEnglandyouchoose,you’llexperiencetheuniquehistory,culture,andgeographyofeach,aswellasthecommunitiesthathavebuiltandembracedthem.

WhatIsaRail-Trail?ail-trailsaremultiusepublicpathsbuiltalongformerrailroadcorridors.Most

often flat or following a gentle grade, they are suited to walking, running,cycling,mountainbiking,in-lineskating,cross-countryskiing,horsebackriding,andwheelchairuse.Sincethe1960s,Americanshavecreatedmorethan23,000milesofrail-trailsthroughoutthecountry.

These extremely popular recreation and transportation corridors traverseurban, suburban, and rural landscapes. Many preserve historical landmarks,whileothersserveaswildlifeconservationcorridors,linkingisolatedparksandestablishing greenways in developed areas. Rail-trails also stimulate localeconomiesbyboostingtourismandpromotingtrailsidebusinesses.

WhatIsaRail-with-Trail?rail-with-trail isapublicpaththatparallelsastill-activerail line.Somerun

adjacent to high-speed, scheduled trains, often linking public transportationstations, while others follow tourist routes and slow-moving excursion trains.Many share an easement, separated from the rails by extensive fencing.Morethan300rails-with-trailsexistintheUnitedStates.

WhatIstheRail-TrailHallofFame?n 2007 RTC began recognizing exemplary rail-trails around the countrythroughitsRail-TrailHallofFame.Inducteesareselectedbasedonsuchmeritsas scenic value, high use, trail and trailside amenities, historical significance,excellenceinmanagementandmaintenanceoffacility,communityconnections,andgeographicdistribution.Theseiconicrail-trails,whichhavebeensingledoutfrommorethan2,000intheUnitedStates,haveearnedRTC’shighesthonorand

representtangiblerealizationsofourvisiontocreateamorewalkable,bikeable,healthier America. Hall of Fame rail-trails are indicated in this book with aspecial blue icon; for the full list of Hall of Fame rail-trails, visitrailstotrails.org/halloffame.

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HowtoUseThisBookail-Trails: Northern New England provides the information you’ll need to

planarewardingtrek.Withwordstoinspireyouandmapstochartyourpath,itmakeschoosingthebestrouteabreeze.Followingaresomeofthehighlights.

Mapsou’llfindthreelevelsofmapsinthisbook:anoverallregionalmap,state

locatormaps,anddetailedtrailmaps.ThetrailsinthisbookarelocatedinMaine,NewHampshire,andVermont.

Each chapter details a particular state’s network of trails,marked on a locatormap at the beginning of the chapter.Use thesemaps to find the trails nearestyou, or select several neighboring trails and plan aweekend hiking or bikingexcursion. Once you find a trail on a state locator map, simply flip to thecorresponding number for a full description. Accompanying trail maps markeach route’s access roads, trailheads, parking areas, restrooms, and otherdefiningfeatures.

KeytoMapIcons

TrailDescriptionsrails are listed in alphabetical order within each chapter. Each description

leadswithasetofsummaryinformation,includingtrailendpointsandmileage,aroughnessindex,thetrailsurface,andpossibleuses.

The map and summary information list the trail endpoints (either a city,street,ormorespecificlocation),withsuggestedpointsfromwhichtostartand

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finish.Additional access points aremarkedon themaps andmentioned in thetraildescriptions.Themapsanddescriptionsalsohighlightavailableamenities,including parking and restrooms, as well as such area attractions as shops,services,museums,parks,andstadiums.Traillengthislistedinmiles.

Eachtrailbearsaroughnessindexratingfrom1to3.Aratingof1indicatesasmooth, levelsurface that isaccessible tousersofallagesandabilities.A2ratingmeansthesurfacemaybelooseand/orunevenandcouldposeaproblemforroadbikesandwheelchairs.A3ratingsuggestsaroughsurfacethatisonlyrecommendedformountainbikersandhikers.Surfacescanrangefromasphaltorconcretetoballast,boardwalk,cinder,crushedstone,gravel,grass,dirt,sand,and/orwoodchips.Whererelevant,traildescriptionsaddressalternatingsurfaceconditions.

All trails are open to pedestrians, and most allow bicycles, except wherenoted in the trail summary or description. The summary also indicateswheelchairaccess.Otherpossibleusesincludein-lineskating,mountainbiking,horseback riding, fishing, and cross-country skiing.Whilemost trails are off-limits to motor vehicles, some local trail organizations do allow all-terrainvehicles(ATVs)andsnowmobiles.

Traildescriptionssuggestanidealitineraryforeachroute,includingthebestparkingareasandaccesspoints,wheretobegin,yourdirectionoftravel,andanyhighlights along the way. Following each description are directions to therecommendedtrailheads.

Each trail description also lists a localwebsite for further information.Besure to visit these websites in advance for updates and current conditions.TrailLink.comisanothergreatresourceforupdatedcontentonthetrailsinthisguidebook.

TrailUseail-trails are popular destinations for a range of users, often making them

busy places to enjoy the outdoors. Following basic trail etiquette and safetyguidelineswillmakeyourexperiencemorepleasant.

Keeptotheright,exceptwhenpassing.

Passontheleft,andgiveaclearaudiblewarning:“Passingonyourleft.”

Beawareofothertrailusers,particularlyaroundcornersandblindspots, and be especially careful when entering a trail, changingdirection,orpassing,sothatyoudon’tcollidewithtraffic.

Respectwildlifeandpublicandprivateproperty;leavenotraceandtakeoutlitter.

Controlyour speed, especiallynearpedestrians,playgrounds, andheavilycongestedareas.

Travel single file. Cyclists and pedestrians should ride or walksinglefileincongestedareasorareaswithreducedvisibility.

Crosscarefullyatintersections;alwayslookbothwaysandyieldtothroughtraffic.Pedestrianshavetheright-of-way.

Keeponeearopenandvolumelowonportablelisteningdevicestoincreaseyourawarenessofyoursurroundings.

Wear a helmet and other safety gear if you’re cycling or in-lineskating.

Considervisibility.Wear reflectiveclothing,usebicycle lights,orbring flashlights or helmet-mounted lights for tunnel passages ortwilightexcursions.

Keepmoving,anddon’tblockthetrail.Whentakingarest,turnoffthe trail to the right. Groups should avoid congregating on orblockingthetrails.Ifyouhaveanaccidentonthetrail,movetotherightassoonaspossible.

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Bicyclistsyieldtoallothertrailusers.Pedestriansyieldtohorses.Ifindoubt,yieldtoallothertrailusers.

Dogsarepermittedonmosttrails,butsometrailsthroughparks,wildliferefuges,orothersensitiveareasmaynotallowpets;it’sbesttocheckthetrailwebsitebeforeyourvisit.Ifpetsarepermitted,keepyourdogonashort leashandunderyourcontrolatall times.Removedogwasteinadesignatedtrashreceptacle.

Teachyourchildrenthesetrailessentials,andbeespeciallydiligenttokeepthemoutoffaster-movingtrailtraffic.

Beprepared, especially on long-distance rural trails.Bringwater,snacks,maps,alightsource,matches,andotherequipmentyoumayneed. Because some areas may not have good reception for cellphones,knowwhereyou’regoing,andtellsomeoneelseyourplan.

KeytoTrailUse

LearnMoreolearnaboutadditionalmultiusetrailsinyourareaortoplanatriptoanarea

beyond the scope of this book, visit Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s trail-finder

websiteTrailLink.com,afreeresourcewithmorethan32,000milesofmappedrail-trailsandmultiusetrailsnationwide.

Maine

KennebecRiverRailTrailshares itscorridorwithactive tracks,aconfigurationknownasarail-

with-trail.

1 AroostookValleyTrail

CountyAroostook

EndpointsUS1/MainSt.betweenME210/ReachRoadandParsonsRoadConnector/ME163(PresqueIsle)toME164/WashburnSt.betweenWillowDr.andRooseveltAve.(Caribou)orWestmanlandRoadjusteastofJepsonRoad(NewSweden)Mileage

28.8

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex2–3

SurfacesCrushedStone,Dirt

The Aroostook Valley Trail gets as much use from ATV riders andsnowmobilersasitdoesfrommountainbikersasitwindsthroughtheforestsandpotatofarmsofnortheasternMaine.It’ssofarnorththat theUnitedStatesandUnited Kingdom both laid claims to the area in the late 1830s in a disputedubbedthePorkandBeansWar,whichendedwithoutcombat.

The rail-trail takes its name from the Aroostook Valley Railroad. (LocaltribestranslateAroostookto“beautifulriver.”)Alumberbaronbuilttherailroadin1910 tohaul logs tohisPresqueIslesawmillandused the river togenerateelectricity to power the railroad toWashburn. Over the years, it expanded toCaribou and New Sweden and provided full freight and passenger service,thoughithauledmorefreshlypickedpotatoes thananythingelse.Switching todieselinthe1940s,thelinestruggleduntilitendedoperationsin1996.

Today the 28.8-mile trail connects with the Bangor&Aroostook Trail inWashburn and is part of the Interconnected Trail System, which comprisesthousandsofmilesofATVandsnowmobiletrackinthestate.Althoughitpassesthrough four towns with food and lodging, most of the trail is remote, andtravelers need to pack for backcountry emergencies. Note that in addition tosnowmobilingandsnowshoeing,dogsleddingispermitted.

In the far northeast reaches of Maine, this trail offers a rustic ride through quaint towns andremoteareas.

StartingatariversideparkonUS1inPresqueIsle, thelargest townalongthe route, the trail follows the south bank of theAroostookRiver. (A privateATVandsnowmobilerouteheadseastfor23milestowardtheCanadianborderalongtheCanadianPacificRailroadright-of-way.)You’llheadthroughsecond-growthforestsofspruce,fir,beech,poplar,andbirchand, intheclearings,seethevastpotato farms forwhichAroostookCounty isknown.The trail crossestheriverin5miles,thenrollsalongthenorthriverbankfornearly5milestoitsjunctionwiththeBangor&AroostookTrailinWashburn.

Leaving the banks of theAroostookRiver and following the trail throughtown for amile, you’ll take the right fork to remain on theAroostookValleyTrail heading north. After passing through the Woodland Bog Preserve andarrivinginCarsonat3.8miles,thetrailsplits:therightbranchgoeseasttoward

Caribou,andtheleftcontinuesnorthtoNewSweden.Caribouis6.7milesdowntherightbranch,and,likeothertownsalongthe

route, many businesses there cater to trail users. You’ll find restaurants,bakeries,coffeeshops,andevenbed-and-breakfastslessthan0.5mileeastfromthe trailhead onWashburn Street.A branch of theBangor&AroostookTrailalsoendsintown.

HeadingnorthfromthetrailjunctioninCarson,aseparate7-milesegmenttoNewSwedenalsopassesthroughmostlywoodlandtoWestmanlandRoad.NewSwedengotitsstartafterMaineinvitedimmigrantstobolsteritseconomyinthe1870s, and many Swedish events and traditions survive in the area. Lightservices are available in town, where you’ll also find a museum, as well ashistorichomesandchurches.

CONTACT:maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=77andcaribourec.org

DIRECTIONSToreachthetrailhead inPresqueIslefromI-95, takeExit302northtowardPresqueIsleonUS1/NorthSt.Go26.4milesnorthonUS1,andturnlefttoremainonUS1inMarsHill.Goanother 15.8miles, and turn right into theStarCity ATVClub parking lot on the right, justbeforeyoucrosstheAroostookRiver.

Toreachthetrailhead inCariboufromI-95, takeExit302north towardPresqueIsleonUS1/NorthSt.Go26.4milesnorthonUS1,andturnlefttoremainonUS1inMarsHill.Goanother26.8miles,andturnleftontoLyndonSt./MainSt.inCaribou.Go0.5mile,andturnleftontoHerschelSt.Go0.2mile, turn leftontoProspectSt.,and thentakeyour first rightontoSweden St. Go almost 0.1 mile, turn left onto Summer St. and then turn right onto ME164/WashburnSt.Go0.1mile,bearlefttostayonME164/WashburnSt.,go0.1milefarther,and look for trailhead parking on the left. (This lot is not recommended for ATVs andsnowmobiles. Instead, continue 2.6 miles past this parking lot to the trail crossing on ME164/Washburn Road, where you’ll see parking on the right.) A parking lot dedicated tosnowmobilesandATVsislocatedatthenorthernendpointinNewSwedenandisaccessibleby crossing Westmanland Road (look for the path immediately to your right, which headsnortheast a few hundred feet). However, there is no dedicated parking lot for automobilesduringtheweek.Onweekends,parkingispermittedattheNewSwedenConsolidatedSchoolparkinglot,whichcanbeaccessedbyheadingwestfromthetrailheadonWestmanlandRoadabout0.3mile,andturningrightintotheparkinglot.ToreachtheendpointfromI-95,takeExit

302 toward Presque Isle on US 1/North St. Go 26.4miles north on US 1, and turn left toremainonUS1inMarsHill.Goanother27.7miles,andturnleftagaininCariboutoremainonUS1.In0.8mileturnleftontoUS1.In7.2milesturnleftontoEmondRoad/TownlineRoad.Go1.7miles,andEmondRoadbecomesStationRoad.Goanother3.8miles.Thetrailheadis0.1milepasttheNewSwedenCovenantChurch.

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AuburnRiverwalk

CountyAndroscoggin

EndpointsMoultonParkatHutchinsSt.andHighSt.toGreatFallsPlazanearTurnerSt.(Auburn)orSimard-PayneMemorialParkatBeechSt.andOxfordSt.(Lewiston)Mileage

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TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfacesGravel/CrushedStone,Asphalt,Brick

heAuburnRiverwalkpasses throughtheheartof theoldmilldistrictof theTwinCitiesofAuburnandLewiston.The1.6-milepavedandgravelpathoffers

manyscenicviewsof theAndroscogginRiver, thepowerhouse that fueled thehistoricmill industry. Lewiston is the second largest city inMaine and offersmanydiningopportunities.Keepanearout for spokenFrench, asLewiston ishome to the largest French-speaking population in Maine (the language isspokenbynearly15%ofresidents).

A section of trail crosses theAndroscogginRiver on a trestle built by theGrand Trunk Railroad in 1909. The railway started service in the 1850s,connectingPortlandwithMontreal.ItlateraddedalinetoAuburnandLewiston,servingtheshoeandtextileindustriesthatboomedhereinthesecondhalfofthe19thcentury.TheCanadianNationalRailwaylatertookovertherailroad.

Starting in the west just past the skate park in Moulton Park, follow thegravelpathforabout0.25miletoaforkinadjoiningBonneyPark.Theleftforkheadsnorthalongside theAndroscogginRiver for0.7mile toWestPitchParkand itsoverlookatGreatFalls, alsoknownasLewistonFalls.Oneofonly15urbanwaterfallsintheUnitedStates,itdrops37feetoverrockyoutcropsandisstill used for hydroelectric power. The segment is paved in bricks and offersbenchesforviewingwildlifeorsimplycontemplatinglife.

MoultonPark,intheheartofAuburn,offersagreatstartingpointforyourjourney.

TakingtherightforkfromBonneyParkcarriesyouacrosstheAndroscogginRiver on a 425-foot converted railroad bridge. Viewing the river, you canappreciate the localefforts tocleanup thiswaterway,onceknownas themostpollutedinthestate.

After crossing the bridge, youwill run intoSimard-PayneMemorial Park,whichservesasawelcominggatewaytothetrailandriver.Theparkhasseveralsmallwalkingpathsthatleaddowntobenchesalongtheriverandapavedloopencirclingthepark.Atthetopoftheloop,ashorttrailleadstoagravellotforparking and a picnic area. Depending on when you arrive, you could alsoexperience the annual Great Falls Brewfest in June, the Great Falls BalloonFestivalinAugust,ortheDempseyChallengeinSeptember.

CONTACT:mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/Lewiston-auburn-greenway-trails

DIRECTIONSToreachtheAuburntrailheadfromI-95,takeExit80towardME196/Lewiston.TravelingnorthonI-95,turnrightontoAlfredA.PlourdePkwy.;travelingsouthonI-95,turnleftontoAlfredA.PlourdePkwy.Goabout0.5mile,and turn rightontoGoddardRoad,and thengo0.9mile,and turn rightontoRiverRoad,whichbecomesLincolnSt.Go1.6miles,and turn left ontoCedarSt.,andthengo0.4mile,andturnrightontoMillSt. inAuburn.Go0.1mile,andturnrightontoS.MainSt.,andthengo0.3mile,andlookforparkingonyourright.Thetrailisatthebottomoftheslope;goleft0.2mileforthewesternendpoint.

To reach the Lewiston trailhead from I-95, take Exit 80 toward ME 196/Lewiston.TravelingnorthonI-95,turnrightontoAlfredA.PlourdePkwy.;travelingsouthonI-95turnleftontoAlfredA.PlourdePkwy.Goabout0.5mile,andturnrightontoGoddardRoad.Thengo0.9mile,andturnrightontoRiverRoad,whichbecomesLincolnSt.Go1.7miles,andturnleftontoBeechSt.CrossthecanalandparkinSimard-PayneMemorialPark.

3 Bangor&AroostookTrail

CountyAroostook

EndpointsMainSt./US1AandStateSt./US1(VanBuren)toMorrisonSt.betweenStationSt.andHughesRoad(Mapleton)orLimestoneSt.andBroadway(Caribou)

Mileage

62.3

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex2–3

SurfaceGravel

Ifyou’relookingformoose,theBangor&AroostookTrail(orBAT)isjusttheplace.Moosewatchers take to the 62.3-mile rail-trail onATVs, snowmobiles,andmountainbikestospottheselargecreaturesthatappearungainlybutcanbeunpredictably dangerous. The crushed-rock trail is part of the state’sInterconnectedTrailSystemthatlinksmorethanathousandmilesofATVandsnowmobile trails around the state. (Snowshoeing and dogsledding are alsopermitted.)

ThetrailfollowstheformercorridoroftheBangorandAroostookRailroad(BAR)throughnorthernMaine’sbogsandforests.Foundedin1891tocombinetworailroads,theraillineextendedtoCaribouin1895andVanBurenin1899.The railroad stayed profitable by hauling the state’s two big exports: potatoesandwoodproducts.Whenfarmersstoppedshippingspudsbyrailinthe1970s,the company discontinued using some Aroostook County branch lines andeventuallydeclaredbankruptcyin2002.

AbranchofthetrailconnectstoCaribou,locatedontheAroostookRiver.

ThetrailoffersviewsofthemanyscenicwaterwaysthatcrisscrossthispartofnorthernMaine.

ThetrailrunssouthfromVanBurentowardStockholm,whereitsplitsintobranchestoCaribouandMapleton.ItbrieflyjoinstheAroostookValleyTrailinWashburn. Although the trail visits towns where lodging and restaurants areavailable, most of the trail is remote. Travelers should carry emergency gearalong with extra food and water. Another leg of the old BAR from Phair toHoultonhasbeenconvertedintothe38.8-mileSouthernBangorandAroostookTrail.

Starting at the north end of the trail inVanBuren, you’re just across theSaint John River from the province of New Brunswick, Canada. If you hearFrenchspokenhere,don’tbesurprised.FrenchsettlersofCanadianAcadiawhorefused toswearallegiance to theBritishcrownin the1700sweredeportedorescaped—some toMaine.Many of thoseAcadians keep their culture alive intheirlanguage.HistoricbuildingsfromthateraarecollectedatAcadianVillage,

4.6milesnorthoftownonUS1/MainStreet.As you head out of Van Buren, you enter a forested wilderness where

loggingoccurs.This isprimemoose country, as thewoodsprovide cover, butthe open boggy areas provide food and allow themoose tomove about withwide antlers. The trail splits in Stockholm, which was settled by Swedishimmigrantsinthe1870s.

Thelongestbranchtakesasharpturnright,curvesleft,andthenheadssouthfor 30miles to the small town ofMapleton.Along theway it passes throughWashburn, where you can grab some food and perhaps hook up with theAroostook Valley Trail. The country landscape transitions from forest toagriculture,primarilypotatofarming,whichisstillamajorcropinMaine.

The left fork in Stockholm heads 16 miles to Caribou, located on theAroostookRiver.Calling itself themostnortheasterncity in theUnitedStates,thetownisacenterforoutdoorrecreationinnorthernMaine.You’llfindfoodandlodginghere,aswellasoutfittersandguidesformoreoutdooradventures.

CONTACT:maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=96

DIRECTIONSToreachthe trailhead inCaribou fromI-95, takeExit302 towardPresqueIsleonUS1.Go26.4milesnorthonUS1,andturnlefttoremainonUS1inMarsHill.Goanother27.7miles,turnlefttostayonUS1,andthenbearrightontoME89/AccessHwy.Go0.4mile,andturnleftontoOtterSt.Lookfortrailheadparkingontherightin0.3mileatthestreetend.Toreachthe endpoint in Caribou, turn right from the north side of the parking lot, and use theunderpasstoreachthetrail.Turnright,andgo1.5milestotheendpoint.

ToreachthetrailheadinVanBurenfromI-95,takeExit302towardPresqueIsleonUS1.Go26.3milesnorthonUS1,andinMarsHilltaketherightforkontoUS1A.Go49.9miles,andlookforthetrailandparkingontheleftjustpasttheintersectionwithUS1/MainSt.

To reach the trailhead inWashburn from I-95, takeExit264 towardPattenonME158.HeadnorthwestonME158,go0.4mile,andbear rightontoME11/StationRoad.Go56.5miles, and turn right onto ME 227/Station St. Go 14.6miles, and turn left onto Castle HillRoad.Go3.7miles,and turn leftontoME164/WashburnRoad.Go1.4miles, turn leftontoStationRoad,andlookforparkingontheleft.

4 BelfastRailTrailonthePassagassawaukeag

CountyWaldo

EndpointsOakHillRoadandKalerRoad/HillstoSeaTrailtoPierceSt.atWaterSt.andHarborWalk(Belfast)

Mileage

2.3

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex2

SurfacesCrushedStone,Gravel

Visitors to theBelfastRailTrailonthePassagassawaukeag(pronouncedpas-uh-gas-uh-WAH-kegandconvenientlyshortened toPassyRailTrailby locals)canseevintagetrainsatoneendofthetrailorwatchshipwrightsatworkattheotherend.Inbetween,the2.3-milerail-trailpassesthroughwoodsalongsidethePassagassawakeag River. The trail, named for the indigenous spelling of thattidal river insteadof thecommonname, is relatively flatwithapackedgravelandcrushedstonesurface.

Therail-trail,openedin2016,followsthesouthernsectionofoldrailbedlaidby the Belfast&Moosehead LakeRailroad, a historic short line railroad thatoperatedover33milesfromBelfasttoBurnhambeginningin1871until2007.Most of the corridor, north of the trail, is an excursion and tourist train stillnamedtheBelfast&MooseheadLakeRailroad.

AgoodplacetostartisthenortherntrailheadonOakHillRoad,adjacenttotheCityPointCentralRailroadMuseum.Locatedinavintagelate-19th-centuryrailroadstation,themuseumservesasthedepotfortheexcursiontrain.Someofthe rolling stock in use include electric locomotives, an observation car, aPullmancar,acoach/cafécar,andacaboose.Thetrailheadalsoistheterminusofthe47-mileHillstoSeaTrail,awalkingpaththatheadswesttothetownofUnity.

TheBelfastArmisticeBridgeisahighlightonthesouthernendofthetrail.

Heading south on the Passy Rail Trail, you’ll come to a bridge across anarrowsectionofthePassagassawakeagRiverin0.4mile.The92-acreHeadofTidePreservejustwestofthetrailaftercrossingthebridgemarkstheendoftheriver’stidalzone.Acoupleoflooptrailspassthroughthewoodsandalongtheriver.

The trail runsalongsideCityPointRoadfor thenextmilewithsomeclearviewsoftheriver.Keepyoureyesopenforsealsrunningthetideintheriverandnesting eagles and ospreys in thewoods along the shoreline.About 1.3milesfromthetrailhead,you’llcometoaparkinglot.The8-acreStephensonPreserve,withalooptrailheadinguphill,islocatedjustnorthofhereonCityPointRoad.

The trail continues along the river anothermile, passingbeneath theUS1bridgeandnexttoapotatoprocessingplant,tothesoutherntrailheadonPierce

Street.HereitconnectstoBelfastHarborWalkattheBelfastArmisticeBridge(also known asFootbridge).TheHarborWalk connects to theFootbridge andcontinues south along the west side of the river, where the surface is acombinationof asphalt andboardwalks.The southernendof theHarborWalkhasrestaurants,docks,andshops,andhostseventsandfestivals.

CONTACT:belfastandmooseheadlakerail.org/portal/index.php/menu-rail-trail

DIRECTIONSToreachthenortherntrailhead,takeUS1NtoBelfast,andtaketheexitforME7/ME137toWaldoAve.GostraightontoFieldSt.,andthengo0.1mileandturnleftontoHighSt.Go2.1milesonHighSt./CityPointRoad,andlookforparkingontherightat theCityPointCentralRailroadMuseum.

Toreach thenorthern trailhead fromUS1S/ME3/SearsportRoad inBelfast, turn rightontoSwanLakeAve./ME141.Go0.1mile,andturn leftontoRobbinsRoad,andthengo1mile,andturnrightontoKalerRoad.Go1.3miles,andturnleftontoOakHillRoad.TrailheadparkingisontheleftattheCityPointCentralRailroadMuseum.

Toreachthesouthern trailhead, takeUS1NtoBelfast,andtaketheexit forME7/ME137toWaldoAve.GostraightontoFieldSt.,thengo0.1mileandturnrightontoHighSt.Go0.1mile, and turn left onto Pierce St., then go 0.2mile for parking at the intersectionwithWaterSt.

ToreachthesoutherntrailheadfromUS1S/ME3/SearsportAve.inBelfast,taketheME7/ME137exittowarddowntownBelfastaftercrossingthebridgeoverthePassagassawakeagRiver.TurnrightontoHighSt., thengo0.3mileandturnleftontoPierceSt.Go0.2mileforparkingattheintersectionwithWaterSt.

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CalaisWaterfrontWalkway

CountyWashington

EndpointsToddSt.betweentheSt.CroixRiverandUnionSt.toBarkerSt.andSouthSt.(Calais)Mileage

1.5

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex2

SurfaceGravel

he CalaisWaterfrontWalkway provides a path for a short stroll along theSaint CroixRiver on the border betweenCalais andCanada, but it’s also thestartofsomethingmuchlonger.The1.5-milerail-trailmarksthefirstmileofthe

EastCoastGreenway,aprojectenvisionedasa3,000-mileoff-roadtrailfornon-motorized transportation, stretching from the border in Calais to Key West,Florida.

Thegravelpathgotitsstartasarailroad,thefirsttobegrantedacharterbythestatein1832.Whenthe2-milerailroadbetweenMilltownandCalaisopenedafewyearslater,horsesprovidedthepowertohaullumberfromanearbymill.The rail route then extended south toBaring andbecame theCalais&BaringRailroad.Moreextensionsandownershipchangesfolloweduntil1904,whentheMaine Central Railroad took over. The line eventually became the CalaisBranch,withservicetoBangormorethan130milesaway.Althoughtherailroadeventuallydiscontinueduseonmostoftheline(includingthesectionthat’snowatrail),asegmentfromthewesternendofthetrailcarriespulpwoodproductsbetweenCalaisandMilltownandthenintoCanada.

Thetree-linedtrailisnestledbetweentheSaintCroixRiveranddowntownCalais.

Calais is an international townwith three entrances into New Brunswick,Canada. The northernmost crossing at the midpoint of the trail marks thebeginning of the East Coast Greenway. It travels east along the CalaisWaterfrontWalkway for 0.8mile until the trail ends. From there, East CoastGreenway travelers use road shoulders until they encounter the next off-roadsection.

TheCalaisWaterfrontWalkway trailhead is located aboutmidpoint at theriverfrontPikesPark, although it’s easily accessible anywhere along the river.Headingeast,thetrailimmediatelypassesthebrickCalaisFreeLibrary,builtin1892. It’s just one of the 19th-century brick buildings standing in downtown,

muchofwhichwasdestroyedinacalamitousfire in the1870s.Infrontof thelibraryyou’llfindthesculptureNexus,oneofmorethan30erectedaspartofa200-mile-longsculpturetrailincoastalDownEastMaine.About0.2mileeastofthe trailhead, a narrow side path heads right to Main Street and the Dr. JobHolmesCottage,whichdates to at least 1805.Amuseumdisplaysphotos andartifactsfromearlyCalais.ThetrailendsatBarkerStreet,wheretheEastCoastGreenwaycontinuesontoSouthStreet.

Returningtothetrailheadandheadingwest,you’llpassbeneathMainStreetspanning the river to St. Stephen in New Brunswick. The Canadian town’sscenic skyline is easy to see fromCalais. Ifyouhaveproper identification forcrossing borders, you can ride on St. Stephen’smile-longRiverfrontWalkingTrailandvisitthetown’sChocolateMuseum.

Emerging from theunderpass, the trail continueswestand thensouthas itfollowstheriver’sforestedbanksforanother0.6mile.Keepyoureyesopenforbaldeaglesthatfeedalongtheriverinthisarea.

CONTACT:calaismaine.org/directories/30-211/calais-waterfront-walkway

DIRECTIONSToreachthetrailheadinCalaisfromI-395inBangor,takeExit6AontoUS1AEtowardBarHarbor.Go5.4mileseast,andturnleftontoME46.Go4.9miles,andturnrightontoME9.Go76.5miles,and turn rightontoUS1S/ME9 towardCalais.Go4.7miles,go throughatrafficcircle,andcontinueonBaringSt.0.5mile.ContinueonNorthSt.1.7miles,and thenstaystraightonNorthSt.toreachthetrailheadandparking(about400feetafterpassingMainSt.).

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DownEastSunriseTrail

CountiesHancock,Washington

EndpointsME214/AyersJunctionRoad0.5milesouthofMt.TomRoad(Pembroke)toUS1/ME3/HighSt.andBealsAve.(Ellsworth)Mileage

87.9

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex2–3

SurfacesCrushedStone,Gravel,Sand

he87.9-mileDownEastSunriseTrailpassesthroughthewoods,marshlands,and coastal villages of southernMaine. It takes its name from its location inDownEastMaine,dubbedbyearlymarinersforbeing“downwind”frommore

western ports such as Boston. Also, it’s one of the first trails to experiencesunrise in theUnited States.ATV riders are themost frequent trail users andmaintain the crushed stone and gravel trail surface. It’s also amajor off-roadcomponenton theEastCoastGreenway,a futureCalais,Maine–to–KeyWest,Florida,routeforbicyclists,hikers,andequestrians.

The rail-trail follows a section of a 19th-century railroad that ran betweenCalais and Bangor, later becoming the Calais Branch of the Maine CentralRailroadin1911.ThebranchclosedafterMaineCentralwassoldinthe1980s,and theMaineDepartmentofTransportationacquired therailbed in1987.Thefirstsectionoftrailopenedin2009,andcrewscompletedthe2-mile-longfinalsectioninEllsworthin2016.

AbridgeovertheNarraguagusRiverinCherryfieldshowsoffthetrail’srailroadroots.

The trail begins on Ayers Junction Road near Pembroke, site of a futureextensioneastward to theSipayikTrail.Your first legheadsmostly southwestthroughforestlandfor29milestowardthecoastalvillageofMachias,siteofthe

firstnavalbattleoftheAmericanRevolution.Alongtheway,youcanvisit theEastMachiasAquaticResearchCenter at 13WillowStreet,where you’ll findnativefishfromlocalriversandhatcherytanksfilledwithAtlanticsalmon.FoodandlodgingareavailableinthevillageontheMachiasRiver.

LeavingMachias,you’llcrossmanybridgesovercoastalriversasyouheadwest.In3.5miles,you’llcrosstheMachiasRiveronatrestle,oneof28bridgeson the trail.Thenext12miles cross a remote landscape fromWhitneyville toColumbiaFalls,whereyou’llfinddrive-insandcafés.AfterHarrington,thetrailruns alongside US 1 on the way into Cherryfield, which calls itself theWildBlueberry Capital of the World. Sandy soil and fog contribute to bountifulblueberrycrops.

CrossingtheNarraguagusRiveronthewayoutofCherryfield,you’llbeginanotherlonelysectionfor15milestothe150-acreSchoodicBogatthefootofscenicSchoodicMountain.You’ll find insect-eatingplants and turtleshere, aswellasbeavers.Nearby,NorthEndRoadleadstoapublicbeachandcampingatthe Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land. Refreshments are available about 5milespastSchoodicBog inFranklin.Watch fordeerandotherwildlifeon thefinal12milestoEllsworth,whereyou’llfindrestaurantsandgroceries.TherailyardfortheDowneastScenicRailroadexcursiontrainisabout0.3milenorthofthetrailhead.PlanscallforaconnectionwiththeEllsworthRailTraillessthanamilenorth.

CONTACT:sunrisetrail.organdmaine.gov/downeastsunrisetrail

DIRECTIONSToreachtheeastern trailheadfromI-395 inBangor, takeExit6AontoUS1AEtowardBarHarbor.Go5.4mileseast,thenturnleftontoME46.Go4.9miles,thenturnrightontoME9.Go67.9miles,and turn rightontoDavisRoad.Go0.8mile,and turn rightontoArmRoad.Afteranother1.2miles, turnrightontoCooperRoad/N.UnionRoad,andgo5.8miles.Turnleft ontoME191,go4.7miles, andstay straightontoME214/ConantHillRoad,whichwillbecomeME214/AyersJunctionRoad.Go6.2miles,andlookforparkingontheright.

ToreachthewesterntrailheadinEllsworthfromI-395inBangor,takeExit6AontoUS1AEtowardBarHarbor.Go23.1miles,andstaystraightontoUS1/ME3.Go0.4mile,turnleft

ontoBealsAve.,andlookfortrailheadparkingontheright.

7

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EasternPromenadeTrail

CountyCumberland

EndpointsSewagePlantRoadnearI-295/BaysideTrailtoMaineStatePieratFranklinSt./US1AandCommercialSt.(Portland)Mileage

2.1

TypeRail-with-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfaceAsphalt

ldsaltsshouldlovetheEasternPromenadeTrail,asitskirtstheshorelineofPortland’sCascoBayandPortlandHarbor.The2.1-milepaved trail is alwayswithinsightofthewaterandisoneofmorethan30trailsandgreenwaysinthe

state’slargestcity.Thetrailrunsthroughthecity’sEasternPromenade,a73-acreparkthathas

been hosting visitors on the seaward flank of Munjoy Hill (once known asMountJoy)sincethe1830s.TheOlmstedBrothersfirm,notedarchitectsofNewYorkCity’sCentralPark,createdaparkdesignintheearly20thcenturythathasbeenfollowedovertheyears.

Thetrail,however,wasn’tpartofthatplan.TheGrandTrunkRailway(laterthe CanadianNational Railroad)made Portland its terminus, and trains rolledrightbetweenthegreenspaceandthebeaches.Afireinthe1980sdestroyedthebridgethatcarriedtrainsacrossBackCoveintoPortland,andthecityacquiredtheright-of-wayandbuiltthetrailinthelate1990s.Thepavedtrailisabout18feetwideandcanbeusedbypedestrians,bicyclists,andskaters.(Whilecross-countryskiingispermitted,snowisusuallyplowedfromthetrailadayortwoafterfalling.)Anarrowstonedusttrailrunsparallelandmidwayuptheslopeinplaces.

Alongsidethepath,you’llseethetracksfortheMaineNarrowGaugeRailroadCo.&Museum.

Inthenorthernendofthepark,theEasternPromenadeTrailstartsatthe1-mileBaysideTrail,whichconnectswiththeBackCoveTrailthatencirclesBackCove.TheEasternPromenadeTrailalsoisthepaththroughPortlandfortheEastCoastGreenway,anoff-road trailproject that stretches fromCalais,Maine, toKeyWest, Florida. The LoringMemorial Trail (comprising a series of stairs)climbs the hill at the beginning of the trail to Loring Memorial Park, whereyou’llgetanevenbetterviewoftheislandsinCascoBay.

Backtothewaterfront,you’llpassawastewatertreatmentplantandseetheremains of the trestle acrossBackCove. Just past the sewage facility, the dirtEastern Promenade Mid-Slope Trail heads partway up the hillside for thoseseekingamorescenicoption.Alongsidethemaintrailinthisarea,you’llseethe

tracks for the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum. The touristrailroadpreservesequipmentusedhistoricallyforlogginginremotepartsofthestate.

CrossingtheparkinglotandkayaklaunchatCutterStreet,you’llpassEastEnd Beach and then turn southwest along the Fore River at Fish Point. Justuphill isFortAllenPark, an earthen fortbuilt toprotect theharborduring theRevolutionaryWarandWarof1812.Vintagecannonsarestillpostedhere,andvisitorsgetagoodviewoftheharbor.

Headingupriver,you’llpassthenarrowgaugetrainmuseumontherightandmarinason the leftbefore the trail endsat ferry terminals to theouter islands.TheHarborwalk Trail continues south on sidewalks through theOld Port andacrossCascoBayBridgetotheEasternTrail.

CONTACT:easternpromenade.org

DIRECTIONSToreachtheCutterSt.trailheadfromI-295,takeExit7towardUS1A/FranklinSt.Go0.7milesouthonFranklinSt./US1A,andturnleftontoForeSt./EasternPromenade.Go0.8mile,andturnrightontoCutterSt.Theparkinglotisstraightaheadin0.3mile.Thetrailisdownhillfromtheparkinglot; left(northwest)goes0.8miletothejunctionwiththeBaysideTrail,andright(southeast)goes1.1milessouthtowardtheMaineStatePier.

8 EasternTrail

CountiesCumberland,York

EndpointsWarrensWayandME35/AlewiveRoad(Kennebunk)toW.ColeRoadnearME111/AlfredSt.(Biddeford);ClarkSt.nearNottSt.(Saco)toEasternRoadnearME207/BlackPointRoad(Scarborough);GaryL.MaiettaWaynearHighlandAve.toBugLightParkatMadisonSt.0.5milenorthofBreakwaterDr.(SouthPortland)Mileage

28.9

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfacesAsphalt,CrushedStone,Sand

The 28.9-mile Eastern Trail connects the historic towns along Maine’ssouthern coast from the woods near Kennebunk to South Portland’s harborlighthouse.Nearly22milesoftheroutefollowsoff-roadrail-trailandgreenwayinterrupted by two major on-road gaps in Saco/Biddeford and Scarborough.Plans are underway to close at least one of these gaps and extend the trailanother 19miles southwest toKittery. TheEastCoastGreenway incorporatesthe Eastern Trail on its 3,000-mile-long trail project betweenMaine and KeyWest,Florida.

Asignificantdistanceuses theoldEasternRailroad route, chartered in the1830storunpassengerandfreighttrainsbetweenBostonandPortland.Itsrival,the Boston&Maine Railroad, leased the Eastern in 1884 and then bought itoutright in 1900. Guilford Transportation, which became Pan Am Railways,purchasedtheBoston&Maineinthe1980s,andlaterdiscontinueduseonmanyunderperformingroutes.

TheEasternTrailprovidesapleasantridethroughnaturalareasalongMaine’ssoutherncoast.

AhighlightoftherouteisScarboroughMarsh,abreathtakingexpanseofsaltwaterwetlandsthatisMaine’slargestat3,100acres.

Inthesouthwest,thetrailstartsjustnorthofthetowncenterofKennebunk,wherequaint,oldNewEnglandarchitecturedrawstourists inthesummer.TheKennebunk Plains blueberry barrens, where you can pick the berries afterAugust1,andtheRachelCarsonNationalWildlifeRefugearenearby.Thetrailsurfaceswitchesbetweenpackeddirt,gravel,andsandasitcrossessmallroadsandstreamsfor6.2milestothefirstgapinBiddeford.Followdirectionalsignsfor 4.5miles throughBiddeford on streets and sidewalks and across the SacoRiveratSpringsIslandtoregainthetrailonClarkStreetatThorntonAcademyinSaco.

Afterabout2milesofpavedandcrushedstonesurface,you’llcrossUS1onanoverpassabout0.5milesouthofFuntownSplashtownUSA,aSacotourismdestination. About 4 miles later, you’ll arrive at Scarborough Marsh, a

breathtakingexpanseofsaltwaterwetlandsthatisMaine’slargestat3,100acres.Keep an eye out formarine birds and enjoy the ride along nearly 2miles ofbeautiful coastal trail. The trail ends after the marsh, and a 4-mile on-roadsection begins. It’s well marked, but traffic is heavy and fast, so be cautiousridingontheshoulder.TheEasternTrailAlliancehasbeenraisingfundstoclosethisgaptotheWainwrightRecreationComplex,wherethetrailstartsagain.

The final 5-mile leg soon becomes urbanized. As you approach the ForeRiver, which separates South Portland from Portland, the corridor meandersbetweenoff-roadtrailandon-streetroutes.FollowsignsfortheSouthPortlandGreenbelt.ThetrailendsatBugLightPark,namedfor thesmallish lighthousethathasstoodheresince1875.Enjoy theviewsof tankersandsailboats in theharborandthePortlandskyline.

CONTACT:easterntrail.org

DIRECTIONSTo reach the Kennebunk trailhead from I-95 N, take Exit 25 toward ME35/Kennebunk/Kennebunkport.Go0.4mile,andturnrightontoME35,andthengo0.2mile,andturnrighttostayonME35/AlewiveRoad.Go0.8mile,andturnrightintotheKennebunkElementarySchoolparkinglot.Ashortpathtothetrail isatthesouthendoftheparkinglot.FromI-95S,takeExit25,andturnrightontoME35/AlewiveRoad.Inlessthan0.5mile,theKennebunkElementarySchoolwillbeonyourright.

To reach the South Portland trailhead from I-295 N, take Exit 4 toward Casco BayBridge/PortlandWaterfront.Go0.7mile,andmergeontotheVeteransMemorialBridge,andthengo0.4mile,andmergeontoUS1A/ForeRiverPkwy./W.CommercialSt.Go1mile,turnleftat the traffic lightnearGoodyear,andmergeontoME77/CascoBayBridge.Go1mile,andcontinueontoBroadway;thengo1.6miles,andturnleftontoBreakwaterDr./BenjaminW.Pickett St. Go 0.1mile, and turn right ontoMadison St. Go 0.4mile, and look for parkingstraightahead.

To reach theSouth Portland trailhead from I-295S, takeExit 4 towardUS 1/Main St.MergeontoUS1,go0.4mile,andmergeontoUS1S/MainSt.,andthenimmediatelyturnleftontoAltonSt./HuntressAve.Go0.3mile,andturnleftontoBroadway,andthengo1.8miles,andturnrighttostayonBroadway.Go1.6miles,andturnleftontoBreakwaterDr./BenjaminW.PickettSt.Go0.1mile,andturnrightontoMadisonSt.Go0.4mile,andlookforparkingstraightahead.

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FourSeasonsAdventureTrail

CountiesPenobscot,Piscataquis

EndpointsSpringSt.betweenSouthSt.andW.SpringSt.(Newport)toFairviewAve.andDepotSt.(Dover-Foxcroft)Mileage

29.8

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex2–3

SurfacesCrushedStone,Dirt,Sand

he Four Seasons Adventure Trail skirts several scenic lakes as it passesthrough forests and farmland, linking Newport, Corinna, Dexter, and Dover-Foxcroft incentralMaine.The trailexperiences frequentATVuseonsummer

weekends, mountain bikers and horseback riders share the trail in warmermonths,andsnowmobilersandcross-countryskiersappearwhenthesnowflies.Snowshoeinganddogsleddingarealsopermitted.Bothendsofthetrailtieintothe1,000-mile-plus-longMaineInterconnectedTrailSystem.

ThetrailfollowstheoldrailbedoftheDexterandNewportRailroad,whichblazed north in 1868. The Maine Central Railroad leased the line and thenextendeditnorthwardtoFoxcroftin1889.Atransporterofwoodproducts,therailwaybecameknownastheFoxcroftBranch.MaineCentralceasedoperationsonthebranchin1993,setting thestagefor thestate’spurchaseof thecorridorforrecreationaluse.IthasbeenknownvariouslyastheMooseheadTrailandtheNewport/Dover-FoxcroftTrail before adoption of the Four SeasonsAdventureTrailname.

Starting in Newport, the trail passes through a business district and thensomewoodsbeforeitcrossesME7forthesecondtimeandplayspeekaboowiththe4,000-acreSebasticookLake.Althoughthisareamayseemremote,woodenstakesusedinprehistoricfishtrapsdiscoveredatthenorthendofthelakeinthe1990s show that people lived here some 3,000 years ago. Today the lake isstockedwithlargemouthbassandcrappie.

MuchofthetrailrunsthroughthedenseforestsofcentralMaine.

Leavingthelake,thetrailwendsnorthanother2.5milestotheoldmilltownofCorinna,where an antiques shop, general store, and café offer distractions.The imposingbrickbuildingwithaclock towerandbelfry,acoupleofblocksaway, is the Free Library, built in 1898 and easily the most eye-catchinglandmark.

ThetrailoffersaglimpseofareservoirontheSebasticookRiverasitleavestown,andthenplungesintowoodsforabout7milestoDexter.(WhenyoucrossLineRoadat5.6milespastCorinna,you’recrossingthe45thParallel,halfwaybetween theEquator andNorthPole.)Thisoldmill town, formerhomeof theshoemanufacturerofthesamename,offerscafés,groceries,andshadyparksforresting.It’seasytowanderacoupleofblockseastofthetrailonCenterStreettoWaterStreet,whereyou’llfindthehistoricalsocietymuseumhousedinanoldgristmillwithaperiodhomeandschoolhousenearby.

The trail rolls out of town behind some businesses andLakeWassookeag(whichmeans“shiningwater”),whereyou’ll seeboatersand swimmers in the

summerandpeoplefishingthroughtheiceinthewinter.Leavingthelakeside,thetrailmeandersnorthfor11milesthroughwoodsinterruptedinfrequentlybyfarmlotsonitswaytoDover-Foxcroft.

AftercrossingtheoldrailroadbridgespanningthePiscataquisRiver,whichpowered themills that once thrived here, you’ll find food and services on thecommercial outskirts of townwhere the trail crossesME 6. You’ll encountermore interesting fare as you proceed across the north side of town. If you’relucky,you’llarriveduringtheannualMaineWhoopiePieFestivalinJune.Thetowngoesallouttocelebratethissandwich-sizedcookie,anicerewardforadayofexercise.

CONTACT:maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=95

DIRECTIONSToreachthesoutherntrailheadinNewportfromI-95,takeExit157towardNewport/DexteronME11/ME100.Go0.5milenortheastonME11/ME100,andstaystraightthroughtheUS2intersectiontostayonME7/ME11/MooseheadTrail.Go0.8mile,andturnrightintothesmallparkinglotadjacenttothetrailhead,orgoanother0.1mile,andlookforparkingonyourleft.Thetrail’sendpointisabout1.2milessouthalongthetrailinNewport.

To reach the northern trailhead inDover-Foxcroft from I-95, takeExit 185 ontoME15N/Broadway.Go35.2milesnorthwestonME15toDover-Foxcroft,andturnleftontoME6/ME15/ME16/W.MainSt.Go1.2milesto thetrailcrossing,wheretrailparkingcanbefoundattheIrvingservicestationontheright.ThetrailcontinuesnorthofMainSt.for2miles.

10

V

KennebecRiverRailTrail

CountyKennebec

EndpointsWaterSt.andGageSt.(Augusta)toMaineAve.andBridgeSt.(Gardiner)Mileage

6.5

TypeRail-with-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfaceAsphalt

isitors to the 6.5-mile-long Kennebec River Rail Trail mostly stay withinsightofthewideriverasthepavedtrail linksthestatecapitalofAugustawiththerivertownsofHallowell,Farmingdale,andGardiner.Thetrailispartofthe

off-road East Coast Greenway, which will connect Calais, Maine, with KeyWest, Florida, when it is complete. Nomotorized use is allowed on the trail,whichisplowedofsnowinthewinter.

ThetrailsharesthecorridorwithrailroadtracksthattheMaineDepartmentofTransportationpreserved inhopes that trainswilloneday return. It followsthe route of theKennebec and PortlandRailroad,which the state chartered in1836and reachedAugustaby1851.TheMaineCentralRailroad subsequentlyboughtthe63-milelineandprovidedrailservicetocommunitiesalongtheriveruntil1983.Thenewowners,GuilfordTransportation(laterPanAmRailways),eventuallyclosedtheAugusta-Brunswicksegment,whichthestateacquired.

Trueto itsname,thetrailstayswithinsightof thebeautifulKennebecRiverforalmost itsentiredistance.

BeginningatariversideparkinglotinAugusta,thetrailheadssouthbeneath

theUS201/MemorialDrivebridge.Thefirstmileoftrailisoftencrowdedwithofficeworkersstretchingtheirlegsduringlunchtimeandafterwork.About0.7milefromthetrailhead,asidetrailheadsrighttomoreparkingandCapitolParkat the foot of the State Capitol building. TheMaine StateMuseum and StateLibraryarenearby.

At mile 2, measured by 0.25-mile trailside markers, you’ll arrive at thewaterfront inHallowell,oncea logging,mill, and shipbuildingcenter.Parkingand restrooms are at a riverfront park that’s home to the farmers market inseason.YoumightbedrawntothecolorfulAdirondackchairsthatoverlooktheriverhere,oryoucanvisitantiquesstores,artstudios,orrestaurantsalongWaterStreet.

Leaving Hallowell, the trail veers away from the rail corridor for a shortdistance,thenhugstheshorelineofKennebecRivertoFarmingdale.Atonetimepollutedby industrial discharges, the riverKennebec—named soby the area’soriginalinhabitantsforits“largebodyofstillwater”—hasbenefitedfromcleanwaterlaws.RemovaloftheEdwardsDaminAugustain1999hashelpedbringbackmigratory fish.Youmay seeospreyorbald eagles that feedon the riverlife.

The trail endsata shoppingcenteron thenorthendofGardiner, a formermilltown.AboutablocksouthisavintageMaineCentralRailroaddepotbuiltin1911andusedbytherailroadintothe1950s.Justafewblocksfarthersouth,you’llfindGardinerWaterfrontPark,apopulareventspaceandput-inforboats,kayaks,andcanoes.ThefutureMerrymeetingTrailprojectisproposedtofollowtherailcorridorsouthofherefor32milestoBrunswickonthecoast.

CONTACT:kennebecriverrailtrail.org

DIRECTIONSTo reach the trailhead inAugusta from I-95, takeExit109A towardAugustaonUS202/ME11/WesternAve.Go1.4mileseastonUS202 to theMemorialCircle roundabout,and takethe third exit onto Water St. Go 0.3 mile, and turn right into Downtown Parking. The trailbeginsatthesouthendoftheparkinglot.

To reach the trail in Gardiner from I-295, take Exit 51 ontoME 9/ME 126/CobbosseeAve./LewistonRoad.Go1.8mileseast,andcrossthebridgeontoME9/ME126/WaterSt.Goanother1.1miles,andstaystraightonWaterSt.Go0.2mile,andturnleftontoMaineAve.Go0.2mile,andturnleftintotheparkinglot.Thetrailheadisatthenorthendofthelot.

11 KennebecValleyTrail

CountySomerset

EndpointsGoodrichRoadbetweenSomersetLaneandRiverRoad(Bingham)toFahiPondRoadjustnorthofUS201A/N.MainSt.(NorthAnson)

Mileage

14.5

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex3

SurfacesCrushedStone,Dirt,Sand

KeepyourearsopenforthehauntingcallofloonsalongthescenicKennebecValleyTrail.They’rejustoneexampleofthewildlife—anotheristhemoose—thatinhabitstheriver,woods,andfieldssurroundingthisnearly14.5-milerail-trail fromBingham toNorthAnson.The trail traces part of the grueling riverroute that Benedict Arnold’s troops took in their ill-fated RevolutionaryWarattackonBritishforcesinQuebecinDecember1775.

American Indians—and later settlers and railroadbuilders—considered theKennebecValleyanaturalcorridorfortravelinginthewilderness.Inthe1870s,theSomersetRailroadeyed the routeas itbeganpushing towardQuebec fromsouthernMaine.Runningoutofmoneywhen it reachedNorthAnson in1877,the company reorganized as the Somerset Railway and laid track to Solon by1889 and Bingham by 1890. TheMaine Central Railroad took over in 1911,hauling timber and agricultural products. Traffic declined with roadimprovementsinthearea,andtheMaineCentraldiscontinuedusingthissectionin1976afterthelastsawmillclosedinBingham.

TheKennebecissowideandcalminplacesthatyouhavetoremindyourselfthatit’sariverandnotoneofMaine’slakes.

FolksonATVsandmountainbikestravelthisremoterail-trailuntilthefirstsnowfall,whichbringsoutsnowmobilersandcross-countryskiers.Snowshoeingand dogsledding are also permitted. Mountain bikes are recommended forcycling,aspartsofthetrailsufferroughconditions.InBingham,thetraillinkstomorethanathousandmilesoftrailinMaine’sInterconnectedTrailSystem.

The Kennebec Valley Trail starts in Bingham, where sawmills used toprocesstimberfloateddownriverfromthenorth.Considerstoppingintownforprovisions,astherearefewtownswithservicesahead.ThetrailheadissouthoftownonGoodrichRoad.

Gazing at the river as youhead south, you’ll soon realizewhy it’s namedKennebec:ittranslatesto“largebodyofstillwaterorlargebay”inlocaltriballanguage.TheKennebecissowideandcalminplacesthatyouhavetoremindyourselfthatit’sariverandnotoneofMaine’slakes.

The riverbank is forested for most of the next 6.5 miles to just north ofSolon,wherethetrailveersrightandcrossestheriveronanoldrailroadbridgeacrossrockyCaratunkFallsandamodernhydroelectricfacility.OnOctober7,1775,Arnold’sforcearrivedatapointbelowthefallsthat’snowcalledArnoldsLanding.Hisboatswereleaking,andhismenwerewet,cold,andsick.Afteragood night’s sleep, they carried the boats around the falls and continued theirjourney through thewilderness toQuebec.Youcan takea footpath toArnoldsLandingbeforecrossingtheriver.FallsRoadheadsintoSolonbeforeyoucrossthebridges.

Aftera1.1-milejauntonLeveeRoadalongatamedsectionofriver,you’llpickuptheKennebecValleyTrailagainasitentersamoreagriculturaldistrict.Traveling along the high ground, you’ll catch only occasional glimpses of theriver in thevalleybelow.Afterpassing throughEmbden in2.1miles, the trailgetsrougherinplacesoverthenext4.5milesuntilyouarriveinNorthAnson.

CONTACT:maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=74

DIRECTIONSToreachofficialtrailparkinginSolonfromI-95,takeExit133towardSkowheganonUS201.Go30.1milesnorthonUS201throughSolon,andturnleftontoFallsRoad.Go0.4miletoaparkinglot.Fromhere,theBinghamtrailheadis6.7milesnorth;theNorthAnsontrailheadis7.8milessouth.

TherearenoofficialtrailparkingareasneartheendpointsinBinghamorNorthAnson.

12

T

LagrangetoMedfordTrail

CountiesPenobscot,Piscataquis

EndpointsS.LagrangeRoadjustwestofBennochRoad/ME16(Lagrange)toTrestleRoadandRiverRoadatthePiscataquisRiver(MedfordCenter)Mileage

11.4

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex2–3

SurfacesCrushedStone,Dirt

heLagrangetoMedfordTrailfillsthebillifyou’relookingforaremotetrailexperience.Thegravel rail-trail runsfor11.4milesfromLagrange toMedford

Center, where it crosses a 100-year-old railroad trestle across the PiscataquisRiver.AnATVandsnowmobileroutecontinuesnorthontheoldrailroadbedtoremoteSchoodicLakeatLakeViewPlantation.You’reaslikelytoseeevidenceofbeaversandmooseaspeoplealongtheout-of-the-wayroute.

TheBangorandAroostookRailroadbuiltthe600-foot-longtrestlesome60feet over the river as part of itsMedford Cutoff in 1907. After a local ferryclosed in the1940s, thebridgewas theonly connectionbetween the townsofMedford and Medford Center, located on opposite sides of the river. Somedaring locals took to crossing the bridge in cars and on foot after the railroaddiscontinuedusing the line in1978.The townlaterboughtandrefurbished thebridgejustascrewswereabouttodismantleit.

Keepyoureyesopenforwildlifeintheponds,marshes,andbogsasyoutravelalongBirchand

ColdStreams.

Thearea’sremotenessmeansthatyoushouldcarryprovisionstogetthroughtheday, including insect repellent in the springandearly summer.The trail isshared by folks on ATVs, horses, and mountain bikes in warm months, andsnowmobiles, cross-country skis, snowshoes, and dogsleds in the winter. It’sbesttoavoidthetrailduringmuddyseasons.

Starting at the trailhead in South Lagrange, the trail rolls north through aheavilywoodedareawhereyou’llcatchoccasionalglimpsesofhousesorsmallfarmsthroughthetrees.Inabout4miles,you’llpassabout0.5mileeastoftheoldlumbermilltownofLagrange,hometoaservicestation/generalstoreviatheTownRoadcrossing.

Keep your eyes open for waterfowl and signs of beavers in the ponds,marshes,andbogsasyouheadnorthalongBirchStreamandlaterColdStream.Fishermenareattractedhereaswell.Moosehavebeensighted in thesewoodsandbogs,souseextremecautionaroundtheseunpredictablecreatures.

About6milesnorthofLagrangeyou’llarrive inMedfordCenter,whereafew buildings cluster around a restored barn that serves as the town hall. Thestate park’s trail ownership ends at Paddy Hill Road, and local ATV andsnowmobileclubsmaintaina sectionof trail forMedford thatparallelsTrestleRoadfor1.3milestothesouthbankofthePiscataquisRiver.

Across the bridge, the old railroad corridor is controlled by privatelandownersandstateeasements.ATVclubsuseRailroadBedRoadtoreachtheeastern shore of Schoodic Lake, while snowmobilers find connections tocontinuetheirjourneysontheMaineInterconnectedTrail.

CONTACT:maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=79

DIRECTIONSToreachthetrailheadinSouthLagrangefromI-95N,takeExit199towardLagrangeonME16/Bennoch Road. Turn left onto ME 16/Bennoch Road, go 10.4 miles, and turn left onto

RailroadRoad. Trailhead parking is about 500 feet ahead. The southern end of the trail isabout0.4milesouth.FromI-95S, takeExit217,andturnright(west)ontoME155S/ME6W/LagrangeRoad,andgo10.6miles.Turn leftontoME16E,andgo3.8miles.Turn rightontoRailroadRoad.

Toreachparking inMedfordCenter fromI-95, takeExit217ontoME6/ME155towardLagrange.HeadwestonME6/ME155,go0.4mile,andturnrighttowardMaxfieldontoRiverRoad/Maxfield Road. Go 9.7 miles (River Road becomesMedford Center Road), and turnright onto Trestle Road in Medford Center. Go 0.1 mile, and look for parking at the trailcrossing.

13 MountainDivisionTrail

CountiesCumberland,Oxford

EndpointsUS202/ME4betweenDepotSt.andElderberryLane(Windham)toME35/ChadbourneRoad0.25mileeastofSchoolSt.(Standish)andME113/PortlandSt.atLymanDr.toUS302/E.MainSt.atHaleyTownRoad(Fryeburg)

Mileage

9.7

TypeRail-with-Trail

RoughnessIndex1–2

SurfacesAsphalt,Gravel

The Mountain Division Trail exists as two separate segments of what willeventually be a more than 50-mile-long trail from Fryeburg to Portland. Thesouthern section rolls for about 6 miles betweenWindham and Standish; thenorthern section runs for nearly 4 miles through Fryeburg on the NewHampshire border. The paved trail segments run alongside currently dormanttrain tracks owned by the Maine Department of Transportation. Long-rangeplanscallforatrailalongsidetheroughly45milesofexistingrailcorridorthatthestateownsbetweenFryeburgandWestbrook.Thestatewantstoacquireandinstalltrailonthefinal5-mileraillinktoPortland.

ThepavedpathrunsalongsidetraintracksownedbytheMaineDepartmentofTransportation.

The Mountain Division Trail takes its name from the Maine CentralRailroad’sMountainDivisionthatranfromPortlandthroughNewHampshire’sWhite Mountains to Vermont. Chartered in 1867 as the Portland andOgdensburg Railroad, Maine Central took over in the early 20th century.Passenger service on the scenic run ended in 1958, and freight trains stoppedrollingafterGuilfordTransportation(laterPanAmRailways)acquireditinthe

1980s. The Maine DOT owns and maintains the tracks today in hopes ofreestablishingrailservice.

WindhamtoStandishSegment:5.6milesThesouthernsectionoftheMountainDivisionTrailcomprisesasegmentofthe28-mile Sebago to the SeaTrail that runs between the southern tip of SebagoLake to Casco Bay in Portland. You can start at the parking lot for the postoffice inWindham, about 0.25 mile north of the trailhead. The 10-foot-widepaved trail follows the unused tracks for 1.6 miles to a crossing over thePresumpscotRiver.Justpastthebridge,asidetrailheadsdownhillfor0.7milepastShawPark,whereyoucanswimandrentkayaksorcanoes.Thetrailendsata bridge just aboveGamboDam.A footpathheads into thewoodswhere youcanexplore the ruinsofacanaland theOrientalPowderMill,which suppliedtheUnionArmywithone-quarterofitsgunpowder.

Returning to themain trail,you’llcontinuewestacross therural landscapefor3milestoagateandstopsignblockingaccesstotherailroadcorridoracrosssomeponds.TheMountainDivisionTrailcontinuesupahillasagravelpathfor1.2milestothetrailheadatthesouthshoreofSebagoLake.

FryeburgSegment:4.0milesThenorthernsectionstartsabout30milesawayatatrailheadonPortlandStreetinFryeburg.Headingwest,thepavedtrailiswoodedandlinedwithwildflowers.You’ll have occasionalmountain views through breaks in the vegetation. Thetrailparallels the road for2.5milesbefore itpasses southof thehistoric towncenter.It travelsanother1.5milestoatrailheadneartheNewHampshirestateline.

CONTACT:maine.gov/mdot/bikeped

SOUTHERNSECTION:windhammaine.us/documentcenter/view/219andsebagotothesea.org

NORTHERNSECTION:facebook.com/pages/Fryeburg-Rail-Trail-

Mountain-DivisionTrail/191670854301192

DIRECTIONSToreachthewesterntrailheadforthesouthsegmentfromtheintersectionofME25andME35inStandish,headnorthonME35N/NortheastRoad(itbecomesChadbourneRoad),andgo2.5miles.TurnrightintotheparkinglotbyStandishSkatePark.

ToreachtheeasterntrailheadforthesouthsegmentfromtheintersectionofME25andUS 202 in Gorham, head northeast on US 202 E/ME 4/Gray Road, and go 4 miles. Thetrailheadisontheleft,butnoparkingisavailable.

ToreachtheeasterntrailheadforthenorthsegmentfromtheintersectionofUS302andME113inFryeburg,headsouthonME5/ME113towardBrownfieldandOldOrchardBeach.Go3.4miles,andlookforparkingontheright.

ToreachthewesterntrailheadforthenorthsegmentfromtheintersectionofUS302andME113inFryeburg,headsouthwestonUS302,andgo1.1miles.FindtheMaineTourismAssociationparkinglotneartheNewHampshireborderjustnorthofHaleyTownRoad.

14

T

NarrowGaugePathway

CountyFranklin

EndpointsHustonBrookRoadattheCarrabassettRiverPedestrianBridge,1milenorthofCarriageRoad,toCarrabassettDr./ME16/ME27justnorthwestofAccessRoad(CarrabassettValley)Mileage

5.4

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex2

SurfacesCrushedStone,Dirt

here’s plenty of room for backcountry experiences on the Narrow GaugePathway (also known as Carrabassett River Trail) nestled between Sugarloaf

Mountain and the 36,000-acre Bigelow Preserve. The firm, crushed-stonesurface hugs the north shore of the Carrabassett River for 5 miles as it rollsthrougharockychannel inaforest.The trailsurface,which isgroomedin thewinter for cross-country skiing, calls for thewider tiresofhybridormountainbikes.Unlikemostotherremoterail-trails in thestate,motorizedvehiclessuchasATVsandsnowmobilesareprohibited.

The trail follows the bed of the Kingfield and Dead River Railroad thatserved loggers and sawmills in the area. The railroaders chose a 2-foot-widenarrow gauge for track separation instead of the 4-foot-8-inch standard gaugebecause it was easier and cheaper to build and operate through rough,mountainous terrain. The narrow gauge railroad reached Carrabassett Valleyfrom the south in 1894, extending in 1900 toBigelow,where the old railroadstationstillstands.TheBigelowbranchfelloutofuseinthelate1920s,andthetownofCarrabassettValleyconstructedtherecreationalpathin2001.

Groomed inwinter, thepathwayprovidesbackcountryexperiences forcross-countryskiingand

snowshoeing.

Starting at the Airport Trailhead, follow a trail that heads north into thewoodsandcrosstheCarrabassettRiveronafootbridge.SignsatakioskpointtotheNarrowGaugePathwayon the left fork,whereyou’ll immediatelycross ashortfootbridgeoverHustonBrook.ThetrailoffersaslightuphillgradeallthewaytotheendpointneartheentrancetotheSugarloafskiresort.

The trail rolls throughforestsuphill fromtheriver forabout0.8mileuntilthetrailmeetstheriver.You’llhaveriverviewsmostoftherestofthewaytothe western endpoint, about 4 miles away. There are several picnic tables atscenicoverlooksalong this section. Ifyouhaveyour fishing licensewithyou,there aremanygoodplaces to throw in a line.Apathon theMaineHuts andTrailsSystemveersofftotherightinthisarea.

Trailside wildflowers bloom in profusion from early spring through fall,whilebirch,aspen,andmapletreesoffersplashesofspectacularcolorduringthefallfoliageseason.You’llcrossaboardwalkoverabeaverflowagejustshyof4milesfromthetrailhead.Aleftforkherecrossestheriverona0.2-miletrailtorestroomsandparkingatCampbellFieldonME16/ME27.

In anothermile, another fork sends travelers left toward the trailhead andparking at theCarrabassettValley Public Library. The right fork goes a shortdistance down Bigelow Station Road to the old railroad station set amid acollectionofskihuts.The2,200-mileAppalachianTrail isabout2milesnorthonME16/27.

CONTACT:carrabassettvalley.org/narrow-gauge-pathway

DIRECTIONSToreachtheairporttrailheadinCarrabassettValleyfromI-95,takeExit112or112BtowardBelgrade,headingnorthonME8/ME11/ME27.Go24.6milesnorth,and turn leftontoME27/US2.Go9.6milesandturnrighttostayonME27.Go3.1miles,andbearrighttostayonME27.Go19.6miles,andjoinME16/ME27.Go10.2miles,turnrightintotheCarrabassettValleyAirport,andgostraight to theparking lot.Followa trail0.2milenorth into thewoodsandacrossafootbridgeovertheCarrabassetttrailheadtofindthetrail.

Toreach thewestern trailheadat theCarrabassettValleyPublicLibrary fromI-95, takeExit112or112BtowardBelgradeonME8/ME11/ME27.Go24.6milesnorth,andturnleftontoME27/US2.Go9.6miles,andturnrighttostayonME27.Go3.1miles,andbearrighttostayonME27.Go19.6miles,andjoinME16/ME27;thengo15.2miles,andturnleftintotheparking lot for theCarrabassettValleyPublicLibrary.Thetrailhead is0.1miletothe left(northwest)ontherightsideofME16/ME27.

15

T

PapermillTrail

CountyAndroscoggin

EndpointsVillageSt.andLisbonSt./ME196toDavisSt.andBlethenSt.(Lisbon)Mileage

4.0

TypeRail-with-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfaceAsphalt

hePapermillTrailcelebratestheheritageofmillsinthedevelopmentofthetownofLisbonandthesurroundingareawhileprovidinganeasy,pleasanttrailexperienceforusersofallabilities.Thetrailalsoservesasatransportationlink

between the town center and the community of Lisbon Falls, passing twoschoolsandseveralaccesspointsandparkingareas.

InadequatesignagecanmakefindingthestartofthetrailnexttotheSabattusRiver at Village Street near Lisbon Street a challenge. The trail crosses theSabattusRiveronthesidewalkofabridgewithastrikingviewofathree-story,160-year-oldwoolenmillthat’sbeentransformedintoapartments.Theoff-roadportionbeginsafter thebridgeandfollowsUplandRoadandMillStreetwhilepassingthroughopenfieldsandfarmlandonasectionalsoknownastheRickerFarmTrail.

The sections along the Sabattus and Androscoggin Rivers are popular with birders; watch forherons,baldeagles,osprey,andothertypesofbirds.

About1.2milesfromthestart,thetrailveerstowardtheLisbonCommunitySchool and passes through amorewooded and scenic area for the rest of theway.ThetrailfollowstheSabattusRiveracrossslightlyundulating—butrarelysteep—terrain.Remnants of a bridge built as part ofmill-related developmentarevisibleshortlyafterthetrailcomeswithinviewoftheriver.

About0.6milepast thebridgeruinsyou’llcometoMillerPark,wheretheSabattusRivermeets themuchwiderAndroscogginRiver. There’s parking, aboatlaunch,andatrailinformationpanelhere.Thetrailgoesleft,runningalonginactive tracks that historically carried trains on theMaine Central Railroad’sRumfordBranch.ThisnewestsectionofthetrailtoLisbonFalls,alsoknownastheAndroscogginRiverTrail,islessdenselywoodedandrevealsopensectionsofwildflowerswithunobstructedviewsoftheriver.

These river sections are popular with birders, who find warblers, indigobuntings,andvireosinthewoodsandfields,aswellasheronsandwaterfowlintheriver.Baldeaglesandospreyareoftenspottedhere.

The 1.8-mile section along theAndroscogginRiver ends shortly after youpasstheLisbonHighSchoolfootballstadiuminthecommunityofLisbonFalls,childhood home of horror writer Stephen King. There’s no parking lot at thetrailhead. Food is available at nearby restaurants, including a pub in the oldrailroaddepotonLisbonStreet.

IfyouarriveduringthesecondweekendinJuly,bepreparedforcrowdsintown for theannualMoxieFestival.Theevent celebrates a regional softdrinkthatgotitsstartasapatentmedicineinthe19thcenturyandwhoseadvertisingadded the wordmoxie (meaning “force of character or determination”) to theEnglishlanguage.

CONTACT:lisbontrails.wordpress.com/about

DIRECTIONSTo reach the trailhead in Lisbon from I-95, takeExit 80 toME 196 toward Lewiston.HeadnorthonAlfredA.PlourdePkwy.,go0.3mile,andturnrightontoME196E/LisbonSt.Go5miles,andturnleftontoVillageSt./WebsterRoad.Lookformunicipalparkingontheleft.The

trailstartsacrossVillageSt./WebsterRoadontheshoulderandbridgesidewalk.Parkingalsoisavailable300feetfartherontheleftatSt.AnnSt.

ToreachthetrailheadatMillerParkfromI-295,takeExit31or31BontoME196/LisbonSt. toward Lisbon.Head northwest onME 196/LewistonRoad, go 7.6miles, and turn rightontoFrostHillAve.ParkingforMillerParkisimmediatelyontheleft.

16 SaintJohnValleyHeritageTrail

CountyAroostook

EndpointsMarketSt./ME161betweenW.MarketSt.andN.PerleyBrookRoad(FortKent)toSunsetDr.southofMainSt./ME161(SaintFrancis)Mileage

16.9

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex2

SurfaceCrushedStone

HistoryseemstoappeararoundeverycornerinFortKentandSaintFrancisfortravelersgettingunderwayon theSaintJohnValleyHeritageTrail.Thegraveltrail rolls along the south bank of the Saint John River for nearly 17 milesbetweenthetwotownsandoffersclearviewsofforestsandfarmlandacrosstheriver inNewBrunswick. It’s used primarily bymountain bikers, ATV riders,andsnowmobilerswhocanconnecttomorethanathousandmilesofoff-roadingon Maine’s Interconnected Trail System. (In the winter, snowshoeing anddogsleddingarealsopermitted.)ThetrailtracestheformerFishRiverRailroad,whichopened in1902andwas sold ayear later to theBangor andAroostookRailroad (BAR). The old Fish River Railroad Station, taken over by BAR,remained inoperationuntil 1979onMarketStreet about0.8milenorthof thetrailhead.It’snowamuseumopenduringthesummerandrunbytheFortKentHistoricalSociety.

BeginningonMarketStreet inFortKent, the trail immediatelycrosses theFishRiver,atributaryoftheSaintJohnRiver.Leavingthetrailatthefirstcrossstreet (AroostookRoad)with awide shoulder and sidewalk, you can visit theFortKentStateHistoricSite0.6milenorth.ThewoodenblockhouseistheonlyremainingfortificationoftheAroostookWar,alsoknownasthePorkandBeansWar,whichtookplacein1838–39.DiplomatssettledtheborderdisputebetweenCanada and theUnited States before battles broke out, althoughmilitiasweremusteredthroughouttheregion.

ThepathwayfollowstheSaintJohnRiverthroughamixedforestthatisquietandserene.

Backonthetrail,watchforroadcrossingsandspursthatleadtorestaurants,servicestations,andotherbusinesses.Whenyoustop,youmayoverhearalocaldialect of French spoken in stores and cafés.Descendants of French colonistssettled all along the Saint John River Valley in the 1700s after the BritishgovernmentdeportedthemfromAcadiaforrefusingtosupport thecrown.ThefamiliesandAcadianculturesurvivetothisday.

Beyond town, the trail follows the Saint John River through forests andwetlands.AlthoughthetrailparallelsME161forseveralmiles,themixedforestremainsquietandserene.ThetrailcrossestothenorthsideofME161atmile8.2inWheelockandrollsalongtheriverbank,offeringthebestviewsofvillagesand farms inNewBrunswick.About 4miles later, the trail again crossesME161,passingbehindhomesandshops.

About0.25milefromthetrail’sendonSunsetDriveinSaintFrancis,you’llpassa1904vintagerailroadturntablethatlocalhighschoolstudentsrestoredfortheSaintFrancisHistoricalSocietyMuseum.Apathleadsfromtheturntableto

themuseum onME 161/Main Street (across the street from the Saint FrancisTownOffice),which isopenSunday,Wednesday,andFridayafternoons fromMay through September. There’s also a Bangor and Aroostook Railroadcaboose,coveredpicnictables,andamemorialdisplayatthemuseum.

CONTACT:maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=78

DIRECTIONSToreachthetrailheadinFortKentfromI-95,takeExit302ontoUS1headingnorth.Go26.4milesnorthonUS1,andturnlefttoremainonUS1inMarsHill.Goanother27.7miles,andinCaribou,bearrightontoME161.Go3.6miles,turnrighttostayonME161,andthengo39.4 miles to Fort Kent. Look for parking on the left side of ME 161/Market St. just afterpassingaconveniencestorewithgasolinepumpsontheright.

ToreachthetrailheadinSaintFrancisfromI-95,takeExit302ontoUS1headingnorth.Go26.4milesnorthonUS1,andturn left toremainonUS1 inMarsHill.Goanother27.7miles,andinCaribou,bearrightontoME161.Go3.6miles,andturnrighttostayonME161.Go40.2milestoFortKent,andturnlefttostayonME161.Go16.9miles,andturnleftontoSunsetDr.;lookforparkingontheleftin0.2mile.

17 Sanford-SpringvaleRailTrail

CountyYork

EndpointsAlfred/Sanfordtownline,about0.3milenorthoftheintersectionofShawsRidgeRoad/ME224andUS202,toLebanon/Sanfordtownline0.4milesoutheastofBlanchardRoadand1.7milessouthofHansonRidgeRoad(Sanford)Mileage

5.9

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex3

SurfaceGravel

TheSanford-SpringvaleRailTrail(alsoknownasRailroadTrail)traversesthewoods on either side of Sanford’s scenic Springvale community in southernMaine.Foundedbyamillowner in the17thcentury, it laterbecamehomefortextile mills powered by theMousam River.When the mills relocated in the1950s,thetowndiversifieditsindustrialbase,withwoolenmillsandaircraftandtheirpartsnowmakingupthearea’scommerce.

Thegraveltrailrunsfornearly6milesasitlinksashadybrookintheeasttoa woodsy property line in the west. A couple of segments meander off thehistoricrailcorridorontoprivateeasements.Itsgravelsurfacerangesfromfirmtolooseandisbestsuitedtobicycleswithwidetires;ATVs,snowmobiles,andhorsesalsousethetrail.

The trail tracks the corridor of the Sanford and Eastern Railroad, the lastsurvivor of railroads that began serving the area in the 1840s.TheWorcester,NashuaandRochesterRailroadcombined thoseoriginal rail lines in1883andlaterwasacquiredbytheBostonandMaineRailroad(B&M).TheB&MbegantodiscontinueuseonrailsegmentsinMaineinthe1940s,however,andsoldoffits line from Rochester to Portland in 1949. That became the Sanford andEasternRailroadthatexistedintheSanfordareauntil1961.

Carpenter’sCrossing isnamedforHazenCarpenter,aSpringvaleresidentwhowasoneof thedrivingforcesbehindtherail-trail.

StartingatthetrailheadonPleasantStreet/ME224inSpringvale,trailuserscangoeast towardUS202orwest towardDeeringPond.Those travelingeastwillfindaroughertrail.Firstyou’llpassanoldfreightdepotthat’scurrentlyaprivate business.Then, in about 0.6mile, the trail leaves the rail corridor andturnsrightontoapowerlineright-of-way.Lookforthetrailheadingleftintothewoods in about 0.1 mile. From there the trail travels through the woods andcrosses ME 224/Shaws Ridge Road, then a field, and then crosses ME224/ShawsRidgeRoadagain.ThetrailgoestotherightofaclumpoftreesandendsatHayBrookinlessthan0.5mile.

You’ll find a firmer trail surface heading west from the Pleasant Streettrailhead.Inafewfeetyou’llcrosstheMousamRiverthatpoweredmillsinthe1800s. Just past the river, theMousamWayTrail splits to the left and passesStumpPondonitswaytoSanfordHighSchool,theYMCA,andseveralparksinSanford. The Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail briefly leaves the corridor at

Mousam Street. Turn left here and then right onto Witham Street. The trailreappears on the right in 0.1 mile and runs behind some businesses to MainStreet. Back on the rail corridor, the trail gently climbs pastDeering Pond toHansonRidgeRoadin2miles.Fromthere,thetrailpassesthroughmoreforesttoitsendpointin0.8mileatthetownline.

CONTACT:sanfordmaine.org/trailmaps

DIRECTIONSTo reach the eastern trailhead on Pleasant St./ME 224 from I-95, take Exit 19 onto ME109/SanfordRoad.Turnright(northwest)ontoME109/SanfordRoad,andgo9.5miles.Atthetraffic circle, take the first exit right onto ME 4 N/Alfred Road. Go 2.1 miles north on ME4/AlfredRoad,turnleftontoGrammarRoad,andgoanother2.1miles.ContinuestraightontoME224W,andgo1.4miles.TurnrightontoRailroadAve.,andalmostimmediatelyturnrightintothetrailheadparkinglot.Theendpointislocated1.7milesfarthereastalongthetrail.

Toreachthewestern trailheadonHansonRidgeRoadfromI-95, takeExit19ontoME109/SanfordRoad.Turnright(northwest)ontoME109/SanfordRoad,go9.5miles,andtakethesecondexitoffthetrafficcircletocontinueonME109/ME4A/MainSt.Go2.7miles,andturnleftontoUS202/ME11/LebanonSt.Go0.4mile,andturnrightontoHansonRidgeRoad.Go2.7miles, and look for trailheadparking on the right. Theendpoint is located 1.6milesfartherwestalongthetrail.

18

S

SipayikTrail

CountyWashington

EndpointsTreatmentPlantRoadnorthofSideRoadandBayviewDr.intersection(PleasantPoint)toUS1/S.RiverRoadbetweenS.MeadowRoadandShoreRoad(Perry)Mileage

1.9

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfaceAsphalt

ipayik translates to“along theedge” in thePassamaquoddy tribal language,whichisagooddescriptionfortheSipayikTrailasitrollsthroughthePleasant

PointReservation.The1.9-milepavedrail-trailhugstheedgeofthewateralongLittleRiver,GleasonCove,andtheWesternPassage.It’salsoontheedgeofthecontinent,locatedsofareastthatdawnstrikestheSipayikTrailbeforeanyotherrail-trailintheUnitedStates.

The Passamaquoddy tribe built the trail in 2004 as an alternative forpedestrians and bicyclists using busyME 190, which connects Pleasant PointwithPerryonUS1.They installed the trailon the railbed leftbehind in1977when the Maine Central Railroad discontinued using a spur route that ranthroughthereservationbetweenAyersJunctionandEastporttoservethatcity’ssardine-canningindustry.

ThetrailstartsinthesmallcommunityonPleasantPointonPassamaquoddyBay.ThisisjustoneofthelocationswheretribalmemberslivedthroughoutthebayregionforthousandsofyearsbeforethearrivalofEuropeans.Theyspentthewarmermonths on the bay fishing, clamming, and huntingmarinemammals.Today the tribe is splitbetween those living in several locations inMaineandSaintAndrewsinCanada.

ThewaterfronttrailhugstheedgeofLittleRiver,GleasonCove,andtheWesternPassage.

Ifyou’reluckyenoughtobehereforthesecondweekendinAugust,you’ll

gettoparticipateintheannualSipayikIndianDaysFestival.TheeventfeaturesthearrivalofwarriorcanoesfromCalais,amorningserviceat thesacredSplitRocksite,concerts,andatraditionalmeal.Forthoseinterestedinlearningmoreabout the local culture, the Waponahki Museum presents demonstrations bylocal artisans, dancers, chefs, and storytellers on the second Saturday of eachmonthApril–September.

As you stand at the trailhead, Canada’s Deer Island dominates the viewacross the bay; to the north, SaintAndrews is visible.Gazing across the bay,keepaneyeopenforseals,porpoises,andtheoccasionalwhalesthatstillpatrolthesewaters.

ThetraildipsoutofsightofthebayforashortdistanceatFrostHeadandthenemergesinGleasonCove.Youcangetdowntothebeachfromthetrailatlowtideandlookforcrittersinthetidalpools.You’llalsoseeseagullsandmanyshorebirds here; songbirds and deer populate the woods elsewhere along thetrail.

ThetrailcrossesbehindanotherforestedpointoflandandthencomesoutonthesouthernbankofthetidalLittleRiver.ThetrailpassesthrougharesidentialneighborhoodbeforeitendsonUS1,acrossfromthepostofficeinPerry.

AdirttrackthatdrillsintothewoodsacrosstheroadisafutureextensionoftheDownEastSunriseTrail thatheadstoAyersJunctionontheformerMaineCentralRailroadright-of-way.Currently,it’sRoute82onsnowmobilemaps.

CONTACT:wabanaki.com

DIRECTIONSTo reach theeastern trailhead inPleasantPoint from the intersectionofME9andUS1 inBaileyville,takeUS1S27.3milesthroughPerry,andturnleft(east)ontoCountyRoad190.Go1.4miles.Turn leftonto IndianRoad,andgo0.4mile.Turn leftontoSideRoad,go0.1mile,andturnleftontoTreatmentPlantRoad.Thetrailheadandparkingarestraightahead.

ThereisnoofficialparkingforthetrailinPerry.

19 SouthernBangorandAroostookTrail

CountyAroostook

EndpointsHendersonRoadandWilliamsCrossRoad(PresqueIsle)toLudlowRoadandStewartRoad(Houlton)

Mileage

38.8

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex2

SurfacesCrushedStone,Gravel

NorthernMaine’s pine trees and potatoes inspired the railroad that survivestodayasthe38.8-mileSouthernBangorandAroostookTrail.LocatedineasternAroostookCountyneartheCanadianborder,thetrailextendsfromnearPresqueIslesouthtoHoulton,mostlythroughfarmlandwithoccasionalexcursionsintoforestsandwetlands.ThecountyisaculturalcenterforAcadianFrenchheritageandadestinationforvacationersinterestedinviewingwildlifeandexploringtheoutdoors.

Thetrailispartofa1,200-milenetworkofprivateandpublicthoroughfaresforATVsinthecounty,thelargesteastoftheMississippiRiver.Trailuserscanexpect infrequent brushes with logging trucks using the hard-packed crushedrock and gravel trail. In addition towalking, biking, andATV use, permittedactivities also include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, anddogsledding.

Thetrailprovidesanexcursionthroughforests,farmlands,andwetlands.

Thetrailoffersaforestedadventurewithmanyopportunitiestoviewlocalwildlife,suchaswhite-taileddeer,beavers,redfoxes,coyotes,moose,andevenblackbears.

The trail traces the railbed of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad,incorporatedin1891totakeovertwopreviousraillines.Thecompanyextendedits tracksnorthfromtheexistingterminusinHoulton,reachingPresqueIsle in1895.Althoughitcarriedpassengersuntil1961, therailroadmainlyservedtheforest products andpotato industries.At one time the countywas the nation’slargest spud producer. That potato traffic disappeared in the 1970s aftermishandlingbyanotherrailroad,andmanyoftheAroostookCountylinesceaseduse.

Starting in the community of Phair, about 5 miles south of downtownPresque Isle, the northern part of the trail passes through pine forests alongWilliamsBrookandPrestileStreamfornearly9milesuntilitopensupalongautility corridor south of Westfield. The trail continues south flanked by vaststretchesoffarmland.

About5milespastWestfield,thetrailentersMarsHill,namedfortheMarsHillMountainthatrises1,200feetabovethecountrysidetotheeast.You’llfindgrocery stores and diners in the town, which is a destination for snow sportsenthusiastsinthewinter.

HeadingsouthfromMarsHill,vaststretchesoffarmlandflankthetrailasitfollowsPrestileStreamtoRobinson.ThetrailfollowsUS1mostofthewayandcrosses thehighway inBridgewater. Itentersanother forest southof townandclimbs a gentle slope for about 7 miles before descending to cross a bridgebetween Hoyt Road and Station Road over the North Branch of theMeduxnekeagRiver.Therearemanyopportunitieshere toview localwildlife,such as white-tailed deer, beavers, and red squirrels. More cautious animals,suchasblackbears,coyotes,andredfoxeslivehereaswell,andmoosemightbeseeninwetlands.

About2milesaftertherivercrossing,thetrailrunsalongsideUS1throughthe community of Sharp, which has a café. The trail continues south throughmorefarmlandforabout12milestoHoulton.Agasstationmini-martonUS1about2.5milessouthofSharpofferstheonlyservicesalongthisstretch.It’s0.4mileeastofthetrailviaStationRoad.

CONTACT:visitaroostook.com/story/southern-bangor-and-aroostook-trail/vtm5AE51A5679903CE9Bandmaine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=75

DIRECTIONSToreachthenortherntrailheadinPresqueIslefromI-95,takeExit302,andheadnorthonUS1.Go26.4miles,andturnlefttoremainonUS1inMarsHill.Go9.6miles,andturnrightontoCenterlineRoad.Go0.2mile,andturnrightontoHendersonRoad.Go1.5miles,andlookforthetrailheadontheright.

ToreachthesoutherntrailheadfromI-95,takeExit302,andheadnorthonUS1.Go0.2mile, and turn left onto Ludlow Road. Go 0.2 mile, and turn left into the Maine VisitorInformationCenter. To get to the trailhead, leave the parking lot, and turn left onto LudlowRoad. Go 0.2mile, and turn right into an access road for a grocery store. The trail startsbehindthebuilding.

20

A

WhistleStopRailTrail

CountyFranklin

EndpointsOakSt.betweenBridgeSt.andThomasMcClellanRoad(Farmington)toBridgeSt.andWaterSt.(LivermoreFalls)Mileage

15.8

TypeRail-with-Trail

RoughnessIndex2–3

SurfacesDirt,Sand,Gravel

former Maine Central Railroad line provides a year-round playground formotorized and nonmotorized trail users to explore thewestern hills ofMaine.The long, flat,mostly straight stretches of theWhistleStopRailTrail, running

from Farmington to Livermore Falls, primarily serve ATVs and off-roadvehicles in warmer months and snowmobiles in winter, but the trail is alsoaccessible to mountain bikers, hikers, dog walkers, horseback riders, cross-countryskiers,andsnowshoers.Hybridcyclistswillfindsandysectionspassablebutdifficult.

Trees shade the trail as it passes through wetlands and rural farmland.Several small towns with services stand along the trail, but most interactionswithcivilizationarelimitedtotheoccasionalroadcrossingorthebackyardsofscattered houses or industrial buildings, including some remnants of rockquarryingfromyearsgoneby.

Thetrail followsthehistoriccorridorof theAndroscogginRailroad,whichserved mill industry and agricultural centers on the Sandy and AndroscogginRivers.TherailroadreachedLivermoreFalls in1852andFarmingtonin1859,becomingpartof theMaineCentralRailroadin1871.GuilfordTransportation,whichhasbecomePanAmRailways,acquiredtherailroadinthe1980s.Whilemuchof theoriginal line isnot inuse, the trail followsstill-active tracks foraveryshortdistanceinLivermoreFalls.

ThescenicpathwayprovidesapeacefulalternativetobusyUS2andME4.

From the community ofWestFarmingtonon theSandyRiver, the packeddirt and gravel trail surface is easier for bicyclists to traverse than sectionsfarther south. In 6.5 miles the trail arrives in Wilton, formerly a boomingmanufacturingcenterwhereBassshoesandbootsweremadefor122yearsuntilthefactoryclosedin1998.Amileortwosouthoftown,thetrailsurfaceturnstodeepersandthatposesmoreofachallengetobicyclists.

You’llpassmarshylowlandstotheeastalongthemiddlesectionofthetrailfromWiltontoNorthJay.At3.7milespastWilton,youcantakea1-milesidetriponOldJayHillRoadtoWoodmanHillRoadtovisit theNorthJayWhiteGranitePark.Ahikingtrailgoestotheedgeofalookoutoverthequarry,wheredesirable white granite was mined for many uses, such as monuments inWashington,D.C.

ThesandiersurfacecontinuessouthtothetownofJay,wherethetrailcomesintoviewoftheAndroscogginRiver.Onthefinal2.5milestoLivermoreFalls,you’llseesignsfortheFrenchFallsRecreationArea,whichcanserveasanothertrailheadwithbathroomsandparkingcloser to thesouthernend.At thispoint,sandyieldstoaharder-packed—albeitsomewhatruttedandpotholed—surface.

You’ll have scenic views of theAndroscogginRiver and a railroad trestlethatcarriestracksacrosstheriverforthefinalmiletoLivermoreFalls.Thetrailends in the heart of the town of Livermore Falls near various retailestablishments.

CONTACT:mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/whistle-stop-trailandmaine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=76

DIRECTIONSToreachthetrailheadinWestFarmingtonfromI-95,takeExit113towardBelgradeonME3.HeadnorthonME3,go1.4miles,andturnrightontoME8/ME27/NewBelgradeRoad.Go22.4miles,andturnlefttojoinUS2/ME27.Go9.6miles,turnleftontoIntervaleRoad/US2,andalmostimmediatelyaftercrossingtheSandyRiver,turnrightontoBridgeSt.Go0.2mile,turnleftontoOakSt.,andlookforparkingin300feet.

ToreachthetrailheadattheFrenchFallsRecreationAreainJayfromUS202andME41/ME133inWinthrop,turnontonorthboundME133/ME41inWinthrop.Go1.5miles,andbear left to stay on ME 133/Wayne Road. Go 15.8 miles, and turn left onto ME 133/ME17/DepotSt.Go0.2mile,andturnrightontoME4/ME17/MainSt.Go1.7miles,andturnleftonto French Falls Lane. Go 0.2 mile, and look for parking straight ahead. The southernendpointis1.7milessouthalongthetrail.

DownEastSunriseTrail

NewHampshire

FranconiaNotchRecreationPath

21

T

AmmonoosucRailTrail

CountyGrafton

EndpointsIndustrialParkRoadnearRiversideDr.(Littleton)toUS302/CentralSt.andHighlandSt.(Woodsville)Mileage

19.2

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex2–3

SurfacesBallast,Gravel,Dirt,Sand

heAmmonoosucRailTrail carries its users for19.2miles along the scenicriver that shares its name and is itself a destination for fishing, kayaking, andcanoeing. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes and several small

historicmilltownsthatareidealforsightseeing,shopping,orrelaxing.ThetraildrawsATVriders,hikers, snowmobilers, snowshoers,andcross-countryskiers—and also permits dogsledding—but cyclists should note that parts are veryroughandchallenging,andwouldbebesthandledonfattires.

The northern end of the trail is in the town of Littleton, which is thebirthplace of author Eleanor H. Porter, who introduced the world to theinspiringly optimistic Pollyanna. A statue in front of the library at 92 MainStreet, only a mile from the trailhead’s parking area, and an umbrella-drapedgatewayarchacrossthestreethonorthecharacter.

Nearly 4 miles southwest of Lisbon, you’ll cross the Ammonoosuc River on a former railroadbridge.

After leaving Littleton on the former railbed of the Boston and MaineRailroad,you’llalternatebetweenshadydeciduousforest,wetlands,fields,andfarmland before reaching Lisbon in 9.5 miles. A refurbished 1868 railroadstation serves as the town’sHistorical SocietyMuseum and rest area.Rich inhistory, Lisbon was chartered in the mid-1700s (at the time, wigwams werevisiblefromthetown’scenter)andhasbeenhometotheworld’slargestpianosounding board manufacturer, peg mills, and the state’s first ski rope tow.Refreshmentsareavailablenearthetrail.

Nearly 4miles past Lisbon youwill cross theAmmonoosucRiver over aformer railroad trestlebridge. Just2miles lateryou’ll arrive inBath,which isknownforitsthreecoveredbridges.Thelongest,builtin1832and375feetlong,spansthetrailandanadjacentwaterfallintheriver.Youmayseepeoplefishingandtubinghere.

Thetrailcrossestheriveragainandoffersviewsofforestandfarmlandonits final 4-mile leg to the Woodsville community in the town of Haverhill.There’s no parking at the trail’s endpoint, but on-street parking is availablenearbyoratRailroadParkontheConnecticutRiverviaUS302.AsegmentoftheCrossVermontTrail(Montpelier&WellsRiverTrail),startsabout2milesawayinVermontacrosstheConnecticutRiver.

CONTACT:nhstateparks.org/visit/recreational-rail-trails/ammonoosuc-recreational-trail.aspx

DIRECTIONSTo reach the Littleton trailhead from I-93, take Exit 42 onto US 302/Meadow St. towardLittleton.Headeast0.5mile,turnrightontoIndustrialParkRoad,andthengo0.3miletothedirtparkinglotontheleft.Thetrailheadisacrossthestreet.

ToreachtheWoodsvilletrailheadfromI-91,takeExit17ontoUS302towardWoodsville.Headeast2.6miles,andbearrightontoUS302/MainSt.N.Thengo0.1mile,andturn leftontoUS302/RailroadSt.Go0.3mile,crossthebridge,andstaystraightontoUS302/CentralSt.Go0.5mile,andlookforthetrailontheleftatHighlandSt.Althoughthereisnoparkinglotatthetrailendpoint,streetparkingisavailableonCentralSt.

22 AshuelotRecreationalRailTrail

CountyCheshire

EndpointsEmeraldSt.atRalstonSt./CheshireRailTrail(Keene)toNorthfieldRoad/NH631.75milessouthofTowerHillRoadand1.3milesnorthofS.ParishRoad(Hinsdale)Mileage

21.5

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex2–3

SurfacesAsphalt,CrushedStone,Ballast,Sand,Dirt

The Ashuelot Recreational Rail Trail passes such scenic and historicallandmarks as covered bridges, abandoned mills, and postcard-perfect towns.Startingonasphalt inKeene, the rail-trailcanbemarkedbydeeppuddlesandpotholes as it follows the Ashuelot River south to Hinsdale in southern NewHampshire.Mountainbikesarerecommendedinwarmermonths,andinwinter,cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and dogsledding are allpermitted.

The21.5-miletrailtracesthecorridoroftheAshuelotRailroad,whichbeganservingtheareain1851.TheConnecticutRiverRailroadacquiredtheroute in1877,andtheBostonandMaineRailroadtookoverin1893.Itranuntil1983,helping to spark the late-19th-centurymanufacturingboom formills along theriverbysupplyingrawmaterialsandgettingproductstomarket.

StartinginKeene,thetrailbeginsasanasphaltpaththatpassesthroughthecampus of Keene State College. It crosses a secluded trestle on the AshuelotRiver and then takes a pedestrian bridge over busy NH 12/101. The packedgravelherebecomesballast,dirt,andsandamilesouthofthebridge.

Several nods to its railroad history dot the rail-trail, including trestle bridges over the AshuelotRiver.

About 2.5miles past the pedestrian bridge, you’ll cross SawyersCrossingRoad,where thecirca1859CressonCoveredBridgesitsabout500 feet to theright. The trail crosses the river in 0.3 mile near West Swanzey in an areaconsideredmooseterritory.PassingontheeastsideofWestSwanzey,a0.3-miledetour right onto Christian Hill Road leads to the 1832 Thompson CoveredBridge.

BetweenWestSwanzeyandWinchester, therail-trailpasseseastofPisgahStatePark.AtHolbrookAvenue,youcandetouroffthetrailtotherightfor0.7miletofindthe1862SlateCoveredBridge(fromHolbrookAvenue, turnrightontoWestportVillageRoad).The trail crosses theAshuelotRiveron a trestleabout halfway toWinchester,where you’ll find the old railroad depot onElmStreetputtouseinalumberyard.

About2.2milespasttheolddepotinWinchester,youarriveinthetownofAshuelot,where there’s another restored railroad depot at theGunnMountainRoadintersection.NexttothetrailistheAshuelotCoveredBridge,builtin1864to bring wood across the Ashuelot River to fuel the burners of the railroad’ssteam engines. Considered one of New England’s most sophisticated coveredbridges,thespanis169feetlonganddecoratedwithintricatelatticework.

The slope drops over the next 3 miles to Hinsdale, where you’ll passabandoned mills and rusting boxcars on a siding that marks another railroaddepot—this one restored and converted into a residence. The trail sticks to aridgeabovethetown,whichisfestoonedwithaclocktowerandchurchsteeples.TheAshuelot River empties into theConnecticut River shortly pastHinsdale,andthetrailends2.6milessouthoftownatatrailheadonNH63.Youcanpickup the Fort Hill Recreational Rail Trail near here to continue to Brattleboro,Vermont.

CONTACT:nhstateparks.org/visit/recreational-rail-trails/ashuelot-recreational-rail-trail.aspx

DIRECTIONSTo reach the trailhead inKeene from I-91, takeExit3ontoNH9/FranklinPierceHwy.easttowardKeene.Go14.7miles,andstaystraightontoNH10/NH12.Go0.4mile,andat theroundabouttakethethirdexit(left)ontoWinchesterSt.Go0.6mile,andturnleftontoRalstonSt.Go0.2mile,andturnleftontoEmeraldSt.Parkingisavailableintheshoppingcenterlotacrossfromthetrailhead.

To reach the trailhead nearHinsdale from I-91, takeExit 28 (from I-91S) or Exit 28A(fromI-91N)ontoMA10headingeasttowardNorthfield.Go4.4mileseast,andturnleftontoMA10/MA63/MainSt.Go2.5miles,andturnlefttostayonMA63/NH63.Go3.2miles,andturn left into theparking lot. To reach the trailhead, backtrack0.2mile onNH63/NorthfieldRoad.

23 CheshireRailTrail(CheshireBranchRailTrail)

CountyCheshire

EndpointsBellowsRoad/NH12atBooksellerRoad(Walpole)totheNH–MAstatelinejusteastofMcAllisterRoadandStateLineCir.(Fitzwilliam)

Mileage

32.9

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex1–3

SurfacesAsphalt,Ballast,Cinder,Dirt,Gravel,Sand

Asphalt,Ballast,Cinder,Dirt,Gravel,Sand

Formerly comprising two separate segments—one running northward fromKeenetoWalpole,andtheotherrunningsouthwardfromKeenetoFitzwilliam—theCheshireRailTrailnowrunsacontinuous32.9milesthroughconnectionsmadein2017betweenthetwosectionsandtheformer1-mileIndustrialHeritageTrailinKeene.

Initially settled in the 1730s, Keene developed a reputation as amanufacturing center in themid-1800swhen it served as ameeting point forthree railroads: theManchester&KeeneRailroad, theAshuelotRailroad, andtheCheshireRailroad.Afterthedeclineoftherailroadsinthe20thcentury,boththeAshuelotRailroad andCheshireRailroadwere transformed into rail-trails.Today,Keeneissustainedbythetourism,insurance,andeducationindustries.

InKeeneyou’llcrossastonearchbridgewithariveroverlook.

InTroyyou’llfindanoldtraindepotthathasbeenrefurbishedintoamuseum.

The Cheshire Rail Trail now plays host to a variety of uses, includingmountainbikingandhorseback riding, and inwinter, cross-country skiingandsnowshoeing are permitted. Note that the entire route may also be used bysnowmobilers,whohelpmaintainthetrail.

ThetrailbeginsinthenorthatNH12betweenAlyson’sLaneandBlackjackCrossinginWalpole.MostofthenorthernsegmentbetweenWalpoleandKeeneis surfaced with hard-packed gravel. Cyclists should use a mountain bike;however,asmallstretchbetweenNH9andthecenterofKeeneispavedandcanaccommodatewheelchairs.

Those who persevere along this part of the trail will be rewarded withabundant scenery, including wooded landscapes and natural rock walls;however, trail use is sparse until you reachKeene, and there is little to drawusers off the trail. Note also the challenging terrain prior toKeene, includinglarge rocks, flooding, and erosion; turns in the trail that canbe challenging tospot; and several steep inclines. After crossing NH 9, a short paved segmenttakesyouintoKeene,hosttoKeeneStateCollegeandAntiochUniversity.

Thetownisalso themeetingpoint for threeother trails, including the0.9-mileJonathanDanielsTrail,locatedoneblocknorthalongIslandStreet;the1.3-mile Appel Way Trail, which meets up with the Jonathan Daniels Trail andbeginsjusteastofKeeneHighSchool;andtheAshuelotRecreationalRailTrail,which connects to theCheshireRail Trail at Emerald andRalstonStreets andstretches21.5milessouthwesttoHinsdale.

Headingsouth,theCheshireTrail’ssecondsegmentoffersamuchsmootherand less-challenging experience for trail users than the northern segment as ittravels just under 19 miles to Fitzwilliam. This segment feels more removedfromtown,andthemostlygravelsurfaceissuitableforhybridbikes.

PassingtheMarlboroStreettrailheadinKeene(thereisasmallparkingareathere),you’llheadupashort,steepdirthillandcrossaquaintstonearchbridgebefore crossing theAshuelotRiver. In about9milesyou’ll reachTroy,whereyou’llfindafewrestaurants,somerailroadrelics,andanoldtraindepotthathasbeenrefurbishedintoamuseum.

Continuingsoutheast,you’llpassthroughthetownofFitzwilliam,whereanold railroaddepot isundergoing renovation.The route thenbecomes relativelyremote,officiallyendingintheoutskirtsofFitzwilliamattheNewHampshire–Massachusetts border. Note that the most convenient southern terminus forbikersandhikersisatthetrailheadatStateLineCircleandNH12,asthesectionoftraileastofNH12ispronetofloodingintherainyseason.

CONTACT:keenepaths.com/trails/cheshire-rail-trailandnhstateparks.org/visit/recreational-rail-trails/cheshire-recreational-rail-trail.aspx

DIRECTIONSTo reach the northern endpoint in Walpole from I-91, take Exit 5 toward US 5/WalpoleNH/Westminster. Head east on Westminster St., and go 0.8 mile. Turn right onto US 5headingsouth,go0.7mile,andthenturn leftontoVT123E(enteringNewHampshire).Go0.3mile,and thencontinueontoNH123E.After0.1mile, turn rightontoNH12S,go4.2miles, and turn left ontoBlackjackCrossing. The parking areawill be directly ahead in 0.1mile.Thetrailendpointis0.3milenorthalongthetrail.

ToreachtheTroytrailheadfromtheintersectionofNH101andUS202inPeterborough,followGroveSt./US202W/JaffreyRoad,andgo6miles.TurnrightontoMainSt./NH124,andgo6.4miles.TurnleftontoTroyRoad,whichbecomesMonadnockSt.Go2.6miles,andturnrightontoNH12N.ImmediatelyturnleftontoWaterSt.Theparkinglotwillbetoyourleftafterabout450feet.Thesouthernendpoint islocatedabout10.9milessouthalongthetrail;notethatthereisnodedicatedparkingavailablefortrailusers.

24

T

CommonPathway

CountyHillsborough

EndpointsOldRailroadTrailjustsouthoftheW.RidgeDr.andScottMitchellRoadintersectiontoUS202andCabanaDr.(Peterborough)Mileage

5.5

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex1–2

SurfacesAsphalt,CrushedStone

he Common Pathway travels 5.5 miles from the outskirts of Peterboroughsouthtodowntown’sNooneFallsarea,parallelingUS202andtheContoocookRiver for most of its journey. The small town of Peterborough boasts the

PeterboroughTownLibrary,theoldesttax-supportedpubliclibraryintheUnitedStates. Founded in 1833 by Reverend Abiel Abbot, the library collection hasgrownfrom100tomorethan43,000books,andthespacesupportsresearchandhostsavarietyofeducationalprogramsandevents.

Thepathwayofferseasy,mostlylevelterrain,withcrushedstonemakinguptheverynorthernportionoftrailandapavedportionspanningfromSouthfieldLanetothetrail’ssouthernendpoint.Notethatthereareafewsmall,narrow,orpoorlymaintainedsections,sohybridbikesarerecommended.

Beginning at the northern trailhead on ScottMitchell Road, you’ll find asmall parking lot adjacent to the trailhead, and additional parking just southwhereUS202intersectsScottMitchellRoad.ThistrailheadalsoservestheOldRailroad Trail, which seamlessly connects to the northern endpoint of theCommonPathwayandheads2.7milesintoHancock.

NorthofPeterborough,travelerswillenjoyoneofthetrail’swoodedoff-roadsections.

Heading south, the trail alternates between quiet on-road andwooded off-road segments. Bike route signs help with wayfinding, although they are notprevalent, so proceed carefully. About 2.5 miles along the trail from ScottMitchellRoad,you’llpassanotherparkingareaaccessiblefromSummerStreet.

ThetrailrunssouthtoandbeyondthesmalltownofPeterborough,whichisa hot spot for home-based entrepreneurs and telecommuters, and a populartourist spot for those seeking outdoor pursuits such as fishing. Access todowntown Peterborough is provided through mostly residential, low-trafficstreets;here,you’ll findaquaintmainstreetwithrestaurants,shops,preservedhistoricalbuildings(toreachthePeterboroughTownLibraryonConcordStreetheadeastonMainStreetforoneblock),andarestoredtraindepotthatnowhostsshopsandacafé.

SouthofdowntownPeterborough, theroute isnotwellsignedandmaybedifficulttonavigateforthosenotfamiliarwiththetrail.You’llcontinuesouthonUS202totheintersectionwithNH101,turnleft,andlooparoundagasstationtotheNH101underpassbytheContoocookRiver.You’llthenheadaroundtheeast side of the Peterborough Shopping Plaza and then west to a side-pathportionofthetrail(composedofasphaltthatisnotregularlymaintained),whichtravels on the left side of busyUS202S (across the highway is another stripmall)tothetrail’sendjustbeforeCabanaDrive.

CONTACT:peterboroughopenspace.org/success-stories/common-pathway.html

DIRECTIONSToreachthenortherntrailheadnearthePeterboroughRecyclingCenterfromtheintersectionofNH101/WiltonRoadandNH123,headnorthonGraniteSt./US202,andgo4.1miles(theroad becomes Pine St., thenUS 202 E/Concord St., thenHancock Road). Turn right ontoScottMitchellRoad,go0.2mile,andturnrightintothetrailheadparkinglot(immediatelyafterSanitationLane).

ToreachthealternatenortherntrailheadandtheOldRailroadTrail,followthedirections

above,butturnleftinsteadofrightatScottMitchellRoad.Lookfortheparkinglotimmediatelyonyourleft.Thenorthernendpointislocatedabout0.2milenorthalongthetrail.

ToreachthetrailheadonSummerSt.,fromtheintersectionofNH101/WiltonRoadandNH123,headnorthonGraniteSt./US202,andgo0.6mile(theroadbecomesPineSt.).TurnleftontoMainSt.,andthenimmediatelyturnrightontoSummerSt.Go0.9mile,andturnrightintothesmalltrailheadparkinglot.

Thereisnoparkingatthesouthernendpoint.

25

T

CottonValleyRailTrail

CountyCarroll

EndpointsMeadowSt.betweenForestSt.andHighSt.(Wakefield)toRailroadAve.justnorthofDepotSt.(Wolfeboro)Mileage

12.0

TypeRailTrail/Rail-with-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfaceGravel

heCottonValleyRailTrailconnects thesmall townofWakefield,near theMaine border, and the quintessentially quaint New England vacation town ofWolfeboro. In2017 the townsheld a ribbon-cuttingceremony to celebrate the

completionofashortsegmentbetweenCottonValleyRoadinEastWolfeboroandClarkRoadinWakefield—resultinginacontinuous12-mileroute.

Thetrailisbookendedbywonderfulglimpsesofitsrailroadhistory,makingitamust-seeforanyrailcarenthusiast.FromtheeasternmostpointinWakefield,the trail begins at a small park surrounding the old-fashionedOldBoston andMaineRailroadTurntable,whichwasrefurbishedinthe1990sforthebenefitofriders and park patrons. The trailmakes no bones about its past as a railroadcorridor, delightfully switchbacking along either side of the rails and evenproviding some well-paved opportunities for users to ride between the ironsthrough the canopied northeastern woods. The eastern section includes somesmallhillsthatmightprovedifficultforsome.

Continuingwest, theCottonValleyRailTrail travelsonaheavilywoodedpath leading towardLakeWentworth. Thewestern portion of the trail is veryflat,makingitidealforhorsebackridingandcross-countryskiing.In3.1miles,youwillfindarestingpointwherethetrailintersectsNH109,completewitharestroom,picnicbenches,shelter,andtheheadquartersoftheCottonValleyRailTrailClub.In1.3miles,you’llcomeacrosstheAlbeeBeachaccesspointandashort, winding trail portion before finding gorgeous straightaways, includingsomenarrowcausewaysoverbeautifullakebasins.ThetrailpassesthroughtheLinda Baldwin Preserve before finding the edge of the Back Bay, which issurroundedbyparks,eateries,andcharmingshopsthathelpmakeWolfeboroavacationdestination.

The rail-trail embraces its railroadpast—in somesections you’ll be ridingbetween theold ironrails.

CONTACT:cottonvalley.org

DIRECTIONSToreachtheeasternmosttrailheadattheOldBoston&MaineRailroadTurntableinWakefieldfrom the intersection of US 202 and NH 16 in Rochester, head north on NH 16 towardOssipee/Conway.Go18.6miles.TurnrightontoNH109S,andgo0.5mile.Asmallparkinglotandthetrailheadwillbeonyourleft,justafteryoucrossForestSt.

ToreachtheCottonValleyRoad/N.WakefieldRoadendpoint,followthedirectionsabovetoNH109,butturnleftinsteadofright.HeadwesttowardWolfeboroonNH109,andgo6.4miles.TurnrightontoBryantRoad,andgo1.2miles.TurnrightontoCottonValleyRoad,andgo1.3miles.TurnleftontoN.WakefieldRoad,wheretwotothreecarscanparkonasmallgravelpatchonthecornerimmediatelytoyourright.

To reach theCottonValleyRail TrailClub trailhead, follow the directions above toNH109.Turn left (west)ontoNH109,andgo8.7miles.Parkingat theCottonValleyRailTrailClubissituatedontherightofNH109/GovernorJohnWentworthHwy.,acrossfromFernaldCrossing.

ToreachtheAlbeeBeachparkinglot,followthedirectionsabovetoNH109,andturnleft.

Go9miles,andturnleftontoNH109/NH28/CenterSt.Go1.1miles,thenturnleftontoAlbeeBeachRoad.Followit0.3mile,atwhichpointtheparkinglotentrancebranchesofffromAlbeeBeachRoad.

To reach the northwesternmost endpoint inWolfeboro from the intersection ofUS 202andNH16inRochester,headnorthonUS202/NH16,andinlessthanamile,takeExit15.Turnleft(northwest)ontoNH11,andgo14.6miles.Atthetrafficcircle,takethesecondexit(straight) ontoNH 28N/S.MainSt. In 2.5miles turn right ontoGlendonSt. thenmake animmediate left onto Depot St. Public parking can be found immediately surrounding theWolfeboroChamberofCommerce,whichresidesinaretrofittedtraindepot.

26

T

DerryRailTrail

CountyRockingham

EndpointsWindhamRailTrailatN.LowellRoad/WindhamRoadatBrownRoadtoN.HighSt.betweenMaddenRoadandAshSt.Ext.(Derry)Mileage

3.6

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex1–3

SurfaceAsphalt

hisexquisitelymaintainedtrailslicesthroughforestedareasandwetlandsforawonderfulexperienceinsouthernNewHampshire.Thetrailwilleventuallybepart of the Granite State Rail Trail, which is realizing the grand vision of

creatinga125-miletrailfromtheMassachusettstoVermontborder.TheDerryRailTrailalreadymakesaseamlessconnectionwiththe4.3-mileWindhamRailTrailat itssouthernendpointandwilleventuallyconnect in thenorthwith theLondonderryRailTrail,whichstretches3.3milestoManchester.Youcanalsoaccessthe18.3-mileRockinghamRecreationalRailTrail(FremontBranch),byheadingsouthwestfor0.2mileontheWindhamRailTrailandturningleftontothenewtrailjustafterDepotRoad.

Startingat the southernend, justnorthof theWindhamDepot, theasphalttrailimmediatelyentersawoodedareathatinvokesaveryremotefeelforsuchapopulatedarea.Youmayseetheoccasionalheronorturtleventuringoutoftheneighboringwetlands.

Thepaved,well-maintained trail slices through forestedareasandwetlands fora funandeasyexperienceevenfornoviceriders.

ThetrailcrossesBeaverBrookoverabeautifulstonearchbridge;themiddle

ofthebridgeisknownlocallyasLover’sLeap,andwhiletheoriginofthisnameis not confirmed, it is rumored to haveAmerican Indian roots. The trail thenenters the quaint downtown area of Derry and crosses East Broadway, wheretherearebikeshops,restaurants,andicecreamshops.

ThepavedsectionoftrailendsinHoodPark,whichhasavarietyofoutdoorand recreational amenities, including picnic tables, a playground, basketballcourts, and a large pond with a waterfront area. The pond contains multiplespeciesoffishandisstockedannuallywithbrooktroutandrainbowtrout.

Ifyouarefeelingadventurous,youcancontinueonthetrailalongthewestside of Hoods Pond on a dirt path for another 0.3 mile until the path ends.Because this section is not paved, it is only suited for mountain biking andhiking. The plan is to eventually pave this section and create a seamlessconnection with the Londonderry Rail Trail, which currently beginsapproximately1miletothenorth.

CONTACT:derryrailtrail.org

DIRECTIONSTo reach the trailhead atWindhamDepot from I-93N, takeExit 3 ontoNH 111W towardWindham.Headwest1.6miles,and turn rightontoN.LowellRoad.Go2.6miles,and turnrightontoDepotRoad.Go0.1mile,andturnright into thedepotparking lot.TheDerryRailTrail is located 0.2 mile northwest along the Windham Rail Trail. Parking is prohibited atWindhamDepotfrom30minutesaftersunsetto30minutesbeforesunrise.

To reach the trailheadatWindhamDepot from I-93S, takeExit4ontoNH102 towardDerry/Londonderry.Turn left (east)ontoNH102/NashuaRoad(signs forDerry),andgo0.9mile.TurnrightontoFordway,go0.5mile,andthencontinueontoFordwayExtensionfor0.9mile.TurnleftontoBowersRoad,andgo0.6mile.TurnrightontoWindhamRoad,andgo1.3miles.ContinueontoN.LowellRoad0.2mile,andthenturnleftontoDepotRoad.Turnrightinto the depot parking lot after 0.2mile. TheDerry Rail Trail is located 0.2mile northwestalongtheWindhamRailTrail.Again,notethatparking isprohibitedatWindhamDepot from30minutesaftersunsetto30minutesbeforesunrise.

To reach the Hood Park trailhead from I-93, take Exit 4 for NH 102 towardDerry/Londonderry.HeadnortheastontoNH102/NashuaRoad(signsforDerry),andgo0.9mile.Turn leftontoElmSt.,go0.3mile,and turn rightontoMapleSt. Immediately turn leftontoRollinsSt.,andthetrailheadandparkingareawillbeontheleft inabout500feet.Thenorthernendpointislocatedabout0.4milenorthalongthetrail.

27

T

DoverCommunityTrail

CountyStratford

EndpointsWatsonRoadbetweenCountyFarmRoadandSandpiperDr.toFisherSt.justwestofBelknapSt.(Dover)Mileage

3.8

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex1–3

SurfacesAsphalt,CrushedStone,Dirt

heDoverCommunityTrailsnakesitswaythroughtheheartoftheGarrisonCity—so nicknamed for the fortified log houses, or garrisons, built by 17th-century settlers—offering a variety of trail surface types and activities for

visitors.Technically starting at the southeastern endpoint onFisher Street, the trail

heads straight north and makes its way through quiet residential areas. Thecanopyofsurroundingtreesprovidesampleshadeandapleasantsetting.Afterabout0.3mile,you’llpass throughashort tunnelunderneathSilverStreetandcontinuenorth,crossinga fewroadsandneighborhoods.Besure to follow thetrailsignsinthisareatostayonthecorrectcourse.

After passingWashington Street, the trail crosses over a beautiful trestlehighabovetheCochecoRiverandcontinuestotheDovertraindepot/stationindowntownDover(seetheactiverailroadlinethatthetrainstationservicesonthenorth side of the trestle).With a trailhead, parking, and ample restaurants andshopsjustoneortwoblockswest,thisisthebestplacetobeginyourjourney.

Thecanopyofsurroundingtreesprovidesampleshadeandapleasantsettingfortrailusers.

From the train station, exit the parking lot and turn left onto the sidewalkalongChestnutStreettocrosstherailroadtracks.Notethatthissectionfollowscitysidewalks,andtherearenosignstohelpwithnavigation.Aftertwoblocks,

turnleftontoFourthStreetandfollowthesidewalkuntilyoureachabridgethatcrossestheCochecoRiver.

Here,justbeforethebridge,turnright(headingnorth)toenteranotheroff-roadsectionoftrailthatskirtsthenorthsideoftheriver.Thetrailalsoleadsyoupast Beckwith Park and Dover Cassily Community Garden—both greatcommunity assets. This section has a dirt and crushed-stone surface and issuitableforwalkingandmountainbikingonly;itoffersagreatnatureescapeinthecenteroftown.

You’llcrossWhittierStreetandthenfollowthenorthsideofWhittierFallsWay,aquietneighborhoodstreet,beforecrossingunderSpauldingTurnpikeandcontinuing off road. Here, the route continues to follow the north side of theCochecoRiverand issurroundedbyanicewoodedarea,providingcontrast tothemoreurbansectionnear thecenterof town.The trail terminatesatWatsonRoad,justeastoftheriver.

ThereareplanstoextendthetrailsouthandultimatelyconnectitwithothersectionsoftrailinandaroundtheSeacoastRegion.

CONTACT:dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/planning/community-trail

DIRECTIONSToreachtheAmtrakDoverTransportationCenter(RotaryClubtrailhead)fromtheintersectionofUS202andNH16/SpauldingTurnpikeinRochester,headsouthonNH16toExit8EfordowntownDover,andfollowW.KnoxMarshRoad0.3miletoatrafficcircle.Enterthetrafficcircle,takethefirstexitontoSilverSt./NH9,andgo0.3mile.TurnleftontoLexingtonSt.,andgo0.2mile.TurnrightontoWashingtonSt.,andgo0.3mile.TurnleftontoChestnutSt.,goabout0.2mile,andlookfortheentrancetothestationonyourleft.ThetrailheadandaccesstothetrailarelocatedinthebackoftheparkingareaadjacenttotheCochecoRiver.

To reach the Watson Road trailhead from the intersection of US 202 and NH16/Spaulding Turnpike in Rochester, head south on NH 16 to Exit 9 toward NH 9/NH108/Dover/Somersworth. Turn left onto Indian BrookDrive (signs for Sixth St.), and go 0.5mile.TurnrightontoSixthSt.,andgo0.8mile.TurnleftontoCountyFarmRoad,go0.2mile,andthenturnleftontoWatsonRoad.Followit0.2mile,andturnleftintothetrailheadparkinglot.

28 FortHillRecreationalRailTrail

CountyCheshire

EndpointsNorthfieldRoad/NH63acrossfromthesouthernendoftheAshuelotRecreationalRailTrailatDoleJunction,1.5milesnorthofS.ParishRoadand1.5milessouthofTowerHillRoad,toanoldrailroadbridgeovertheConnecticutRiverattheNH–VTstatelineatNH119/BrattleboroRoad,0.5milenorthofOldBrattleboroRoad(Hinsdale)

Mileage

7.0

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex2

B

SurfacesBallast,Cinder,Dirt,Grass,Gravel,Sand

uilt in the 1910s by theBoston andMaineRailroad (B&M) as part of theConnecticutRiverDivisionMainLine,therouteintroduceddailyservicetotheB&MFort Hill Branch in the early 1920s tomeet growing competition frommotor trucks that had begun courting small shippers from Boston to theCanadianborder.Thisresultedinthelinebeingknownasapeddlerroute(nowpedaler!).Thecompetitioneventuallybecametoomuch,andby1983,therouteceased service. Thankfully, this line—likemany others in the area—has beenconverted to trails andwe can still walk, bike, and ski in the shadows of theformerB&Mcars.

TheFortHillRecreationalRailTrailbeginsataspaciousdirtparkinglotatDoleJunctioninHinsdale,whichalsoservesthesouthernendofthe21.5-mileAshuelotRecreationalRailTrail.Asyoubeginyourjourneynorth,thedirtandgrasstrailstartsoutfairlywide,thoughinsummer,lushvegetationmaycreepintograbthestreamsofsunlightalongtherail.

At thenorthendof the trail,you’llhaveaviewofanold railroadbridgeacross theConnecticutRiver.

HeadingnorthfromDoleJunction,travelerswillbesurroundedbylushvegetationonthedirt-and-grasstrail.

In 1.3miles, youwill come to awooden bridge over theAshuelot River,complete with its original stone abutments. On your right, you will notice aconcretepillarmarkedWRJCT69,whichoncenotifiedtraincrewsthattheyhad69milesuntilWhiteRiverJunction,Vermont.

At 2.8 miles, you will come to a second large parking area off ProspectStreet inHinsdale.Fromthere, it’sashortrideintotown,withconvenientoff-street paths most of the way. This parking lot marks the departure from themainlandforabit,asyouheadoutontoasweepingcausewayintoasetbackofthemainchanneloftheConnecticutRiver.Thisspotispopularforfishingandfinallyallowssomewide-openviewsofNewEngland’slongestriver,includingtheformerVermontYankeeNuclearPowerStation,whichwasdecommissionedin 2014 and sits across the river inVernon,Vermont.At the other end of thecauseway is yet another convenient parking lot off NH 119 that is a popular

accesspointforicefishing,aswellasnorthandsouthboundtrailaccess.In0.8mile,justbeforecrossingasmallbridgeoverAshSwampBrook,you

willcometoanaccesspathonyourrighttothelast(northernmost)parkingareaforthetrail.Thenext2.7milesaresetbackfromtheriverabit,asthetrailrunsbehindseveralbusinessesandresidentialyards.Insummer,therewillbeenoughbeautiful greenvegetation to give you somepeace andquiet as you finish thenorthernendofthetrail,whereyouwillberewarded.Builtin1912,theoldtrussbridgethatoncetookB&MtrainsacrosstheConnecticutRivernowsitssilentlyandmajestically.Whilethedeckingisdecaying,preventingguaranteedpassage,the crimson steel structure stands as an impressive relic of old railroadengineering and offers an opportunity to one day carry trail users intoBrattleboro,Vermont,andbeyond.

Ifyou’dliketoextendyourjourneyintoVermont,theWestRiverTrailisa3.5-mileridenorthfromthenorthernmostendpoint.

CONTACT:nhstateparks.org/visit/recreational-rail-trails/fort-hill-recreational-rail-trail.aspx

DIRECTIONSToreachthesouthernendpoint fromI-91, takeExit2 forVT9/WesternAve.Turn left (east)ontoWesternAve./VT9,andfollowit1.1miles(itbecomesHighSt.).TurnrightontoMainSt.,and go 0.2mile. Turn left ontoBridgeSt. to enterNewHampshire.Continue ontoNH119E/Brattleboro Road 6.7miles. Turn right onto NH 63 S/Northfield Road, and go 2.2miles.Parkingwillbeontheright.

Thereisnoparkingoraccessatthenorthernendpoint.ThelastdedicatedparkinglotisatHinsdaleTownPark.To reach thepark from I-91, follow thedirectionsabove toNH119E/BrattleboroRoad,andgo4miles.Lookforasmallparkingareaonyourright.Notethatthisparking area is small. Another lot is available 0.8 mile farther southeast along NH119/BrattleboroRoad,directlyadjacenttothetrailandtheConnecticutRiverReservoir.

29 FranconiaNotchRecreationPath

CountyGrafton

EndpointsSkookumchucktrailheadonUS3/DanielWebsterHwy.,0.3milesouthofNH141(Franconia),toMt.Pemigewassettrailhead/FlumeGorgeandVisitorCenteronUS3/DanielWebsterHwy.,0.5milenorthofParkersCt.(Lincoln)

Mileage

8.7

TypeGreenway/Non-Rail-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

T

SurfaceAsphalt

heFranconiaNotchRecreationPathruns the lengthof theFranconiaNotchState Park in the White Mountain National Forest. Commonly called theRecreationPath, the8.7-mile trailvisitsmostof thepark’sattractions, suchastheOldManoftheMountainHistoricSite,EchoLake,andFlumeGorge.ThepavedpathroughlyfollowsI-93throughthepass.

Heading south from theSkookumchuck trailhead, the spectacularviewsofpeaks and forests will remind you that the Notch is indeed a mountain passbetween theKinsmanandFranconiaRanges.Theelevationchangesarealsoareminder,asthetrailgainsabout340feettothefootofCannonMountain,thendrops750feettotheterminusatMt.Pemigewassettrailhead.Assatisfyingasitwillbetodescendthehillsyoucrest,observethe20-mile-per-hourspeedlimitonthetrail.

ThespectacularviewsofpeaksandforestswillremindyouthattheNotchisindeedamountainpassbetweentheKinsmanandFranconiaRanges.

Themainattractionsaremarkedwithwalking-onlysignsfortrailusers,andthey are wheelchair accessible. The route is often shaded as you reach theselocations,thankstothesteepmountainsidesandtreesliningthepath.Bringyourcamerabecause,inadditiontothemajorsitesalongtheroute,yousoonwillbetreatedtodazzlingvistasattheSunsetBridge.

In 2.1 miles you will arrive at Echo Lake Beach, where there’s a store,restrooms,andboatrentalsinseason.Thetrailfollowsthelake0.5milebeforeyou reach the legendary Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. The cable carcarriesridersuptothe4,080-footsummit,whereyoucangetbeerandfoodatacafé,andenjoyviewsoftheAdirondackMountainsoncleardays.

TheOldManoftheMountainHistoricSiteisthenextstop,about0.4miledown the trail.TheGreatStoneFace,which appearedon a cliff as aperson’sprofile, was mentioned in the 19th-century writings of Daniel Webster andNathanielHawthorne and still appears in silhouette on state highwaymarkers.Although it detached from the cliff face back in 2003, the park has providedinformativesignageandaviewingplatformthatrecreatestheappearanceofthestonefaceonthecliffforvisitors.

Thetrailheadsmostlydownhillforthenext3.3milestoTheBasin,ahugegranite pothole in the Pemigewasset River. The final 2miles take you to thecascadingwatersandgranitewallsoftheiconicFlumeGorgeandVisitorCenterbeforedeliveringyou to theendof thepathat theMt.Pemigewasset trailheadandparkinglot.

Note:FeesarechargedatFlumeGorge,CannonMountainAerialTramway,andEchoLakeBeach.BikerentalsandshuttlesareavailableattheTramway.

CONTACT:cannonmt.com/recreation-path.htmlandnhstateparks.org/visit/stateparks/Franconia-notch-statepark.aspx

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheSkookumchucktrailheadfromI-93N,takeExit35ontoUS3N/DanielWebsterHwy.towardLancaster.Go0.1mile,andlookfortrailheadparkingontheright.

To reach the Skookumchuck trailhead from I-93 S, take Exit 36 onto NH 141 towardSouthFranconia.Turn leftontoNH141/ButterhillRoad.Go0.8mile,andturnrightontoUS3/DanielWebsterHwy.Go0.3mile,andlookforparkingontheleft.

ToreachtheMt.PemigewassettrailheadfromI-93S,takeExit34AandmergeontoUS3S/DanielWebsterHwy.Go 0.4mile, and turn left into the FlumeGorge andVisitorCenterparkinglot.Thetrailstartsatthenorthend.

ToreachtheMt.PemigewassettrailheadfromI-93N,takeExit34AandmergeontoUS3N/DanielWebsterHwy.Go0.1mile,and turn right into theFlumeGorgeandVisitorCenterparkinglot.Thetrailstartsatthenorthend.

30

T

GoffstownRailTrail

CountyHillsborough

EndpointsFactorySt.andVT13(Goffstown)tothePiscataquogRailTrailatAgnesSt.,0.3milenortheastofPinardSt.(Manchester)Mileage

5.5

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfacesBallast,Cinder,Dirt,Gravel,Sand

heyear2017marks20yearssincearails-to-trailsprojectwasfirstmentionedin the Goffstown Master Plan, and thanks to work by the Friends of theGoffstown Rail Trail and support throughout the community, this trail has

becomeashiningexampleofwhatcanbecomeofanoldrailcorridor.ThetrailinhabitsasegmentoftheformerBostonandMaine(B&M)RailroadroutethatoncespannednorthernNewEngland.Afloodin1936damagedmuchofthelineanditsspurs,andin1976,afireconsumedthecoveredbridgethatcrossedthePiscataquogRiver.

BeginninginGoffstown,thetrailstartswithlittlefanfareonFactoryStreetandsneaksbehindneighborhoodswith fleetingviewsof theglistening river toyourleft.UpontravelingonEastUnionStreetabout0.3mile,thetrailpicksupagainpastaschoolbusparkingareaandstartstotakeonalifeofitsown,withglimpsesoftheriverfarbelow.

You’ll pass by one of many convenient access points to the trail, theGoffstownParksandRecreationDepartmentcomplex,andgoanother0.5mileto the first of two crossings overMastRoad.Though the trail ismostly hard-packed gravel, the three street crossings—two over Mast Road and one overHenry Bridge Road—are paved and have plenty of signage to help residentseasilyconnecttothetrail.

Throughoutyourjourney,treesandbeautifulwaterwayssurroundyou.

In0.7mile,you’llemergefromthewoodsandtravelthroughtheparkinglotofaservicestation.(Thetrailpicksupjustontheotherside,assignsindicate.)Here,amilemarkerletsyouknowthatyouare3.5milesfromtheeasternendandthebeginningofthePiscataquogTrail.

Afteranothermile,thetrailslipsbehindtheNewHampshireStatePrisonforWomenandtheHillsboroughCountyComplexandcourthouse.Friendlycountyworkers maintain this part of the trail, and trail parking is available in themunicipal lot. Note the brilliant redbrick buildings to your right, which onceacted as coal storage for the B&M line and are now home to administrativeoffices.

Moreof thecorridor’shistory isapparentafteryoucrossDanisParkRoadandpassinsidethedeepcutwherethecliffswereblastedtoallowtrainstotravelatapropergrade.Ifit’sahotday,you’llalsoappreciatethecoolbreezeonyourway through! Next, a secret tip: As you pass the Moose Club Park Roadtrailhead,keepaneyeonyourGPS;soonyouwillbeatexactly43ºNlatitude,thesameparallelthatformsmostoftheboundarybetweenNebraskaandSouthDakota.

Neartheeasternend,about300feetshortofmilemarker0.0,aconnectingpathleadstotheSaretteRecreationComplex,whichhasampleparking.AttheofficialeasternendoftheGoffstownRailTrail,therouteseamlesslyconnectstothe Piscataquog Trail, which heads over the Merrimack River and intoManchester.

CONTACT:goffstownrailtrail.org

DIRECTIONSTo reach parking in Goffstown from I-293, take Exit 6 for Amoskeag St. towardGoffstownRoad.(IfcomingfromI-293S,followtherightforkoftheexitramptoAmoskeagSt.)TakeaslightleftontoAmoskeagSt.(signsforConcord/GoffstownRoad/I-293),go0.1mile,andthencontinue straight onto Goffstown Road 1.8miles. Continue onto Goffstown Back Road 2.1miles, and then continue onto Center St. 0.7 mile (taking the second exit to head straight

throughonetrafficcircle).ContinueontoElmSt.2.6miles,turnleftontoNH114S/NH13S,andgo0.1mile.LookforparkingtoyourrightintheGoffstownTownHalllot.Toaccessthenorthernendofthetrail,travelsouthonNH114S/NH13S0.1mileacrossthePiscataquogRiverbridge,andtakeyourfirstleftontoFactorySt.Gooneblock,andturnrightontothetrailtoheadsoutheast.

To reach the southeast endpoint inManchester from I-293, take Exit 5 forGranite St.towardWestManchester.HeadsouthwestontoGraniteSt.,andgo0.1mile.TurnleftontoS.MainSt., andgo0.3mile.Turn right ontoVarneySt., go0.4mile, and continueontoMastRoad/NH114A1.1miles.TurnrightontoLaurierSt.,andgo0.2mile.LaurierSt.turnsslightlyleft and becomes Louis St. Turn right into the Sarette Recreation Complex, and look forparkingonyourleft.

31

T

Head’sPondTrail

CountyMerrimack

EndpointsPleasantSt.,0.5milesouthofMerrimackSt.and0.5milenorthofDanielWebsterHwy./NH28/US3,toagateonanunnameddirtroad(Hooksett)Mileage

1.9

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex2

SurfaceCrushedStone

heHead’sPondTrail(formerlyknownasHooksettRailTrail) isa1.9-milerail-trailthatvisitstwoscenicponds,includingtheeponymousHead’sPond,ina

woodsyareaofHooksett.Thetrail’ssmoothstonedustsurfaceiswellsuitedtobikes,buttheshortlengthandout-and-backconfigurationofthepathisn’t.Asaresult, you’ll mostly find local joggers and walkers (often with a four-leggedfriend)using the trail.Fishermenalsouse the trail tocatch largemouthbassorchain pickerel in the ponds. History and outdoors buffs will enjoy theinterpretivesignsthatinformaboutHooksettandthelocalfloraandfauna.

ThisshortbutsweettrailofferslovelyviewsofitseponymouspondinawoodsyareaofHooksett.

AtrailheadwithampleparkingonUS3isthebestplacetobegin.Asteepandrockyaccesspath leadsdownhill fromtheparking lot,butonceyou’reonthetrail,it’sflatoveritsentirelength.ThetrailfollowsaformerPortsmouth&ConcordRailroadalignmentthatlinkedthetwocitiesbrieflyinthe1850sbeforeoperationsceasedonthissectionandthetrackwasremovedin1861.

From the trailhead, theHead’sPondTrail goesnorthwestunderUS3andendsin0.25mileonPleasantStreet.Mostvisitorscontinuesoutheastonthetrailto theponds.Pines,maples,andbirchesenvelopthe trailandprovideshade in

summermonths.Inabout0.5mile,youcanrelaxonabenchandenjoyaviewofHead’sPond.

Anearbypathconnectstoanadjacentneighborhood.Theremainderofthetrailcontinuesasbefore,althoughthecanopyopensupabittoallowmoresunasyouapproachthesouthernendpoint.

Thetrailendsabruptlyatagateddirtroadthatleadstoasandandgravelpit.You’llwanttostophereanyway,asyouhavereachedthesecondpond,whereyetanotherbenchwelcomesyoutorestandenjoytheview.(Awordofcaution,though:heavyrainscanoverflowthepondandsubmergethebenchlegs,leadingtowet feet for thosewho insist on sitting regardless.)Headback thewayyoucameforadoubledoseofscenery.

Althoughtherearen’tanyservicesalongthetrail,youcanfindrefreshmentsinhistoricHooksettontheMerrimackRiver.OneoptionisthecaféatRobie’sCountry Store, visited every four years by candidates vying for NewHampshire’spresidentialprimary.Thestore, locatedat9RiversideStreet, isahistoriclandmarkthatdatesto1822.

CONTACT:hooksettconservationcommission.wordpress.com/2015/11/03/heads-pond-trail

DIRECTIONSToreachthetrailheadandparkinginHooksettfromI-93,takeExit11.Fromthetollplaza,turnleftontoHackettHillRoad,go0.2mile,andturnleftontoW.RiverRoad/NH3A.Go0.6mile,andturnrightontoMainSt. In0.4milestaystraightontoCollegeParkDr.Go0.5mile,andturnleftontoUS3/NH28/HooksettRoad.Go1.1miles,andlookforparkingontheright.

32 LakeWinnisquamScenicTrail

CountyBelknap

EndpointsLeslieE.RobertsBeachandRecreationAreaatUS3/NH11andBus.US3toUS3/NH11,0.1milesouthofUnionRoad(Belmont)Mileage

1.8

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfaceAsphalt

LakeWinnisquamisNewHampshire’sfourthlargestlake,andtakingtheLakeWinnisquam Scenic Trail is one of the best ways to experience it. Meaning“pleasant waters,” Lake Winnisquam provides beautiful vistas of the water,mountains,andwildlife.Therail-trail,alsoknownastheWinniTrail,openedin2016andisverywellmaintained,withclearsignageforsharpturnsthroughthewoods.Thelengthandshademakethetrailidealforrunnersandwalkers.

StartingattheeasterntrailheadlocatedneartheLeslieE.RobertsBeachandRecreationArea,youwill findpicnic tables,aplayground,a restroom,and,ofcourse, a place to dip your toes in the water. Fishing is allowed in the lake;license-freefishingdaysoccurinJanuaryandJune.AtthejunctionofUS3/NH11andBusinessUS3,thetrailconnectstothesoutherntrailheadofthe2.7-mileWOWTrail,whichtravelseasttowardLaconiaandisperfectforcyclists.

Skirtingtheshorelineforitsentirelength,thepathoffersunparalleledvistasofLakeWinnisquam.

Thepaved1.8-milerail-trailwindsthroughlushforest,whereyoucanenjoythe shade of dense, tall trees and the chatter of wildlife. The southwesternportion provides stunning views of the water and far-reaching corners of thelake.Fromthistrailhead,thetownofBelmontplanstoconnecttothe5.1-mileWinnipesaukeeRiverTrailtothewesttowardTiltonandFranklin.

CONTACT:belmontnh.org/projectswinnitrail.asp

DIRECTIONSToreachthetrailfromI-93,takeExit20forUS3/NH11(towardNH140/Tiltonifcomingfromthesouth,ortowardNH132/E.MainSt.ifcomingfromthenorth).TurnleftontoUS3N/NH11E/LaconiaRoad,followingsignsforBelmont/Laconia.Seedirectionsbelowdependingonthetrailheadyouwishtoreach.

ToreachtheeasterntrailheadattheLeslieE.RobertsBeachandRecreationArea,followUS3N/NH11E/LaconiaRoadabout6.5miles.TurnleftontoLeslieRobertsDr.,justbeforeUS3N/NH11EbecomesBus.US3N,wheretheparkinglotcanbefoundlessthan0.5miletotheright.

Toreach thewestern trailheadatOsborne’sAgway(a farmandgardensupplystore inBelmont), followUS3N/NH11E/LaconiaRoad5.1miles. Turn left atOsborne’sAgway.Asmalltrailparkinglotwithfourspotsislocatedimmediatelytotheleftoftheentrance,onthesouthwestsideofOsborne’sAgway,adjacenttothestartofthetrail.

33

T

LondonderryRailTrail

CountyRockingham

EndpointsSanbornRoadjusteastofWyndmereDr.toNH28/RockinghamRoadandSeasonsLane(Londonderry)Mileage

3.3

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfaceAsphalt

he smooth paved surface of the Londonderry Rail Trail offers a pleasant,tranquil 3.3-mile adventure for trail users in south-centralNewHampshire. Itsroute follows a corridor onceusedby theManchester andLawrenceRailroad,

whichstartedoperationsinthemid-1800sasawaytoconnectManchesterwithBoston.Therailroadceasedoperationsinthe1980s,andthecreationoftherail-trailbeganinearnestin2012.

Aspartof thefuture125-mileGraniteStateRailTrail,whichonedaywillstretch fromMassachusetts to theVermontborder, theLondonderryRailTrailwilleventuallyspan6milesandserveasaconnectionbetweenthedevelopingSouthManchesterRailTrailtothenorthandtheDerryRailTrailtothesouth.

AgoodplacetobeginyourjourneyisatthenortherntrailheadonSanbornRoad. A small parking lot sits adjacent to Sanborn Road just east of theendpoint, and additional parking is available across the street at the NorthLondonderryElementarySchool(whenschoolisnotinsession).

Thetrail’swestendformsastraightshotthroughthewoodlandsonanelevatedembankment—aremnantoftheoriginalrailroadcorridorinfrastructure.

Thetrailbeginsbytravelingeastthroughquiet,woodedneighborhoods,with

the first 1.2 miles forming a straight shot on an elevated embankment—aremnant of the original railroad corridor infrastructure—but with a few dipsdown across neighborhood streets. The trail’s surface is well maintained, andsignageisgoodfortheentirelengthofthetrail.

The trail opens up as it passes the North Londonderry Park & Ride, thesecond key parking area for the route, before passing under I-93 and veeringsouth toward the center of town. Immediately following the underpass, you’llpasssometranquilpondsandwetlandslocatedontheeastsideofthetrail.

After a few street crossings, the route follows IndependenceDrive a shortdistance before entering another beautiful wooded section. The remaining 1.5miles take you through some tranquil wetland areas—you might forget yourproximity to I-93 and the town in this pristine natural sanctuary—beforeterminatingatNH28.Watchforturtlesandotherwildlifeasyoucrossthroughapeatboginthissectionoftrail.

Pleasenote that there iscurrentlynoparkingat thesouthern terminus,andtraveltoandfromthispointwouldbechallengingfornonmotorizedusersduetothecurrentinfrastructure.PlansareintheworkstoextendthetrailacrossNH28and eventually create a seamless connection with the Derry Rail Trail to thesouth.

CONTACT:londonderrytrails.organdlondonderrynh.org

DIRECTIONSToreachthetrailheadatthenorthwesternendofthetrailfromI-93,takeExit5towardNH28N,andfollowsignsforNorthLondonderry/Manchester.HeadwestontoNH28N/RockinghamRoad,andgo1.5miles.Turn right ontoSanbornRoad,go0.1mile, and turn right into theparkinglot(locateddirectlyacrossthestreetfromNorthLondonderryElementarySchool).

To reach the parking lot at the North Londonderry Park & Ride from I-93, follow thedirections above to NH 28 N/Rockingham Road, and go about 0.3 mile. Turn right ontoSymmesDr., and then turn right into theaccess road to theparking lot. Turn right into theparking lot and you’ll see the trail toward the rear of the lot on your left. Be sure to payattention to the signs, as some spaces have time limits or are dedicated for bus and/orcommuteruseonly.

Thereiscurrentlynodedicatedparkingatthetrail’ssoutheastterminus.

34

M

MineFallsPark

CountyHillsborough

EndpointsMineFallsGatehouse/DamatStadiumDr.,0.15milewestofRiversideSt.,totheendofPineSt.Ext.,neartheNashuaManufacturingCompanyHistoricDistrict,0.3milesouthofTechnologyWay(Nashua)Mileage

9.7

TypeCanal/Greenway

RoughnessIndex1–3

SurfacesAsphalt,CrushedStone,Dirt,Grass

ine Falls Park inNashua is a 300-acre-plus urban parkwith a network ofapproximately9.7milesofavarietyof trail types.Thisforestedparkoffersan

extraordinary nature experience in the heart ofNewHampshire’s second-mostpopulous city along the Nashua River. The park is a beacon of recreationalopportunities; in addition to the trail network, the area boasts historicexploration,wildlifeviewing,ballfields,andamplefishingspots.

The Nashua River and Nashua Canal both cut right through the park,providinganinterestingglimpseintothecity’spast.TheNashuaManufacturingCompanybuiltthecanaltochannelwaterfromtheriverdownstreamtoadam,creatingacrucialpowersourceforthemillsandindustrialmovementintheareaduringthe1800s.

ThisforestedparkoffersanextraordinarynatureexperienceintheheartofNashua.

Before you head out, it’s a good idea to bring along a map of the parkdeveloped by the City of Nashua, available atnashuanh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2328.Theparkisorganizedbyaseriesofcolor-codedtrailsandcorrespondingnumberspostedalongthetrails tohelpyounavigate.Thecitymapdetailsallofthisinformation.Severalaccesspoints

make it easy to get to the park from several places, and three primary routestraversetheparkfromeasttowest.

One great starting point for the trail is the Mine Falls Gatehouse/Damtrailhead, located on thewestern side of the trail system, between theNashuaRiverandMillPond,accessiblefromStadiumDrive.TheimpressiveMineFallsDam appears right next to the parking area; here, you can also glimpse agatehouse (currently being restored) constructedby theNashuaManufacturingCompany in 1886 as part of the canal system that is now on the NationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.

MineFallsParkextendstotheeast, immediatelypresentingyouwiththreeprimarypathwayoptions.FollowingthenorthernsideoftheNashuaCanal,theoldtowpathtravelseastdirectlyalongsidethewater.In1.2miles,youwillcrossunderUS3/EverettTurnpikeandcometoatrailjunctionattheWhippleStreettrailhead. There aremany different trail connections throughout the park, andthreebridgescrossthecanal.

Stayingalongthenorthernsideofthecanalfortheremaining1.1miles,thetrailmakesitswaytotheeasternedgeofthepark.Beautifulviewsoftheriver,wetlands, and wildlife abound on the northern side of the trail overlookingOxbow Lake and The Cove. The Nashua Manufacturing Company HistoricDistrict is located just one block east of the park at Clocktower Place andFactoryStreetExtension.

In addition to the canal towpath, a trail on the northern edge of the parkcloselyfollowsthesouthbankoftheNashuaRiver.JustafterpassingunderUS3/EverettTurnpike,youcanopt tocontinuestraight toward theeasternsideofthe park or turn left tomake a small loop through thewooded area that runsadjacenttothesouthernsideoftheriver.

To the south, a paved trail segment begins just off of StadiumDrive nearStellosStadiumandcloselyfollowsthesouthernedgeofthecanalforthelengthofthepark.Ifyouchoosetofollowthissection,youcanalsoaccessthe1.3-mileNashua Heritage Rail-Trail—which runs parallel to West Hollis Street—byturningrightontoatrailjunctionabout2.3milesfromthestadiumparkinglot.To the left isa trailbridge thatwill takeyou to thenorthernsideof thecanal.

Fromthetrailjunction,headstraightontoNorthSeventhStreetandgo0.3mile,passingballfieldsandaparkingarea.CrossoverNorthGrotonStreetandentertheNashuaHeritageRail-Trail,whichheadseastorwestalongthenorthsideofWestHollisStreet.

Throughoutthepark,trailssuitableonlyforhikingofferauniquewildernessexperiencerightinNashua.

ThetrailnetworkoffersbreathtakingviewsofboththeNashuaRiverandNashuaCanal.

CONTACT:nashuanh.gov/491/MineFalls-Park

DIRECTIONSToreachtheMineFallsGatehouse/DamtrailheadfromUS3/EverettTurnpike,takeExit5W,andmergeontoNH111/W.HollisSt.,headingwest.Go0.5mile.TurnrightontoRiversideSt.,andinseveralhundredfeet,turnleftontoStadiumDr.Go0.2mile,andfollowsignstoMineFallsPark.YouwillturnrightandpassStellosStadiumonyourleftbeforeenteringthepark.After passing the boat launch on your left, look for trail parking on your left near the

gatehouse.ToreachtheWhippleSt.trailheadfromUS3S/EverettTurnpike,takeExit5Eifcoming

from the north, and merge onto NH 111/W. Hollis St. After crossing over the highway,immediately turn right to get onUS3N/Everett Turnpike. TakeExit 5Aand follow signs forSimonSt.TurnleftontoSimonSt.,andgo0.2mile.TurnleftontoWhippleSt.,andgoanother0.2miletotheparkentranceandparking.

ToreachtheeasternmosttrailheadonPineSt.Ext.fromUS3/EverettTurnpike,takeExit6 forBroadSt./NH130towardHollis.HeadeastontoNH130/BroadSt. (signs forNashua),andgo0.4mile.TurnrightontoBroadSt.Pkwy.,go1.1miles,andturnrightontoPineSt.Ext.Inafewfeet turn left tostayonPineSt.Ext.,go0.1mile(theroadwill turnright),andthenturnleftagaintostayonPineSt.Ext.foranother0.2mile.Turnleftintothesmallparkinglot.

35 MonadnockRecreationalRailTrail

CountyCheshire

EndpointsWebsterSt.betweenPeterboroughSt./US202andAlderCt.(Jaffrey)totheNH–MAstateline0.9mileeastofRobbinsRoad,0.5milewestofForristallRoad,and0.7milesouthofWoodsCrossingRoad(Rindge)Mileage

7.5

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex2–3

SurfacesAsphalt,Dirt,Grass,Gravel

TheMonadnockRecreationalRailTrailisagreatexampleofarepurposedrailroutethatprovidessafecommutingopportunitieswhilealsoallowingtrailuserstoescapeintoforestenvironmentsforsomepeaceandrespite.

BeginningnexttotheAmericanLegionPostballfieldonWebsterStreetinJaffrey,thepavedtrailwindsitswaysouthwherecrosswalksprovideaccesstotheunofficialentrypointafterStrattonRoad,whichiscompletewithaRails-to-Trailssignandinformationkiosk.Fromhere,yourroutebecomesmoresereneasthepavementendsnearanotherpublicballfield.ApleasantsittingareawithabenchbytheContoocookRiverislocatedjust0.2milefromhere.Note:The1½MImarkeryouseedenotesthedistanceremaininguntiltheJaffrey–Rindgetownline.

For the next 0.75 mile, you will skirt the west boundary of Children’sWoods(28acres)andCareyPark(100acres),bothownedbythetownofJaffreyandpreservedforthestudyandenjoymentoftheregion’snaturalhistory.Blazedtrailsleaddirectlyfromtherail-trail.

Thesouthernendofthetrail,throughRindge,offersspectacularscenery.

HeadingfarthersouthtakesyouthroughthewetlandsonthewesternedgeofContoocookLakeandoveralargewoodenbridgethatoffersbeautifulsweepingviewsof the lakeand itswildlife. If youarehere in summer,you’ll enjoy thesmell of pine trees and wildflowers. In spring be on the lookout for turtleshatchingonthesandybanks;theymaydecidetoscurryovertotheothersideofthemarsh.

Rounding the bend to your right, youwill pass from Jaffrey into Rindge,wherethetrailisknownastheRindgeRailTrailandtheJackDupreeMemorialTrail.Here,atCountyRoad,you’llfindapublicboatlaunchthatoffersplentyofparkingandaccess to the lake.Shortly thereafter,you’ll enter theContoocookMarshConservationArea,whichoffersasmalltrailloopandbenchestoenjoythesceneryandwildlifeatthewetland’sedge.

Fromheretothesouthernendpoint,thetrailbecomesmorechallengingwithadirtandgrasssurface,andahybridormountainbikeisrecommended.Asyoupass throughWest Rindge, the trail becomesmuch narrower; if you are on abicycle,keeptotheleft,asnarrowwoodentiesstillmarktheoldroute.

The next 3.5 miles from NH 119 offer a serene experience year-round;however,notethatthe0.9-milesectionbetweenPerkinsRoadandRandRoadisrelativelylow-lyingandparticularlypronetoflooding.Asignindicatesthatthetrailisclosedtoalluseinthemuddyseason.Iffloodingdoesoccur,youmaybeforcedtodetourontoUS202,whichprovideswideshouldersbutisverybusy.

Asimplegranitepillarat theNewHampshire–Massachusettsbordermarksthe trail’s official end.The route continues toWinchendon, though passage isonlyrecommendedinwinterwhensnowpackstheway.

CONTACT:nhstateparks.org/visit/recreational-rail-trails/monadnock-recreational-rail-trail.aspx

DIRECTIONSToreachthenortherntrailheadfromI-293,taketheNH114exittowardManchester/Bedford.MergeontoNH101W,andgo1mile.TurnlefttoremainonNH101W,andgo17.6miles.TurnleftagaintoremainonNH101W,andgoanother14.7miles.TurnleftontoGroveSt.,go0.3mile,andcontinueontoUS202W/JaffreyRoad5.7miles.TurnleftontoWebsterSt.,andthetrailwillbeonyourrightinafewhundredfeet.LookforparkingjustfartherdownontheleftacrossfromOakSt.

Technically,onecar ispermitted toparkat the threesouthernmostcrossroadpoints forthe trail atWoodsCrossingRoad,RandRoad, andPerkinsRoad; however, carsmust notblocktheaccessgates,andthereisnoguaranteethatspacewillbeavailable.Thebestplacetoparkinthetrail’ssouthernhalfisjustoffUS202inRindge,about0.2milenorthofPerkinsRoad. To reach the US 202 parking area from the intersection of NH 101 and US 202 inPeterborough,headsouthonUS202W6miles,and inJaffrey turn rightontoMainSt./NH124.ImmediatelyturnlefttoremainonUS202,andgoanother4.6miles.Lookforparkingonyourleft(justbeforethetrail’saccesspoint).Thetrail’ssouthernendpointislocated2.7milessouthalongthetrail.

36 NewBostonRailTrail

CountyHillsborough

EndpointsHillsboroughCountyYouthCenter/4HFairgroundsatHilldaleLaneandNH13toN.MastSt./NH114betweenParkerRoadandWhipplewillRoad(NewBoston)

Mileage

3.9

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex2-3

SurfaceDirt

TheNewBostonRail Trail follows the former railroad corridor of the samenamefor3.9miles throughdenselywoodedareas in the townofNewBoston.Therailroadwasinoperationfrom1893to1931,andwasusedbothforfreightandpassengerservice.ThroughvariouseffortsbythestateofNewHampshire,localorganizations,andthepeopleofNewBoston,thecorridorandsurroundinglandwerepreservedandturnedintoatrailaftertherailroadceasedoperationsinthe1970s.

The trail presents twodistinctlydifferent experiences.Thewestern sectionofthetrailoffersatraditionalrailtrailexperienceonawide,packeddirtsurfacesuitableformostmountainandhybridbicyclesandpedestrianuse.Theeasternsection ismore suitable for hikers and experiencedmountain bikers only.Thechange in these two surface types is at the Lang Station trailhead, which islocatedclosetothemidwaypointofthetrailandincludesaparkingarea.

ThetrailtraversesdenselywoodedareasinthetownofNewBoston,includingpassagethroughLangStationStateForest.

Starting from the western endpoint at the Hillsborough County YouthCenter/4H Fairgrounds, the trail travels east along the peaceful South BranchPiscataquogRiverthroughanicecanopyoftrees.Youcaneasilyviewtheriveralongthissectionofthetrail,whichincludesseveralplacestostopforabreakandenjoytheserenityoftheriver.Asthetrailcontinues,itveersslightlyawayfromtheriverandentersLangStationStateForestafter1.3miles.

AsthetrailapproachestheLangStationtrailhead,severalpathsleadbacktotheriverandfeatureinformalcampingspots.AttheLangStationtrailhead,thesurfacechangesdramaticallyastheeasternportionofthetrailbegins.

Here, the trail continues on the eastern side of Gregg Mill Road,immediatelycrossingtheMiddleBranchofthePiscataquogrightbeforeitmeetsthe South Branch over a lovely footbridge. From this point, it immediatelybecomesclearthatthetrailisonlysuitableforhikersandexperiencedmountainbikers.Asyoumakeyourwaythroughthepristineforest,youcancatchfleetingviewsoftherivertothesouth.TheremnantsoftheoldNewBostonRailroadarehardertodistinguishbutarethere.ThetrailcrossesParkerRoadabout1.5milesfromLangStation.

TheroutethencontinuesthroughthewoodsuntiltheeasternendpointatNH114.PleasenotethatthereisonlyawornfootpathtoNH114,andthisisnotanidealtrailaccesspoint,asitisneithervisiblenoreasytofindfromNH114.Inthefuture,thiseasternsectionwillbedevelopedintoamoresuitablesurfaceforalltrailusers,anditwilleventuallyconnecttothe5.5-mileGoffstownRailTrailtotheeast.

If you’re starting from the Hillsborough County Youth Center/4HFairgrounds, be sure to pay attention to the signage relating to parking andaccess.Althoughthisisanofficialtrailheadaccessibletothepublic,it’salsotheyouthcenter’sprivateproperty.

Theofficialmaponthetrail’swebsiteshowsanextra0.75-milesectionfromthe western endpoint to the original train depot, which is now a privateresidence.Thissectionmakesaniceadditiontothetrail,goingacrosstheyouthcentergroundsandtravelingalongaprivateroadthatisopentovehiculartraffic.ThedepotislocatedclosetothecenterofNewBoston,wherethetrailintersectswithDepotStreet.

CONTACT:nbrailtrail.comandfacebook.com/nbrailtrail

DIRECTIONSTo reach the trail from I-293, take theNH114exit towardManchester/Bedford.MergeontoNH 101 W, and go about 1 mile. Continue straight onto NH 114 N, following signs forGoffstown/Henniker.In3.5miles,turnlefttoremainonNH114N,andgoanother3.8miles.TurnleftontoNH13.Seedirectionsbelowdependingonthetrailheadyouwishtoreach.

ToreachtheLangStationtrailhead,followNH13S3.9miles,andturnrightontoGreggMillRoad.Inlessthan0.1mile,thetrailparkingareaandLangStationwillbeonyourleft.

ToreachtheHillsboroughCountyYouthCenter/4HFairgroundstrailhead,followNH13S5.9 miles, and turn right onto Hilldale Lane. You will then cross a bridge and enter theHillsborough County Youth Center property. Follow Hilldale Lane along the river, headingnorthafewhundredyards,andyou’llseesignsforthetrail.Notethatthisisprivateproperty,thoughtheyouthcenterallowsthepublictoparkandaccessthetrailduringtheday.

37 NorthernRailTrail

CountiesGrafton,Merrimack

EndpointsSpencerSt.nearParkhurstSt.(Lebanon)toRiverRoad,0.25milenorthofUS4/KingSt.(Boscawen)

Mileage

57.6

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex2

SurfacesCinder,CrushedStone

Spanning 57.6miles fromLebanon toBoscawen, theNorthernRail Trail isNewHampshire’slongestrailtrailconversion.Traildevelopmentbeganin1996after the state purchased the Boston and Maine Railroad’s dormant NorthernLine. Built in 1847 by the Northern Railroad, the line formed a substantialportion of aBoston-to-Quebec route thatwas heavily traveled during the firsthalfofthe20thcentury.Whilethestateownstherailcorridor,localgroupsdidmostoftheworktoopenthetrailforyear-rounduseintheirrespectivecountiesfrom2000to2014.

Inadditiontowalkingandbiking,permittedusesincludehorsebackriding,cross-countryskiing,snowmobiling,snowshoeing,anddogsledding.

BeginyourjourneyinLebanonatthetrail’snorthernendtotakeadvantageofthemostlydownhillslope.Lebanonoffersahandfulofrestaurantsandshops,and you’ll want to make sure you stock up before you set out, as there areremotesectionsbetweentowns.

NearthecommunitiesofAndoverandWebsterLake,thetrailintersectswithSuckerBrook.

The journey southeast fromLebanon is easy and scenic as you cross nineshortbridgesover theMascomaRiver in thefirst4miles.The trail thenskirtsthenorthernshoreofthe1,100-acreMascomaLake,whereyoumayencounterbatherstakingadiponahotday.ThetrailthenentersthelakesidecommunityofEnfield. Past here, the path occasionally narrows and can be overgrown withgrassandothervegetation.You’llappreciatethedensetreecoverinthisheavilywoodedcountryinthesummer,however.

About 20 miles past Enfield you’ll arrive in Danbury, a popular near-midway point for rest and replenishment. The Danbury Country Store offerssnacks, restrooms, and a welcome porch. By now you have crossed intoMerrimackCounty,wherethetrailisupgradedtoacrushedstonesurfaceratherthan the cinders in Grafton County. Several interpretive signs scattered

throughout the remainder of the trail also improve the experience and informtrailusersontherailline’shistory.

SevenmilespastDanburyyoupassAndover’sPotterPlaceRailroadStation,restored to look as it did in 1874. The depot’smuseum, caboose, and nearbyfreighthouseareoperatedbytheAndoverHistoricalSociety.In1mile,thetrailcrosses the Blackwater River next to the 1882 Keniston Covered Bridge.Andover stretches along US 4/Main Street roughly between Eagle Pond andHighlandLake;restaurantsareonMainStreetnorthofthetrail.

Thisbeautifulbridge,whichcrossestheBlackwaterRiver,islocatedjustoutsideofAndover.

East of Andover, the trail enters slightly denser environs, so expect toencounter more people using the trail. This is particularly true at the popularswimming spotWebster Lake, named for local 19th-century statesmanDaniel

Webster.InFranklin,1.7milespastthelake,ashorton-roadconnectionlinkstotheWinnipesaukeeRiverTrail.

Continuing south on theNorthernRailTrail, you’ll come across the stoneremains of a turntable that once assisted in changing the direction oflocomotives.Fortheremaining11milessouth,you’llcloselyfollowUS3andtheMerrimackRiver to the trail’sendatacornfield in thesouthernreachesofBoscawen.

Futureplanscallforextendingthetrailonbothends.Inthenorth,thepavedMascoma River Greenway will run 4 miles from the Northern Rail Trail inLebanon to West Lebanon. Grander plans in the south would connect theNorthernRailTrail about7miles to the state capitalofConcord.Theyareallcomponents of the Granite State Rail Trail, a 125-mile project that willeventuallyspansouthernNewHampshirefromMassachusettstoVermont.

CONTACT:fnrt.organdnorthernrailtrail.org

DIRECTIONSTo reach thenorthern trailhead from I-89, takeExit18ontoNH120 towardLebanon.Headsouth0.4mile,andturnleftontoHanoverSt.Go0.4mile,andstaystraightontoUS4/S.ParkSt. Go 0.2 mile, and turn left onto E. Park St./Campbell St. Go 0.1 mile, turn right ontoParkhurstSt.,andthenimmediatelyturn leftontoSpencerSt.Lookforparkingonthe left inEldridgePark.Thetrailstartsontheright.

The southern endpoint does not offer trailhead parking, but parking is available atBoscawen Town Park/Jamie Welch Memorial Field roughly 2 miles north. To reach thistrailheadfromI-93,takeExit17ontoUS4/HoitRoadtowardBoscawen.Headwest1.2milestoatrafficcircle,andtakethefirstexittoremainonUS4/KingSt.Go2.1miles,andturnrightonto Depot St. Parking is available in 0.2 mile at the park. Backtrack a short distance toaccessthetrail.

38 PiscataquogTrail

CountyHillsborough

EndpointsGoffstownRailTrailatAgnesSt.,0.3milenortheastofPinardSt.,tothejunctionwiththeHeritageTrailatRiverwalkWay,0.5milesouthofLineDr.,inMerrimackRiverPark–SouthParcel(Manchester)

Mileage

2.1

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfaceAsphalt

The PiscataquogTrail, though only about 2miles long, provides a vital off-roadlinkbetweenthecommunitiesonthewesternsideoftheMerrimackRiver(theWestSideofManchester)toseveralparksandballfieldsandthedowntowncore.

PickingupattheeasternendoftheGoffstownRailTrailnorthwestofAgnesStreet on theManchester town line (ample parking is available at the SaretteRecreationComplex),thetrailsooncrossesitsnamesake,thePiscataquogRiver,overthebeautifullyreconstructedIrvingandBerniceSingerPedestrianBridge,completed in 2015. Having not carried a Boston andMaine (B&M) Railroadtrain car since the 1980s, the trestlewas removed, andwith amix of fundingsources,includingadonationfromtheSingerfamily,thenewbridgenowcarrieshappycommuters,families,andpets.

OntheeastsideoftheMerrimackRiver,you’llbegreetedbythisbronzebullstatue.

TheroutecrossesunderPinardStreetandthenbeginstolooselyparallelthePiscataquog River, offering numerous connections to Piscataquog River Park.PreservingmostofthestretchofriverfromthedamtotheMerrimackRiver,theparkoffersitsownsystemofhikingtrailsandisapopularretreatforfishingorjust relaxing in nature.On the south side of thePiscataquogTrail, you’ll findWest Side Ice Arena—a primary trail access point with further access to thewater—and baseball diamonds. On the north side, you’ll find Thibault Field,whichoffersrestroomsandconvenientparkingabout0.75milefromthewesternendpoint.

JustafterpassingunderGraniteStreet,lookupandtoyourleftforacolorfulcollectionofbirdhousesthatstandsguardoverthetrail,whereyoumightspotachickadee,warbler,northerncardinal,orpurplefinch,thelatterofwhichisNewHampshire’sstatebird.

You’llsense thecitynearbyasyouemergefromthe treesandcrossSouthMainStreetinthePiscataquogneighborhood.Injust0.25mile,you’llentertheHands Across the Merrimack Bridge, which was completed in 2008 after aconversionfromanexistingB&Mtrussbridge.Thewide,woodenplankbridgetakes you up and over I-293 and then the river and offers an exciting bike-pedestrianalternative to theGraniteStreetbridgeupstream.Ifyou’renotquitereadytofinishthetrail,you’llfindnumerousbenchesandplentyofroomtostopandenjoytheriverviews.Youmayevenspotabaldeagle.

ThisprettybridgecrossesoverthePiscataquogRiveratthewestendofthetrail,whereitmeetstheGoffstownRailTrail.

Onceacrosstheriver,you’llmeetthebronzebullstatuethatwaserectedto“commemorate Manchester’s entrepreneurial tradition as exemplified by thefoundersandemployeesofGraniteStatePackingCompanyandJacPacFoods.”Here,you’llalsofindthetrail’sterminusinMerrimackRiverParkSouthParcel,aswellasaconnectiontotheHeritageTrail,whichyoucantakeabout0.1milenorthtoDeltaDentalStadiumandtherestofNewHampshire’sQueenCity.

CONTACT:manchesternh.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Facilities/Recreational-Trails/PiscataquogTrail

DIRECTIONSTo reach the northwestern endpoint in Manchester from I-293, take Exit 5 for Granite St.towardWestManchester.HeadsouthwestonGraniteSt.,andgo0.1mile.Use the left twolanestoturnleftontoS.MainSt.,andgo0.3mile.TurnrightontoVarneySt.,go0.4mile,andcontinue ontoMast Road/NH 114A 1.1miles. Turn right onto Laurier St., and go 0.2mile.Laurier St. turns slightly left and becomes Louis St. Turn right into the Sarette RecreationComplex,andlookforparkingonyourleft.

To reach parking atWest Side Ice Arena from I-293 S, take Exit 6 for Amoskeag St.towardGoffstownRoad.TurnleftontoEddyRoad,andgo0.4mile.TurnrightontoBremerSt.andgo1.1miles.TurnleftontoElectricSt.andcrossoverthetrail,going0.2miletothearenastraightahead.FromI-293N,takeExit6,andturnleftontoAmoskeagSt.ImmediatelyaftercrossingunderI-293,turnleftontoEddyRoad,andfollowthedirectionsabove.

ToreachparkingatThibaultFieldfromI-293,followthedirectionsabove,buttakeBremerSt.foronly0.6mile.TurnleftontoBoutwellSt.andgo0.2mile.TurnrightontoAmorySt.,andthen immediately turn leftontoCumberlandSt.Go0.2mile,and turn rightontoPutnamSt.ImmediatelyturnrightontoDouglasSt.,andheadstraightintotheparkinglot.

ToreachparkingalongSouthCommercialSt.(streethasa10-hourlimit)fromI-293,takeExit 5. Head east on Granite St., and turn right onto S. Commercial St. in 0.2 mile. NodesignatedtrailparkingisavailableatDeltaDentalStadium.

39

L

PresidentialRailTrail

CountyCoös

EndpointsAirportRoadatCherryPondTrail,1.4mileswestofNH115(Whitefield),toUS2/LancasterRoadbetweenHighSt.andLilacLane(Gorham)Mileage

19.2

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex2

SurfacesCrushedStone,Grass,Gravel

ocated in the scenic Presidential Range in the White Mountains, thePresidential Rail Trail is a scenic and pleasant route, providing an alternative

view of Mount Washington and the surrounding area. The mountain peaksprovide the area with both its name—each peak is named after a differentpresident—anditsreputationforhavingsomeoftheworstweatherintheUnitedStates. The areas surrounding the peaks are a different story; weather off thepeaks is pleasant in summer, and the trail provides stellar views of the range.Theareaisalsohometoawiderangeofwildlife,includingmoose,blackbears,wildturkeys,andotherbirds,aswellasbeaversandotters.

Starting at the western trailhead on Airport Road, the terrain is gentle,slopingslightlyupward.Nearby isahiking trail that leads1.6miles toCherryPond. AroundWaumbeck Junction, about 1.5miles into the trail, you’ll passnearthepondonyourleft.Thetrail thencrossesseveralsmallbrooks,startingwithStanleySlideBrook in1.8miles.The trailcrossesNH115Ain0.6mile,then0.1mileafterthatisMillBrook,and0.2mileafterthatisRedBrook.

ThePresidentialRangeprovidesapostcard-perfectbackdropforatrailride.

Thetrailthenpassesthroughasprawlingresidentialarea,wheretheterrainis slightly rough and grassy in places. The western half of the trail is lesstraveledandabitrougherinspots.

In 6.6miles you’ll come to theCastle trailhead, after crossingNH 115A.ContinuingeastthetrailcrossesahistoricponytrussbridgeoverSnyderBrook,3milesaftertheCastletrailhead.TheroutepassesbyaparkinglotinRandolphnear theAppalachia trailhead (not tobeconfusedwith theAppalachianTrail),justafewfeetfromUS2,andthenbeginsthedownhillslopetowardGorham.Thisportionmakesforanespeciallyfunride,asthetrailsmoothsoutandslopesgently downward, with more stunning views of the mountain range. Severalbridges here cross over theMoose River, the first one 2.3miles after SnyderBrook.

After the lastMoose River crossing, the trail approaches Gorham for theremaining1.7miles,intersectingothertrailsthataremostlyforsnowmobileuse.The eastern endpoint of the trail is located in Gorham, home of the GorhamHistoricalSocietyandRailroadMuseumandMooseBrookStatePark, agreatplaceforcamping,picnicking,andfishing.TheAppalachianTrailislocatedjusta fewmiles farthereast,cuttinganorth-southpathbeside theRattleRiverandoverUS2(gotoappalachiantrail.orgformoreinfo).

CONTACT:friendsofthepresidentialrailtrail.org

DIRECTIONSToreachthewesterntrailheadinWhitefieldfromI-93,takeExit40,andturnright(east)onUS302.In11.1milesturnleftontoUS3.In2milesturnrightontoNH115N.Go4.4miles,andturn leftontoHazenRoad. In0.5mile,continueontoAirportRoad. In0.9mile,an industrialroadwillappearontheleft,withthewesterntrailheadandparkinglotontheright.

ToreachtheeasternendpointinGorhamfromI-93,takeExit40,andturnright(east)onUS302.In11.1milesturnleftontoUS3.In2milesturnrightontoNH115,andgo9.7miles.TurnrightontoUS2,go11.6miles,andaparkinglotwillappeartotheleftwithsignsforthePresidentialRailTrail.Thetrailbeginsonthenorthsideofthelot.

40 RockinghamRecreationalRailTrail(FremontBranch)

CountyRockingham

EndpointsMainSt.southofRailroadAve.attheintersectionwithRockinghamRecreationalTrail(PortsmouthBranch)(Epping)tojusteastofDepotRoadatFrostRoadattheintersectionwithWindhamRailTrail(Windham)

Mileage

18.3

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex2–3

C

SurfacesDirt,Sand

rossingthroughwoodedareasandfeaturingmagnificentwetlandvistas, theRockinghamRecreationalRailTrail(FremontBranch)offersan18.3-miletrailadventurefromEppingtoWindham.Thenorthernsectionofthisroutehasadirtsurface,butitisgenerallyusableandenjoyableformountainbikingandhiking.Inwintersnowmobilingispermittedonthisstretch.Thelongersouthernsection,fromNH107inFremonttoWindham,hasaloosesandsurfacedifficultforanytypeofbike and is only suited forhiking.ATVsandmotorbikes alsouse thissectioninspring,summer,andfall.

Crossing through wooded areas and wetlands, the trail offers a challenging but rewarding

adventurefromEppingtoDerry.

Starting in Epping, the trail’s endpoint intersects the RockinghamRecreationalRailTrail(PortsmouthBranch),atMainStreet;here,youcantakethe28-miletraileasttoNewfieldsorwesttoManchester.TravelingsouthontheFremontBranchfromtheEppingtrailhead,you’llimmediatelycrossunderneathNH 101 via a narrow but passable tunnel. The trail then continues through adelightfulwoodedsectionandpassesbysomefarms.

Theroutealternatesbetweenwoodedareasandlargewetlandclearings,withample opportunities for viewing wildlife and colorful summer wildflowerdisplays.Continuingsouth,you’llenterthetownofFremontinabout4.5miles.

AclearlymarkedtrailheadinFremontincludesaparkingarearightafteryoucrossNH107.Bicycleuseisnotrecommendedafter thispoint.Theremaining12milesbetweenFremontandWindhamareopentoandactivelyusedbyATVsandmotorbikes.Usecautionwhilewalkingalongthissectionoftrail.

Thissegmentoffersadelightfulsettingforhikersasitmakesitswaysouthbelowhightreecanopiesandbisectswetlandsandponds.InSandown,youwillpassanoldrailroadcarandaformerrailroadstationthatofferaglimpseintothecorridor’s past. The trail then entersDerry through forested areas and ends inWindhamabout1.3milesafteryoupassNH28.

The Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Fremont Branch) makes aseamless junctionwith theWindhamRail Trail near the latter trail’s northernterminus by the Windham Depot, where parking is available. The WindhamDepot also connects to the Derry Rail Trail about 0.2mile farther northwest.Note that both of these trails are paved, and while they do accommodatesnowmobilinginwinter,ATVuseisnotpermittedoneithertrail.

CONTACT:nhstateparks.org/visit/recreational-rail-trails/rockingham-recreational-trail-fremont.aspx

SEENEXTPAGEFORDIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONSToreach theEpping trailhead from I-93, takeExit7ontoNH101 towardPortsmouth.Headeast19miles,andtakeExit7forNH125towardEpping/Kingston.Turnleft(north)ontoNH125,andgo0.4mile.Turn leftontoMainSt.,and then turn left into theparking lot; look forspacesimmediatelytoyourright.

To reach theFremont trailhead from I-93, takeExit7ontoNH101 towardPortsmouth.Headeast 14.6miles, and takeExit 5 forNH107.Turn left (south) ontoNH107/FreetownRoad,go0.8mile,andthenturnlefttocontinueonNH107S/MainSt.for3.5miles.Turnrightintothetrailheadparkinglot,whichisacrossfromJackieBernierDr.

ToreachparkingnearthesouthernendpointonIslandPondRoadfromI-93,takeExit4forNH102towardDerry/Londonderry.HeadnortheastontoNH102/NashuaRoad(signsforDerry),andgo0.9mile.TurnrightontoFordway,go0.1mile,and turn leftontoSouthAve.After0.5mile,turnrightontoBirchSt.,andgo0.6mile.TurnleftontoRockinghamRoad,andgo0.7mile.ContinuestraightontoIslandPondRoadfor2.3miles.Lookforasmallparkingareaonyourright.

ToreachthetrailheadatWindhamDepotfromI-93N,takeExit3ontoNH111WtowardWindham.Headwest1.6miles,and turn rightontoN.LowellRoad.Go2.6miles,and turnright onto Depot Road. Go 0.1 mile, and turn right into the depot parking lot. Parking isprohibitedatWindhamDepotfrom30minutesaftersunsetto30minutesbeforesunrise.

To reach the trailheadatWindhamDepot from I-93S, takeExit4ontoNH102 towardDerry/Londonderry.Turn left (east)ontoNH102/NashuaRoad(signs forDerry),andgo0.9mile.TurnrightontoFordway,go0.5mile,andthencontinueontoFordwayExtensionfor0.9mile.TurnleftontoBowersRoad,andgo0.6mile.TurnrightontoWindhamRoad,andgo1.3miles.ContinueontoN.LowellRoad0.2mile,andthenturnleftontoDepotRoad.Turnrightinto the depot parking lot after 0.2mile. Again, note that parking is prohibited atWindhamDepotfrom30minutesaftersunsetto30minutesbeforesunrise.

41 RockinghamRecreationalRailTrail(PortsmouthBranch)

CountiesHillsborough,Rockingham

EndpointsMammothRoad/NH28AbetweenNelsonSt.andPorterSt.(Manchester)toAshSwampRoadnearExeterRoad/NH108(Newfields)

Mileage

28.1

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex2

T

SurfacesAsphalt,CrushedStone,Dirt,Grass,Gravel,Sand

he Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail brings at least two superlatives tomind:it’soneofNewHampshire’slongestrail-trailsatjustmorethan28miles,anditbeginsinManchester,thestate’slargestcity.Travelerswillfindlakesandforestshere,aswellasformermilltownswheretheycanstockup,relax,orvisithistoricbuildingsandrelicsleftoverfromtherailroaddays.

TheBostonandMaineRailroadwasthelasttoruntrainsonthePortsmouthBranchbetweenNewfields andManchester, selling the corridor to the state in1988. The oldest railway section dates to about 1850 and was built by thePortsmouthandConcordRailroad.SucceedingrailroadsfinishedothersectionsofthePortsmouthBranchtoManchesterintheearly1860s.TheeasternsectionofthebranchfromNewfields toPortsmouthisstill inservice,whileservicetoEpping,Raymond,Candia,Auburn,andManchesterendedin1982.

Thefirst2milesoftrailinManchesterarescheduledforpavingbytheendof 2018,while gravel or crushed rock covers the rest. There are few at-graderoadintersectionseastoftown,astheoldrailbedpassesbeneaththeroads.Someof theseunderpasseshave lowceilings,however,as thebottomof theculvertsare planked with wood, so cyclists and equestrians should be prepared todismount. In winter cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, anddogsleddingarepermitted.

InRaymond you’ll find a restored train station,which displays a locomotive, a caboose, and apushcar.

BeginningonthepavedtrailatMammothRoad/NH28A,youheadeastfor0.9miletoatunnelunderI-93/NH101.ThepackedgravelstartsatLakeShoreRoad (mile 2). In another 0.5 mile you arrive at the trailhead for 2,500-acreMassabesic Lake, the source ofwater forManchester. It’s also home to deer,fox,loons,andotherwildlife.Thisisapopulartrailheadfortherail-trailbecauseofadequateparkingandthesceniclocation.MotorizeduseisprohibitedwestofhereinManchester.

About8.5milesfromthattrailhead,you’llcrosspathswithrailroadhistoryatamarkerforthedemolishedsiteofan1889railroadstationonDepotRoadinEastCandia.Therailbedrisesabovetheforestfloorinplaceshere,whileotherstretches thread through high-walled cuts blasted through New Hampshire’sfamousgranite.

From East Candia, you’ll travel 4 miles to a surviving railroad station in

Raymond. Originally built in 1893 and restored by the Raymond HistoricalSociety,thestationfeatureslocalmuseumcollectionsinsideandrailroadrelics,suchasa locomotive,acaboose,andapushcar,outside.You’ll findplentyofplacesforfoodandrefreshmentnearthedepotandontheoutskirtsoftownin1mile.

In4.7milesthetrailpassesthroughEpping,whereyou’llfindmoreservicesand a junctionwith theFremontBranch of theRockinghamRecreationalRailTrail,whichheadssouthalittleover18milestoWindham.

The last 7.3 miles passes through more forestland and ends at the still-standing circa 1891 Rockingham Junction railroad station, which served theBoston and Maine Railroad’s Main Line and Portsmouth Branch. TrainsoperatedbyPanAmRailwaysstillpassthisstation.

CONTACT:nhstateparks.org/visit/recreational-rail-trails/rockingham-recreational-trail-portsmouth.aspx

DIRECTIONSWhileasmallparkinglotislocatedatthewesternendofthetrail,thebestplacetoparkisatMassabesicLake,whichhasampleparking.ToreachtheMassabesicLaketrailheadfromI-93,takeExit7ontoNH101towardPortsmouth.Headeast1.5miles,andtakeExit1ontoNHBypass28B/LondonderryTurnpiketowardAuburn.Turnright,go0.3mile,andturnrightintotheparkinglot,justafterthetrafficcircle.Thetrailbegins2.6mileswestinManchester.

ToreachtheNewfieldstrailheadfromI-93,takeExit7ontoNH101towardPortsmouth.Headeast25.8miles,andtakeExit10ontoNH85NtowardNewfields.Turnleft,go3.3miles,and turn left onto NH 108/College Road/Exeter Road. Go 0.8 mile, and turn left onto AshSwampRoad.Go 0.2mile, and the trailhead and parking are on the right (just beforeAshSwampRoadmakesasharpturnright).

42 SawyerRiverTrail/SawyerRiverRoad

CountiesCarroll,Grafton

EndpointsUS302/CrawfordNotchRoad1.5milessouthofLucyRoad(Hart’sLocation)toNH112/KancamagusHwy.betweenLivermoreNorthtrailhead(nearLilyPond)andSugarHillOverlook(Lincoln)

Mileage

7.5

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex3

SurfacesBallast,Dirt,Grass,Sand

TBallast,Dirt,Grass,Sand

heSawyerRiverTrail/SawyerRiverRoad liesdeep in the forestedheartofthe 1,200-square-mile White Mountain National Forest. The 7.5-mile routetraces an old logging railroad that’s nowpart forest road and part singletrack.Alertvisitorsmightevenstumbleacrossthefoundationsofaghosttownintheundergrowth.

The corridor follows the old Sawyer River Railroad, which served theloggingoperationsoftheGraftonCountyLumberCo.between1876and1927.TheSaundersfamilyownedthelumbercompany,themill,therailroad,andthetownofLivermorelocatedinthecenterofloggingoperations.Theroughterrainand frequent use of aging equipment contributed tomore than 30 derailmentsoverthelifeoftherailroad,whichwasfinallydoneinbyadevastatingfloodin1927.MostLivermoreresidentsleftsoonthereafter.

Deep in theheartofWhiteMountainNationalForest, theSawyerRiverTrail providesascenictrekalonganoldloggingrailroad.

The lightly traveled Sawyer River Road starts at US 302 and follows theforested river valley 4miles to aU.S. Forest Service gate,where itmeets the3.5-mileSawyerRiverTrail.Theroad isclosed inwinterwhensnowmobilers,cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and dogsledders take to the corridor. Insummervisitorshikeorridemountainbikesdowntheroadordrivetotrailheadsdeeperintheforest.

Startingat the trailheadatSawyerRiverRoadonUS302/CrawfordNotchRoad (technically located in Carroll County), you’ll begin a trek that gainsalmost 900 feet through the forest to Kancamagus Highway, although most

elevation gain is in the first 4 miles. In 2 miles, keep your eyes open forcrumbledwallsandbuildingfoundationsamongthetrees.ThisistheabandonedtownofLivermore,oncehometonearly200people.Asyoupoke through thewoodsanddown thehillside toward theSawyerRiver, youmight identify theremainsofthebrickpowerplant,thestore,andhouses,includingtheSaunders’smansionthatstoodhereuntilitburneddowninthe1960s.

ThejunctionwiththeSignalRidgeTrailisalsointhisvicinity,climbing5miles to theMountCarrigainFireTower.You’llarriveatparkingandamajortrail junction in another 1.9miles at a U.S. Forest Service gate at the end ofSawyer River Road. Past the gate, the Sawyer Pond Trail heads left over afootbridge, while the Sawyer River Trail stays straight. You’ll pass asnowmobiletrailontheright.ContinueoveraloggingbridgeandSawyerRiverTrailturnsofftotherightandbecomesasingletracktrail.

FloodingcausedbybeaverdamscreatessomedetoursontheSawyerRiverTrail. The grade flattens out, but the trail still provides mountain bikers withtechnicalchallenges.Youmightseeoldrailroadties,bridgesupports,andotherhintstothetrail’spast.

Approaching the trail’s end, you’ll reach the Swift River, where bouldersfacilitate crossing. Note: High water can make the crossing difficult anddangerousinspring.Thisisagreatspotforlunch,however,andoneofthebestswimming holes around. Just beyond the river is the Kancamagus Highwaytrailhead.

CONTACT:603-447-5448;www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain/recarea/?recid=74933

DIRECTIONSToreachthenortherntrailheadfromI-93,takeExit40ontoUS302/NH10towardBethlehemandTwinMountain.Turnright(east),go29.9miles,andlookforSawyerRiverRoadontheright.Parkingisavailablenexttotheroad,aswellasattrailheads2milesand3.9milesdownSawyerRiverRoad.

ToreachthesoutherntrailheadfromI-93,takeExit32ontoNH112E/KancamagusHwy.Turnleft(northeast),go16.6miles,andlookfortrailheadparkingontheleft.

43

V

SugarRiverTrail

CountySullivan

EndpointsBelknapAve.nearN.MeadowRoad(Newport)toWashingtonSt./NH11/NH103atRobertsHillRoadandBobbyWoodmanTrail(Claremont)Mileage

9.5

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex2

SurfacesGravel,Ballast

isitorstotheSugarRiverTrail(alsoknownastheSugarRiverRecreationalRailTrail)canbeforgiven if they lose trackofwhichsideof theriver they’re

traveling. The 9.5-mile trail crosses its namesake river seven times—twice oncovered bridges—between Newport and the outskirts of Claremont. The trailmeetstheBobbyWoodmanTrail,whichcompletestherunintoClaremont.

Theroutefollowsarailroadcorridorbuilt in the1870sby theSugarRiverRailroad for the Concord and Claremont Railway. The Boston and MaineRailroad acquired this electric railway in 1887 and renamed it the ClaremontBranch. In the firstdecadeof the1900s, the railroad rebuiltmanyof the rivercrossingsascoveredbridges;tworemainedaftertherailroadstoppedusingtherailbedbetweenNewportandClaremontin1977.

TheSugarRiverTrailoffersnotjustonebuttwocoveredbridges.

TheSugarRiverTrailisoneofonlyafewstatetrailsthatallowATVuse,as

wellas trailbikes (a typeofoff-highwayrecreationalvehicle),after thesnowsmelt; mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, snowmobilers, and cross-countryskiers also use the trail year-round (snowshoeing and dogsledding are alsopermitted). Wildlife is abundant in the secluded woodlands; watch for deer,rabbits,beavers,raccoons,wildturkeys,andeventheoccasionalmoosearoundthenextbend.

ThetrailtakesacircuitousroutebetweenthehistoricmilltownsofNewportand Claremont as it follows the Sugar River valley. Beginning in Newport,you’llfindthetownhasseveralhistoricalbuildingsandaMainStreetthatlookslike amovie set for the 1800s, with brick storefronts, clock towers on publicbuildings,andchurchsteeples.ThetrailheadonBelknapAvenueisonlyafewblocksfromdowntown.

Passingthroughforestfor2.5miles, thetrailcrossesthreetrestlesinquicksuccession.Inanother3miles,you’llarriveatthefirstcoveredbridge,knownasPier Bridge for its central pier. The second covered bridge,Wright’s Bridge,appears1.2milesafteryoupassthroughChandler.

TheBostonandMaineRailroadbuiltthesein1907and1906,respectively,asreplacementspans.Thesearetwoofeightsurvivingrailroadcoveredbridgesin theUnitedStates.UnlikecoveredbridgesonNewEngland roadways, thesearemuchnarrowerandtaller,with21feetofverticalclearance.Whilecoveredbridges sheltered pedestrians and horse-drawn wagons in historic times, therailroadscoveredtheirwoodenbridgestoprotectthetrussesfromtheravagesofweather.

The trail passes through woods and then meets up with NH 11/NH 103before reaching a junctionwith theBobbyWoodmanTrail on the outskirts ofClaremont. The Bobby Woodman Trail heads 2.3 miles into downtownClaremont.You’llfindmanyopportunitiesforfoodandservicesalongtheway.

CONTACT:nhstateparks.org/visit/stateparks/sugar-river.aspx

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheNewport trailheadfromI-89, takeExit9ontoNH103WtowardNewport.Turnright(west),go19.1miles,andmakeaslightlefttojoinNH11W.Go3.2milesintoNewport,andtakethesecondrightoffthetrafficcircleontoN.MainSt./NH10.Go0.2mile,andturnleftontoBelknapAve.;thengo0.2mile,andlookforthetrailheadparkingontherightatNewportRecreationDepartment.

ToreachthetrailheadontheoutskirtsofClaremontfromI-89,takeExit12ontoNH11Wtoward Sunapee. Head west 7.6 miles, and bear right to join NH 103. Go 3.2 miles intoNewport,andtakethefourthrightoffthetrafficcircleontoN.MainSt./NH11/NH103.Go0.2mile,andturnrightontoNH11/NH103/ElmSt.;thengo0.2mile,andveerlefttostayonNH11/NH103.Go6.9miles,andlookfortrailheadparkingontheleft.

44 WarrentoEastHaverhillRailroadGradeTrail

CountyGrafton

EndpointsWaterSt.andSchoolSt.(Warren)toJeffersHillRoadbetweenDickinsonRoadandMt.MoosilaukeHwy./NH25(Haverhill)

Mileage

10.8

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex3

SurfaceDirt

Manyrail-trailsstartatavintagedepot,anoldcaboose,orarustylocomotiveacquiredby the localhistoricalsociety.TheWarren toEastHaverhillRailroadGradeTrail, however, starts at the base of a surplus 70-footRedstonemissiledeliveredin1971toinspirelocalyouthaboutthespaceprogram.It’sthesametypeofmissilethatlaunchedDerrynativeAlanShepardintospacein1961.It’sagoodplacetoblastoffdowna10.8-miledirttrailintotheWhiteMountains.

WarrenandHaverhillwere twostopson theBostonandMaineRailroad’sWhite Mountains Division that ran between Concord and Woodsville on theVermontborder.Theoriginalcharterin1844wenttotheBoston,ConcordandMontreal Railroad, which finished the line throughNewHampshire by 1853.MergerseventuallyputitunderthecontroloftheBostonandMaineRailroadin1895. The line supported the timber and tourism industries until it ceasedoperationsin1954ascarsandtruckstookover.

Thetrail’shard-packeddirtsurfaceispopularforalltypesoftrailuses,includinghorsebackriding.

Formerly the Warren Recreational Trail and also known as the Jesse E.BushawMemorial Trail or New Hampshire Snowmobile Corridor No. 5, therail-trailtakesaneasygradeuphillfromWarrentothewesternmostpassthroughthe White Mountains at Glencliff, and then descends to East Haverhill. Off-highway recreational vehicles, including trail bikes, are allowedonly as far asGlencliff, but snowmobiles can continue beyond. In addition to snowmobilingandcross-countryskiing,snowshoeinganddogsleddingarepermittedinwinter.

TheRedstone rocket trailhead is set amid the village school, town hall, achurch, anda restaurant (an ice creamparlor is ablockaway).The trail startsuphillontherailroadgradeandsoonentersaforest.

About 4.6 miles up the trail, you’ll cross Station Road in Glencliff.Originally called Warren Summit, the town was renamed Glencliff afterconfusionoveritsname—beingsimilartothatofnearbyWarren—resultedinatrain collision. Beginning in 1909, the railroad depot here served passengersheadingtotheGlencliffSanatorium,atreatmentcenterfortuberculosispatientsseeking fresh mountain air. The complex on Mount Moosilauke is still opentodayasahomefortheelderly.

If you see haggard backpackers here, they’re probably headed to thecommunity’s post office. The Appalachian Trail passes over Oliverian Notchhere,andhikersusethisasamaildrop.Ahostelandgrocerinthevillagealsocatertohikers.You’llcrosstheAppalachianTrail0.4mileaheadasitrunsclosetoNH25/Mt.MoosilaukeHighway.

Therail-trail runsalongside theroad,passingtheOliverianPond,andthenveersbackintotheforest.Concreteblocksrestrictmotorizeduseontherail-trailthrough a wildlife preserve. You’ll arrive at athletic fields for the OliverianSchool2.5milespast thepond,crossNH25,andthentakethetrailacrosstheboarding school campus (motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail here).TheroutecontinuesanothermiletoJeffersHillRoad.

CONTACT:nhstateparks.org/visit/recreational-rail-trails/warren-recreational-trail.aspx

DIRECTIONSTo reach theWarren trailhead from I-93, takeExit 26 ontoNH 3A/NH 25 towardRumney.Headsouthwest4miles,andtakethefirstexitoffthetrafficcircletostayonNH25W.Go7.4miles,andstaystraightwhereNH118joinsNH25.Goanother8.1miles,andbearleftontoNH25C/LakeTarletonRoad; then turn rightontoSchoolSt.The trailhead isabout0.2mileaheadwhereWaterSt.andSchoolSt.intersect.StreetparkingisavailablealongSchoolSt.

Thereisnoofficialtrailparkingatthenorthernend.

45 WindhamRailTrail

CountyRockingham

EndpointsDerryRailTrailatN.LowellRoad/WindhamRoadatBrownRoadtoSalemBike-PedCorridoratRangeRoadatNH28/N.Broadway(Windham)

Mileage

4.3

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfaceAsphalt

TheWindhamRailTrailpassesthroughthewoodsyperipheryofWindhaminsouthernNewHampshire,butitsitsintheheartofthefuturecross-stateGraniteState Rail Trail. Its connections to the Derry Rail Trail in the north and theSalemBike-PedCorridor in the southmake up the longest paved section—10miles—ofafuture125-mileroutebetweenMassachusettsandVermontthatwillcombineseveraltrails.

The trail follows a railbed taken out of service by the Boston andMaineRailroad in 1980. Rail service first came toWindham in the 1840s with theManchesterandLawrenceRailroad,whichcarriedfreightandpassengerstothegrowing industrial belt. A 3-mile section throughWindham cost the most tobuildbecauseofextensiverockcuttingandthefillingoflowlands.TheBostonandMaine gained control in 1887.After the line fell into disuse, it became agravelmultiusetrail;Windhamfinishedpavingthepathin2016.

At thenorthern trailheadnear theDerry town line,explore theBostonandMaineRailroadC-16cabooseandtherestored1849WindhamDepotandfreightterminal. The station served the busy junction between the Manchester andLawrence Division and the Worcester, Nashua & Portland Division of theBostonandMaineRailroad.Todaythe trailheadservesasarailtrailcrossroadswith the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Fremont Branch), headingnortheastandthefutureWindhamGreenwayheadingwest.

At thenortherntrailheadnear theDerry town line,explore theBostonandMaineRailroadC-16cabooseandtherestored1849WindhamDepotandfreightterminal.

You’llmeet theDerryRailTrail 0.2mile northwest of the trailhead.Thatpavedtrailcontinuesnorth4milesintodowntownDerry.Intheotherdirection,the trailpassesbetween theold stationand freighthouseandenters awoodedareathatbordersmostofthepath.

You’llpasstwomarshyareasasyoufollowFlatrockBrookandcrossoverMallardRoadinthefirstmile.MitchellPondcomesintoviewontherightin0.8mile.Thisareapresentedproblemsfor the railroadbuildersas the railbedkeptsinking intoameadow.Not farpast thepond,you’ll fall into the shadeof thefirstpassthroughrock,whichalsoslowedrailroadconstruction.

ScottishimmigrantsbegansettlingintheWindhamareain1719andturnedtofarming.You’llseethelowstonewallsthatseparatedtheirfieldsasyouheadsouthalong thepath.Oldstonecellarsdugbelow thesettlers’housescanalsostill be found in the woods. An old stone arch bridge, made of local granite,carries the trailacrossastreamataboutmile3.Not farpast thebridge,you’llenter a rocky, 0.25-mile-long railroad cut through a nearly 30-foot hill. Theeffectsoftheshade,waterseepage,andthecoolbreezefunneledthroughthecut—called the Rainforest Ledge—create a natural air-conditioning system insummer.

Theonly road crossingon the trail is atRoulstonRoad (noparkinghere),thenyou’ll crossNH111onamodernpedestrianbridgeatmile3.6.The trailendsin0.4mileonRangeRoad,whereyou’llfindabicycleshop.CrossRangeRoadtopickuptheSalemBike-PedCorridor.

CONTACT:windhamrailtrail.org

DIRECTIONSTo reach the Windham Depot trailhead from I-93 N, take Exit 3 onto NH 111 W towardWindham.Headwest1.6miles,and turn rightontoN.LowellRoad.Go2.6miles,and turnright onto Depot Road. Go 0.1 mile, and turn right into the depot parking lot. Parking isprohibitedatWindhamDepotfrom30minutesaftersunsetto30minutesbeforesunrise.

To reach theWindham Depot trailhead from I-93 S, take Exit 4 onto NH 102 towardDerry/Londonderry. Turn left (east) ontoNH102/NashuaRoad, and go 0.9mile. Turn rightonto Fordway, go 0.5 mile, and continue onto Fordway Extension 0.9 mile. Turn left ontoBowersRoad,andgo0.6mile.TurnrightontoWindhamRoad,andgo1.3miles.ContinueonN.LowellRoad0.2mile,andturnleftontoDepotRoad.Turnrightintothedepotparkinglotin0.2mile.ParkingisprohibitedatWindhamDepotfrom30minutesaftersunsetto30minutesbeforesunrise.

ToreachthesoutherntrailheadfortheWindhamRailTrailfromI-93,takeExit3ontoNH111EtowardNorthSalem.Headeast0.9mile,andturnrightontoRangeRoad.Go0.6mile,andlookforparkingontheleftatthecornerofNH28/N.Broadway.

46 WinnipesaukeeRiverTrail

CountiesBelknap,Merrimack

EndpointsTrestleViewParkatUS3/NH11/CentralSt.betweenE.BowSt.andProspectSt.(Franklin)toNH140/TiltonRoad,400feeteastofUS3/NH140intersection(Tilton)

Mileage

5.1

TypeRail-Trail/Rail-with-Trail

RoughnessIndex2

SurfacesAsphalt,Dirt,CrushedStone,Gravel

TheWinnipesaukeeRiverTrailrunsalongaraillinethatpreviouslyconnectedthe paper industry between Franklin and Tilton. Nicknamed the Paper City,Franklin saw the industry boom from the 1900s until the Great Depression.Historical remnants can still be found along the 5-mile trail. The flat pathconsistsofamixtureofasphaltandcrushedstonethathikers,bikers,andevenfour-leggedfriendscanappreciate.

BeforehittingthetrailatTrestleViewParkinFranklin,locatedonCentralStreet,enjoysomelocalrestaurantsandshops.TheparkalsoprovidesaccesstotheWinnipesaukeeRiver if youwant tobringyourkayak.Fromhere, the58-mile Northern Rail Trail is just a 1.4-mile bike ride away, heading west onCentralandSouthMainStreets.

ThewesterntrailheadatTrestleViewParkishardtomiss,asit’smarkedbya 15-foot-tall, black steel mill wheel. The Winnipesaukee River provides awelcomingcalltotrailuserswiththesoothingsoundofflowingwateralongtheroute. About 0.5 mile in, you will pass the Sulphite Bridge, also called theUpside Down Covered Bridge, to your left. The bridge—which previouslyallowed trains to cross the river on top of its structure, instead of through thecenter—is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the lastremainingbridgeofitskindinthecountry.Afirein1980burnedtheinteriorofthebridge,whichclosedtotrafficin1973.

TheUpsideDownCoveredBridge—whichallowedtrainstocrosstheriverontopofitsstructure,insteadofthroughthecenter—isthelastremainingbridgeofitskindinthecountry.

About0.25mile fartherdown the trail, youcan see remnantsof thepapermillonthefarsideof theriver.Somesectionsof thepathveerawayfromtheriver, but trail users can still experience the sights and sounds of birds,wildflowers,peacefulponds,andperhapsevenabeaverortwo.

You approach the town ofTilton about 3miles into the trail.Be cautiouswhen entering this more urban area, as crosswalks are not clearly defined.Downtown Tilton offers local shops and restaurants, great places for a shortbreak.

AwidesidewalkonthenorthsideofEastMainStreetconnectsthisnewertrailsection.ContinueontoEastMainStreet0.5mileuntilyoureachtheTiltonPolice Station trailhead to your right. Again, caution should be used whencrossing the road here, as there is no designated crosswalk. This trailheadwelcomesyouwithabeautifulwildflowergardenandtrestlebridge.

Theremaining0.9milerunsalongtheraillineawayfromtheroad.Crossingunder the I-93 overpass signifies that you are nearing the trail’s end at Tilton

Road.Eventhoughthisendpointdoesnothaveanysignage,itwouldbeanidealpickup or drop-off location. Alternatively, you can turn around to begin thereturnjourneyandenjoyawell-deservedtreatbackinFranklin.

CONTACT:winnirivertrail.org

DIRECTIONSToreachthewesterntrailheadatTrestleViewParkinFranklinfromI-93,takeExit20forUS3/NH11/NH132(towardNH140/Tilton/Laconia ifcomingfromthesouth,or towardE.MainSt.ifcomingfromthenorth).TurnrightontoUS3S/NH11W/LaconiaRoad,andgo4.2miles,following signs for Tilton/Franklin.Keep an eye out for the 15-foot black steelmillwheel toyourright,whichsignalsyourarrivalatthepark.Theparkingentrancewillbetoyourrightafterpassingthemillwheelandasmallparksign.

Toreachtheeasternendpoint inTiltonfromI-93N,takeExit20andheadstraightontoNH140/TiltonRoad.FromI-93S,takeExit20,andturnleftontoUS3N/NH11E.In0.25mileturnleftontoNH140/TiltonRoad.In400feet,afterpassinganindustrialroadtoyourright,theeasternendpointappears,emergingfromitspaththroughseveralparkinglots.

ToreachtheTiltonPoliceStationtrailheadfromI-93,takeExit20forUS3/NH11/NH132(towardNH140/Tilton/Laconiaifcomingfromthesouth,ortowardE.MainSt.ifcomingfromthenorth).TurnrightontoUS3S/NH11W/NH132S/E.MainSt.forabout1mile.Thepolicestation will be on your right, with a dirt parking lot located across the street. Look for thewildflowersandbouldersintheparkinglot.

47

T

WOWTrail

CountyBelknap

EndpointsElmSt.betweenRailroadAve.andUnionAve.(Laconia)toLeslieE.RobertsBeachandRecreationAreaatUS3/NH11andBus.US3(Belmont)Mileage

2.7

TypeRail-with-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfaceAsphalt

heWOWTrailisnamedafterthethreebodiesofwaterthatcanbeseenfromthis rail-trail:LakeWinnipesaukee,OpecheeBay,andLakeWinnisquam.This

picturesque 2.7-mile trail shares a corridor with the Winnipesaukee ScenicRailroad between Meredith and Lakeport. The trail will eventually stretch 9miles between Laconia and Belmont. This urban path provides diverseexperiencesforusers,offeringtheserenityofnatureaswellasthecomfortsoflocal restaurants and shops. The route runs through the heart of downtownLaconiaandconnectstotheLakeWinnisquamScenicTrail,alsoknownastheWinniTrail,tothewest.

Start your journey at the eastern trailhead in Laconia’s Lakeportneighborhood,wherethefirstmileoftrailrunsalongthebanksofOpecheeBaytotheright.Beautifulmuralsandpublicartbrightenthissectionofthetrail,andpicnictablesareavailableifyouwanttostopandenjoytheview.Aftercrossingoverthebay,thenextsectionrunsthroughtheheartofLaconia.In0.5milefromthebridge,youcan’tmisstheformerLaconiaB&MRailroadStation,ontheleftjustafteryoucrossMainStreet.Althoughpassengerserviceendedin1965,youcanfindshopsandrestaurantsinside,aswellasparking.

TheWOWTrail isnamedafter thethreebodiesofwater thatcanbeseenfromtheroute:LakeWinnipesaukee,OpecheeBay,andLakeWinnisquam.

The remaining 1.2 miles of trail follow Lake Winnisquam, deliveringpicturesquevistasof thewater,mountains,andwildlife.About0.75mile fromtherailroadstation,BartlettBeach isanothersiteworthseeing.Here, thereareseasonalrestrooms,aplayground,avolleyballcourt,picnicfacilities,andwateraccess. Look for signs for local restaurants if you need a bite to eat. Theremainingportionofthetrailcontinuesalongthewater,endingattheLeslieE.Roberts Beach and Recreation Area, which has water access, restrooms, andparking.Fishingisallowedatthelake,withlicense-freefishingdaysoccurringinJanuaryandJune.

Here, the WOW Trail connects to the northern endpoint of the LakeWinnisquam Scenic Trail, a 1.8-mile path that winds through additionallakefront andwooded areas. The town of Belmont plans to connect the LakeWinnisquamScenicTrailtothe5.1-mileWinnipesaukeeRiverTrailtothewest,towardTiltonandFranklin.

CONTACT:wowtrail.org

DIRECTIONSToreachthetrailfromI-93,takeExit20forUS3/NH11(towardNH140/Tiltonifcomingfromthesouth,ortowardNH132/E.MainSt.ifcomingfromthenorth).TurnleftontoUS3N/NH11 E/Laconia Road, and go 6.5 miles, following signs for Belmont/Laconia. See directionsbelowdependingonthetrailheadyouwishtoreach.

ToreachthenortheasterntrailheadinLaconia,continueontoBus.US3N2.8miles,thenturnleftontoElmSt.TakethefirstleftontoParkSt.toentertheparkinglot.ThetrailheadislocatedneartheLakeOpecheeInnandSpa.

To reach parking and a drop-off area for the trail at the former LaconiaB&MRailroadStation,continueontoBus.US3N0.9mile.TurnleftontoFairSt.,andgo0.4mile.MakeaslightrighttocontinueontoNewSalemSt.forabout0.2mile.Thetrainstationwillappeartoyourright.Parkingisavailableoneithersideofthestation.

ToreachthesouthwesterntrailheadattheLeslieE.RobertsBeachandRecreationArea,turn left onto Leslie Roberts Dr. just before US 3 N/NH 11 E becomes Bus. US 3 N. Theparkinglotcanbefoundlessthan0.5miletotheright.

Vermont

The Montpelier & Wells River Rail Trail, a component of the Cross Vermont Trail, traversesGrotonStateForestandthreestateparks.

48

T

BeebeSpurRailTrail

CountyOrleans

EndpointsProutyDr.betweenLakemontRoadandSt.LaurentSt.(Newport)toN.DerbyRoad,0.5mileeastofitsintersectionwithEaglePointRoadneartheCanadianborder(NorthDerby)Mileage

3.8

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex2

SurfaceGravel

he Beebe Spur Rail Trail (also known as the Newport-Beebe Bike Path)makesalevelrunalongtheeasternshoreofLakeMemphremagogtoVermont’s

borderwithCanada.Atlessthan4miles,thedistanceisn’ttaxing,althoughthegravelsurfacecanmakeforachallengingbicycleridewithoutwidetires.Atthenorthend,travelerswhowanttocrossintoCanadaneedtotakea1.5-miledetourandcarryapassport.

The trail’s name is derived from the historic community of Beebe Plain,which straddles theUS–Canada border; amid-19th-century post office servedbothcountriesfromoppositeendsofthebuilding.ThetownservedasarailroadconnectionbetweenabranchoftheConnecticutandPassumpsicRiversRailroadcompletedin1867andCanada’sMassawippiValleyRailwaybuiltin1870.TheQuebecCentralRailwaytookcontrolof thelinein1926.Asubsequentowner,CanadianPacificRailway,discontinueduseonthelinein1990andremovedthetracksin1992.

You’llenjoyviewsofLakeMemphremagogasthepathwaytracesitseasternshore.

The Beebe Spur Rail Trail follows that old Connecticut and PassumpsicRiversRailroadlinefromNewporttotheborder,whilethe19-kilometer(11.8-mile)SentierNatureTomifobiausestheMassawippiValleyRailwaycorridorinCanada.

Startingat the southend inNewport, the trail reveals spectacularviewsofLake Memphremagog in less than a mile. This glacial lake’s name means“wherethereisabigexpanseofwater.”ItspansVermontandQuebecoverits32-mile length and allows unobstructed views of the GreenMountains to thewest.Asmalltrailsidepondsurroundedbyfernsandwildflowerscontrastswiththewide-openlakebehindit,providingaperfectspotforasnapshotorselfie.

As you gaze across the water, be aware of the legendary lake monsterMemphre.Withahorse-shapedheadattheendofhislongneckandabodythesize of a house, the creature has elicited sightings formore than 100 years. Ithasn’t been seen since 2005, despite the whimsically named In Search ofMemphre ultramarathon swim across 25miles of LakeMemphremagog everyJulyandSeptember.

Heading north, you’ll pass by many lakefront homes—some with tidyboathouses—with screened-in porches for enjoying views of this shorelinesetting.You’ll likelyfeelafriendlyvibe,as trailuserswhobicycle,walk theirdogs,orsimplygazeatthewateroffercheerfulgreetings.

After3miles,thetrailveersawayfromthelake,passesparkingforthetrail,andentersresidentialNorthDerby.Thisisnolongerabordercrossing,butsignsdirectyou1.5mileseasttoBeebeRoad,whichentersCanada.

CONTACT:discovernewportvt.com/newport-beebe-bike-path.html

DIRECTIONSToreachthesoutherntrailheadfromI-91,takeExit28,andheadwestonUS5S/VT105W.Go0.7mile, thenturnrightontoShattuckHillRoad.Go1.2miles,andturn leftontoDarlingHillRoad.Go0.4mile,andturnrightontoProutyDr.In0.5mileturnrightintotheparkinglotforNorthCountryHospital.Afterparking,retraceyourrouteabout0.1milealongProutyDr.tothetrailandturnleft.

ToreachthenortherntrailheadfromI-91,takeExit28,andheadwestonUS5S/VT105W.Go 0.7mile, then turn right onto Shattuck Hill Road. Go 1.2miles, and turn right ontoDarlingHillRoad.Go1.1miles,andbearleftontoN.DerbyRoad.Go1.8miles,andturnleftatasignforDepartmentofFishandWildlife.You’llfindparkinghere;thetrailends0.8miletothenorth.

49 CrossVermontTrail(Montpelier&WellsRiverRailTrail)

CountiesCaledonia,Washington,Orange

EndpointsUS2atSchoolSt.(Marshfield)toUS302/ScottHwy.betweenWallaceHillRoadandButsonTrail(WellsRiver)

Mileage

22.9

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex3

L

SurfacesBallast,Dirt,Gravel,Sand

ocalslovinglydescribetheCrossVermontTrailasapatchworkquiltthatwillultimately form a 90-mile trail from Lake Champlain in the west to theConnecticut River in the east. A component of the Cross Vermont Trail, theMontpelier&WellsRiverRailTrailisnamedforaformerrailroadthatfollowedthe same route, but most residents know the pathway by the name CrossVermontTrail.

PartofalargersystemthatincludessegmentsinEastMontpelier,Plainfield,andWellsRiver,amongothers,this22.9-mileportionisthemostscenicoftheoff-roadpaths,stretchingpastthreestateparksandthroughGrotonStateForest.

Starting inMarshfield atUS2 andSchool Street (parking is available 0.1mile south along School Street at the Marshfield Town Office), you’lltechnically begin your journey on a 1-mile on-road portion (School StreetbecomesLowerDepotRoad)thatheadssoutheastandthencurvessouthwesttoRailroad Bed East, just past the intersection of Bemis FarmRoad (right) andUpperDepotRoad(left).FollowsignsfortheCrossVermontTrailtofindyourway.Notethatthisportionisdifficulttonavigatebecausethebeginningoftheoff-road portion is not marked. After passing Bemis Farm Road and UpperDepot Road, immediately look for Railroad Bed East, a short road that veersright(BaileyPondRoadwillcontinuetostretchsoutheast).Afterveeringright,theroutetakesyoualmostimmediatelyontotheoff-roadportionoftrail.

Therustictrailweavesinandoutoftunnelsoftrees,thecanopyofferingavisualcueforwheretherailroadoncecarveditspath.

Headingsoutheast,thetrailfollowstheWellsRiver,whichflowseastfromthe river’s source in Groton State Forest, where three state parks providenumerous opportunities to camp and fish alongside impeccable views of theforestandmountains.In4.4miles,you’llreachKettlePondStatePark,followedbyStillwaterStateParkbyLakeGroton inanother2.4miles, and thenRickerPondStateParkin2.8moremiles;parkingandtrailaccessareavailableineachlocation,closetooradjacenttothetrail.

AsyoujourneyoutofMarshfieldtowardGrotonStateForest,thetrailisbestdescribedasrustic;itiswellsuitedforhikes,mountainbikes,andsnowmobiles

butnotroadorhybridbikes.Prepareforsomesteepclimbsandmajesticviewsasyoupasslakesandponds,withmountainsasyourbackdrop.You’llevenfindafewpicnicspotsnestledamongthetrees.Thetripisnothingshortofgorgeousasyouweaveinandoutoftunnelsoftrees,thecanopyofferingavisualcueforwheretherailroadoncecarveditspath.

Along the way, you’ll see relics from Vermont’s logging history. NotespecificallytheremnantsofRickerMillsdamattheoutletofRickerPondalongthesouthernedgeofGrotonStateForest.Fromthelate1700sthroughthe1960s,manymillscouldbeseenalongLakeGroton.

The southern portion of the trail between Groton and Boltonville—alsoprimarilyusedforhiking,mountainbiking,andsnowmobiling—ismorerustic.Assuming you have the right gear, the end of the trip can be a tranquilexperience,takingyouthroughthequietvillageofSouthRyegateanddeliveringviewsofpastures and forestedhills alonga long stretchofold railbed.AtUS302/ScottHighway,you’llmeetanon-roadsectionoftheCrossVermontTrailthatextendsabout3.3milesintoBoltonville.TurnrightontoUS302,andfollowit to Church Street. Turn left onto Church Street, and then turn right ontoCreamery Road. Follow Creamery Road until it meets up again with US302/ScottHighway.Turn leftontoUS302,andfollowthe roaduntilyoupassBoltonvilleRoadonyourleft.Immediatelytoyourleftisanother1.8-mileoff-roadsectionoftrailthatleadsyouthroughwoodsandunderneathI-91toUS302inWellsRiver.

CONTACT:crossvermont.org

DIRECTIONSToreachthenorthernendpointandparkingattheMarshfieldTownOfficefromI-91,takeExit21tomergeontoUS2W(towardVT15).HeadwestonUS2for19miles,andturnleftontoSchoolSt.Go0.1mile,andturnrightintotheparkinglotatMarshfieldTownOffice.Theon-roadportionoftrailbeginsapproximately0.1milenorthatUS2,andtheoff-roadtrailbeginsabout0.9milesouthalongthetrailatRailroadBedE.

At the southern edge of Groton State Park, parking is available at the Ricker Millstrailhead locatedat58StateForestRoad inGroton.FromI-91, takeExit17 towardUS302

W/ScottHwy.HeadwestonUS302/ScottHwy.(fromI-91N,you’llturnleft;fromI-91S,you’llturn right), and go 8.7miles. Turn right ontoVT 232, and go 1.6miles. Turn right into theparkinglotadjacenttothesouthendofRickerPond.

ToreachparkingatMillsMemorialFieldinGrotonfromI-91,takeExit17towardUS302W/ScottHwy.HeadwestonUS302/ScottHwy.(fromI-91N,you’llturnleft;fromI-91S,you’llturnright),andgo3.7miles.Turnleft intotheMillsMemorialFieldparkinglot.Thesouthernendpointfortheoff-roadsectionoftrailisjust0.2milenorthalongUS302/ScottHwy.,toyourleftatBrownDr.

50 DelawareandHudsonRailTrail

CountiesBenningtonandRutland,VT;Washington,NY

EndpointsMainSt./VT4AbetweenMillSt.andEllisOrchardRoad(Castleton)toNY22AnearProutyRoad(Hampton,NY);DepotSt.justeastofLaFountainLane(MiddleGranville,NY)to4WDRoadandRupertRoad/CR153(Salem,NY)

Mileage

25.8

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex2

T

SurfacesAsphalt,Cinder,Dirt,Grass,Gravel

he Delaware and Hudson RailTrail follows the flowing contours of thewestern Vermont countryside, rambling in and out of NewYork state, whereyou’ll finda4-milegap.Thisborderarea isknownas theSlateValleyfor thequarryingindustrythathasbeenactiveheresincethe1830s.Thenearly26-miletrailconnectswithAmtrak’sEthanAllenExpressinCastleton.

Thetrail tracestherailbedlaidbytheRutlandandWashingtonRailroadinthe1850stoservetheslatequarriesthatminedthesheetsofrockusedprimarilyas roofingmaterial.By 1871 foreclosures andmergers led to theDelaware&HudsonRailroad(D&H)leasingtheline,whichbynowwasknownastheSlatePicker. Improvements inhighwaysand truck transportation led to theeventualdemiseofthelinein1983.

SweepingviewsofthehillssurroundingSlateValleywilldelighttrailusers.

The Vermont portion was developed into a rail-trail in the late 1980s,leavinga4-milegapbetweenEastGranville,NewYork,andafarmfieldnearthestateline.Long-rangeplansrequiringacquisitionsofprivatelandareunderwaytofinishtherouteinNewYork.

The trail welcomes walkers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders inwarmerweatherandsnowshoers,cross-countryskiers,andsnowmobilersinthewinter.

Toexplorethenorthernsection,startat thetrailheadacross thestreetfromtheAmtrakCastletonStation,whichdatesto1850.Castletonwasfirstsettledinthe1770sandsawactionduringtheRevolutionaryWar.You’llpassthroughtheCastletonUniversitycampusbeforeenteringfarmlandandpocketsofhardwoodtrees.Inabout8miles,you’llarriveonthesleepydowntownstreetsofPoultney,hometoGreenMountainCollege.Leavingtown,thetrailendsjustoverthestatelineinafarmfield.

The southern section of trail begins on Depot Street inMiddle Granville,NewYork,andheadssoutheastpastadairyfarmandairporttoGranville,NewYork,in2.5miles.TheD&Hrailroaddepotatthetrailheadservesasabed-and-breakfasttoday.

As thehubof slatequarrying in this area, the townhosts theSlateValleyMuseumat17WaterStreet, justablockfromthetrailhead.You’ll learnaboutthehistoryofslatequarryinghere,aswellastheculturalchangesfoistedonthetownbythearrivalofWelshminersinthe19thcentury.Althoughslateusuallycomes in basic gray, the local slate is desirable for its array of hues, such asgreen,purple,andred.

CrossingabridgeovertheMettaweeRiverandskirtingafurniturefactory,thetrailcrossesbackintoVermontabout2.5milespast theGranvilletrailheadandarrivesinWestPawlet1.5mileslater.Aquarryloomsovertheeastsideoftown.

The forest opens up a bit south of town andoffers sweepingviewsof thesurroundinghillsandcountryside.Don’tbesurprised toseedeerallalong thistrail.AfterpassingaparkingareaoutsidethesmallvillageofWestRupert,thetrailcontinuesonly0.5milefartherbeforereachingitssouthernterminusatthestateborder.

CONTACT:fpr.vermont.gov/state_lands/management_planning/documents/district_pages/district_2/dh_rail_trail

DIRECTIONSToreachthenortherntrailheadinCastleton,Vermont,fromI-89,takeExit1towardRutlandonUS 4. Turn left (southwest) onUS 4, and go 9.8miles. Turn left to stay onUS 4, and goanother30.9miles.InRutland,turnleftagaintoremainonUS4,andgo2.2miles.TurnrightontoUS4,andcontinueanother10.7miles.TakeExit5towardCastleton.Turnleft(headingsouth)ontoE.HubbardtonRoad,go0.4mile,thenturnrightontoVT4A/MainSt.Go0.7mile,andturnleftontoSeminarySt.Go0.2mile,andturnrightintothevisitorparkingarea.Attheendofthelot,you’llfindarowofspacesfortrailusers;thetrailpassesthelot.Theendpointislocated0.6milenorthalongthetrail.

ToreachthetrailheadinGranville,NewYork,fromI-87,takeExit17NtoUS9NtowardSouthGlensFalls.MergeontoUS9N,go1.7miles, and turn right ontoNY197/ReynoldsRoad.Go4.7miles,andturnrightontoNY197E/US4S.Go0.4mile,thenturnlefttostayonNY 197 E/Argyle St. Go 2.1 miles (remain on NY 197 by turning right where Argyle St.becomesBaldwinAve.),andturnleftontoCountyRoad42.Thengo2.8miles,andturnrightontoNY196.Go7.7miles,andturnleftontoNY40.In1.6miles,turnrightontoNY149.Go7.6miles,andturnlefttostayonNY149/QuakerSt.Go0.8mileandbearrighttostayonNY149/MainSt.Thetrailheadandparkingare0.3mileaheadontheright.

ToreachthetrailheadinWestRupert,Vermont,fromI-91,takeExit2,andturnleftontoVT9headingeasttowardBrattleboro.Go1.1miles,andturnleftontoVT30/US5/MainSt.Go0.3mile, and turn left to stay onVT 30/Park Pl.Go 0.1mile, and turn right to stay onVT30/LindenSt.In38.5milesinPeru,Vermont,turnlefttoremainonVT30/VT11.Go6.4miles,turnrightontoMainSt./VT7A,andthen immediately turn leftontoVT30/BonnetSt.Go8.1miles,thenturnleftontoVT315.Go8.7miles(VT315becomesVT153).Go2.3miles,thenturnrightontoHebronCrossRoad.Lookforasmallparkinglotontheright in0.2mile.Theendpointislocated0.5milesouthalongthetrail.

51 EthanAllenParkTrails

CountyChittenden

EndpointsJusteastofEthanAllenPkwy.andNorthAve.toEthanAllenPkwy.andSandyLane,toEthanAllenPkwy.andFarringtonPkwy.,orto127BikePathatVT127,2milesnorthofManhattanDr.and1.1milessouthofPlattsburgAve.(Burlington)Mileage2.3(majorspines),4.0(totalwithconnectingspurs)

TypeGreenway/Non-Rail-Trail

RoughnessIndex

1

SurfacesAsphalt,Dirt

Located in Burlington’s North End, 67-acre Ethan Allen Park hasapproximately4milesofwoodlandtrailsandsmallerspurs,whichcreatenestedloops around the scenic park and offer views of the surrounding GreenMountains. Local civic leader and landownerWilliamVan Patten opened theparkin1905.VanPattenlethishorse,Mattie,findtheeasiesttrailstogettothetopofthepark’srockyhill,wherehethenbuiltagazebooverlookingBurlingtonandLakeChamplain.Thegazebo remains todayandadds to thepark’s charmwhilealsoprovidingrespiteonrainydays.

The park became an entertainment spot in the early decades of the 20thcentury for picnics, dancing, concerts, and bootleg liquor. Centuries earlier,nativeAbenakiusedthisspottowatchforapproachingfriendsandfoes.

Although pedestrian access points are situated along the west side of thepark along Ethan Allen Parkway, the park’s only dedicated parking area islocatedatthetrailsystem’ssouthernmosttipatEthanAllenParkwayandNorthAvenue. A short pathway heads northwest from the parking lot to a smallplayground.To reach thegazebo and correspondingpicnic area, headnorth attheValongthelefttrailforabout0.6mile(you’llbeundertreesforthedurationofyourjourney).Notethesteadyclimbtothetopofthehill.

ThetrailswithinEthanAllenParkofferbreathtakingvistasofthesurroundingGreenMountains.

In about 0.2 mile, you’ll pass another landmark, Ethan Allen Tower,honoringVermont’sRevolutionaryWar hero. TheAdirondackMountains andLakeChamplainarevisible froma lookout towerat the topof thismonument(openingtimesvarythroughouttheyear).

Othertrailslooparoundtheperimeteroftheparkandtaketrailusersupanddownandaroundnumeroushills.Theparkhasscatteredpicnicsitesandabikerack in the southeast section. (Note that currently there are no dedicatedrestrooms in thepark.)All trails are locatedbeneathdense treecanopy,whichprovidesshadeinthesummermonths,aswellasbeautifulforesttoponderandenjoyineveryseason.

Atthepark’snortheasternend,awooden-decktrestlebridgeforpedestriansandcyclistscrossesoverVT127andseamlesslyconnectstrailuserstothe127Bike Path, a critical link to other nearby trails and sites, including the EthanAllenHomesteadlocatedjust0.8milesouthalongthe127BikePath.

CONTACT:enjoyburlington.com/venue/ethan-allen-park

DIRECTIONSToreachthesoutherntrailheadfromI-89,takeExit14W,mergeontoUS2W/WillistonRoadtowardBurlington,andcontinuetofollowUS2W1.5miles.TurnrightontoS.WillardSt.,go0.8 mile, and then turn left onto Archibald St. In 0.4 mile turn right onto Spring St., andimmediatelyturnleftontoManhattanDr.Go0.2mile,andturnrightontoVT127N.In0.9miletaketheexittowardNorthAve./Beaches,andgo0.7mile.TurnrightontoNorthAve.,go0.3mile,andturnrightontoEthanAllenPkwy.Turnrightintothetrailhead.

52 IslandLineRailTrail

CountiesChittenden,GrandIsle

EndpointsAustinDr.inOakledgeParkbetweenDunderRoadandAmbrosePl.(Burlington)toMartinRoadbetweenRailroadSt.andSouthSt.(SouthHero)

Mileage

13.4

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfacesAsphalt,Gravel

LakeChamplainvirtually lapsatyour feet for long sectionsof the13.4-mileIsland Line Rail Trail. Rolling through waterfront parks in Burlington andColchester, the trail crosses the lake on a spectacular 3-mile causeway thatrequiresaferryridetocrossa200-footgaptodestinationsonSouthHeroIsland.

The Rutland-Canadian Railroad built the Island Line in 1899 to connectcoastalmarketsinNewEnglandwiththeGreatLakes,eventuallyreachingLakeOntario. As rail transportation fell into decline, the railroad scratched itspassengerservicein1955andfreightservicein1961.Itwasn’tuntilthe1980sthattheideaofapedestriantrailtookhold;nowmorethan150,000visitorsusethetraileachyear.

The southern 8miles of trail are paved, and the remainder is hard-packedcrushed limestone.Since2015,Burlington’s sectionof the rail-trail (knownasBurlington Greenway) has been undergoing a face-lift with new paving andlandscaping.You’ll notice improvements betweenPerkins Pier downtown andNorthBeachPark.Ifyouencounterworkonthetrail,lookforsignstothedetouraroundtheproject.

TheLakeChamplaincausewayoffersauniquetrailexperience.

The southern terminus at Oakledge Park in Burlington—a good place tobeginyourjourney—hasplentifulparkingandrestrooms.Headingnorthalongasandybeach, you’ll get your first viewofNewYork’sAdirondackMountainsacross the lake. At the park’s north end, 14 granite boulders in Burlington’sEarthClockcreateacalendar,clock,andcompass—anexampleof this town’sartisticreputation.

You’llpasssomeindustrialsitesandarailyardfortheVermontRailway,ashort linerailroad.Justafterpassing theferrydocksonKingStreet,you’llseeUnionStation,builtfrombrick,limestone,andgranitein1916.Usedasanofficebuildingnow,it’salsothebaseforatouristtrain,aswellaslocalbikeadvocacygroupLocalMotion.AblockpastthestationisWaterfrontPark,whichcangetcongestedifaconcertorfestivalisscheduled.

In4.5miles, you come to aboardwalk throughDeltaPark and a600-footpedestrianbridgeoverthemouthoftheWinooskiRiver.HerethetrailbecomestheColchesterBikePathandCauseway.

In2.4miles,afterpassingAirportPark,youcometo themarblecausewaythat many consider the highlight of the route. American elms rise from theshorelinebutdon’tinterruptthevieweasttotheGreenMountainsorwesttotheAdirondacks.At 2.7miles, the causeway ends at TheCut, but you can ride aferry on weekends and holidays in the spring and fall and all week in thesummer. (Find rates and hours at localmotion.org.) The trail continues foranothermileonceyougettoSouthHeroIsland.

After getting off the ferry across The Cut, it’s another 0.4 mile to theshoreline.HerethetrailbecomesAllenPointFishingAccessandproceedsasaroadforstatefishandwildlifevehiclesuntilitendsatMartinRoadin0.8mile.

CONTACT:localmotion.org

DIRECTIONSTo reach Oakledge Park in Burlington from I-89, take Exit 13 onto I-189 towardShelburne/Burlington.FollowI-189W1.4miles,thenturnrightontoUS7.In0.5mileturnleftontoFlynnAve.,andfollowFlynnAve.intoOakledgePark.Parkingisattheendoftheroadin

1mile.ToreachtheAirportParktrailheadinColchesterfromI-89,takeExit16ontoUS7N/US2

WtowardColchester.HeadnorthonUS7/US2,go1.7miles,andturnleftontoVT127.Go3.7miles,andcontinuestraightonW.LakeshoreDr.1.8miles(itbecomesHolyCrossRoadafter0.8mile).Bear leftslightlyontoColchesterPointRoad,go0.6mile,andthenturnrightintotheparkinglot(justbeforeBuckinghamDr.).

ToreachthenorthernmostparkinginSouthHerofromI-89,takeExit17andheadwestonUS2.Go8.5miles,crossingoverLakeChamplain,andturnleftontoSouthSt.In2.5milesturn right onto Martin Road. Go 0.3 mile, and turn left into the trail access road. Look forparkingtoyourleft.

53 LamoilleValleyRailTrail

CountiesCaledonia,Franklin,Lamoille

EndpointsChannelDr.0.5milewestofVT15(WestDanville)toMainSt.justsouthofBaySt.(St.Johnsbury);ParkSt./VT15AandDarlingRoad(Morrisville)toCambridgeJunctionRoadandCambridgeJunctionRoadExtensionbytheLamoilleRiver(Cambridge);RobinHoodDr.betweenFirstSt.andBusheySt.(Swanton)

Mileage

34.2

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex2

T

SurfacesCrushedStone,Gravel

heLamoilleValleyRailTrail (LVRT) is agrowing,year-round trail acrossnorthernVermontthatwillonedaystretch93milesbetweenSt.JohnsburyandSwanton. The trail passes through the spine of Vermont’s Green MountainRange, from the Connecticut River to Lake Champlain. When finished, theLVRT,coveringfourcountiesand18towns,willbeoneofthelongestrail-trailsin New England. The LVRT’s grade never exceeds 3 percent, making itaccessibletoavarietyoftrailusersandabilities.

The developing trail is being built along the former route of theLamoilleValleyRailroad,whichonceservedasavitaleast–west transportationcorridorfrom 1877 until its closing in 1994. The railroad was known as the coveredbridge line and was a leaf peeper train for scenic tourism. The VermontAssociation of Snow Travelers has supported the project for many years andhelpstomaintainthetrail.

TheCambridge JunctionBridge, one ofVermont’s iconic covered bridges, is a highlight of theroute.

WestDanvilletoSt.JohnsburySegment:16.3milesThis section of the LVRT is loaded with a variety of scenic landscapes,includinggorgeouswetlandsandJoe’sPond,alocallypopularfishing,boating,andresidentialarea.TrailuserslookingforaneasiergradeshouldplantostartinWestDanvilleandheadeasttowardSt.Johnsbury.BeginningatChanelDrive,you’llheadsouthalongJoe’sPondandtheneast,parallelingVT15.Mostofthissectionisflankedbytrees,withasmallresidentialareaneartheintersectionofVT15andUS2.

As you continue east and pass Danville, the trail snakes in and out of

wooded areas and farm fields and crosses over a few local roads. You’llencounterdramaticoutcropsofbedrock—ledgecuts leftover from the timeoftherailroad—aswellasdenseshadedforestandfernsinthewarmermonths.

ClosertoSt.Johnsbury,tunnelshelptrailusersavoidroadcrossingsatUS5andI-91andalsoprovideacoolspotinthewarmermonths.AfterheadingunderI-91 and reachingMt. Vernon Street, you’ll enter the last 1.5-mile section oftrail, also known as the Three Rivers Bike Path, which heads to the southernedgeofSt.Johnsbury,whereyou’llfindasmallparkinglot.

MorrisvilletoCambridgeJunctionSegment:16.9milesThis segment travels fromMorrisville toCambridge as it follows bothVT15and the Lamoille River. The quiet route passes through a wide range oflandscapes—fromsmalltownstoagriculturalareas,meadows,andforests.

AlthoughtheroutetechnicallybeginsatParkStreetandDarlingRoadontheoutskirts of Morrisville, the best place to begin your journey is the PortlandStreet trailhead, which has ample parking and restrooms. Heading northwest,you’ll skirt around the western side of Morrisville and through trees andfarmland to Hyde Park. Passing a mostly residential area, you’ll continuethroughvast farmlandandriversideareasand throughJohnson.Here,TheOldMillParkishometoatrailheadwithparking,restrooms,andwater.

Continuing northwest past Ithiel Falls, you’ll eventually reach CambridgeJunction and Cambridge, where a seamless connection to the CambridgeGreenwaytakesyoutowardJeffersonville.AsyouenterCambridge,you’llpassa restored train station that has been converted into a community playgroundwith a train theme. This junction (Cambridge Junction) is marked by one ofVermont’siconiccoveredbridges,theCambridgeJunctionBridge(alsoknownas the Poland Covered Bridge), built in 1887. Several small businesses,includingcafés,icecreamshops,andbreweries,havepoppedupthroughoutthissectionandcatertotrailusers.

SwantonSegment:1.0mile

A small segment in Swanton stretches from Robin Hood Drive across theMissisquoiRiver toSouthRiverStreet,offeringneighborhoodconnections forlocals.

CONTACT:lvrt.org

DIRECTIONSTo reach the endpoint in West Danville from I-89, take Exit 8 toward US 2/VT12/Montpelier/St. Johnsbury.Merge ontoMemorial Dr., and go 1.7miles. Take a slight leftonto River St., and go 1.2miles. At the traffic circle, take the second exit onto US 2 E/E.MontpelierRoad/RiverSt.,andgo24.4miles.TurnleftontoVT15W,andgo2.2miles.TurnleftontoChannelDr.Lookforthesmallparkingareatoyourrightin0.5mile.

To reach the St. Johnsbury trailhead from I-91, take Exit 20 for US 5 toward St.Johnsbury.Ifyou’recomingfromI-91N,turnrightfromtheexitontoUS5N.Ifyou’recomingfromI-91S,turnleftofftheexitontoUS5N.Go0.4mile,andturnrightontoMainSt.Makeanimmediaterightintothesmallparkinglotandtrailhead.

To reach theMorrisville trailhead from I-89, take Exit 10 for VT 100 N toward Stowe.HeadnortheastonVT100N,andgo18.2miles.TurnrightontoBridgeSt.,andgo0.3mile.TurnleftontoPortlandSt.,andgo0.1mileintotheparkinglot.

ToreachtheCambridgetrailheadfromI-89,takeExit10forVT100NtowardStowe,andheadnortheastonVT100N.Go7.1miles,and turn leftontoMoscowRoad.Go1.5miles,turn rightontoBarrowsRoad,andgo1.8miles.Turn rightontoLuceHillRoad,andgo0.5mile.TurnleftontoVT108N(partsofthisroadmaybeclosedinwinterduetoweather).Go15.3miles,andthentakeaslightrightontoVT108.Go0.3mile,andatthetrafficcircle,takethefirstexitontoVT15E.Go0.7mile,andturnleftontoCambridgeJunctionRoad.Go0.1mile,and turn left towardCambridgeJunctionRoad,and turn right (justbeforecrossing theLamoilleRiver) into theparking lot. (CambridgeJunctionRoadExtensionmaybeclosedatcertaintimesordays.)

TheSwantonSegmentofthetrailhasnodedicatedparkinglots.

54

S

MissisquoiValleyRailTrail

CountyFranklin

EndpointsUS7/N.MainSt.betweenVT105/SeymourRoadandRewesDr.(SaintAlbans)toVT105/TroySt.betweenLibertySt.andS.RichfordRoad(Richford)Mileage

26.3

TypeRailTrail

RoughnessIndex2

SurfaceCrushedStone

aintAlbansused tobecalledRailCity forall the train traffic it saw,but itcould be known asRailTrailCity now.The town sits at the front door of the

MissisquoiValleyRailTrail,amongthelongestandmostscenicinthestate.The26.3-miletrailrollspastthedairyfarmsandcornfieldsofnorthwesternVermonttowithinacoupleofmilesofthestate’sborderwithQuébec.

The crushed-stone trail follows the railbed of Central Vermont Railroad’sRichfordBranch.ThelinebetweenSaintAlbansandRichfordwascharteredastheMissisquoiRailroadinthelate1860s,andthemuchlargerCentralVermontleased it in 1872. Eventually, the Central Vermont came under control of theCanadianNationalRailway.AtrainderailmentonatrestlenearSheldoninJune1984 spelled the end of the line but raised an opportunity to build a rail-trail.Onespanwassobadlydamagedthattherailroaddecideditwasn’tcosteffectiveto repair due to dwindling traffic. Local traffic on either side of the bridgecontinuedsporadicallyforafewyears,buttherailroaddiscontinueduseonitintheearly1990s.

TheMissisquoiRiverValleyoffersascenicbackdropforthepathway.

InSheldon,you’llrelishtheviewsoftheMissisquoiRiverandsurroundingmountainpeaks.

The trail starts on the north side of Saint Albans, in the midst of chainrestaurants andmini-marts, although parts of town reflect its former life as aflourishing railroad junction. Heading northeast, within 2 miles you’re ridingpastcornfields,dairyfarms,andredbarns.About9milesdownthetrail,you’llcrossabridgeovertheMissisquoiRiveratSheldonJunction; this iswherethepreviouslymentioned trail derailment occurred. The replacement span doesn’tmatchtheothertwohere.At523feet,it’sthelongestbridgeonthetrail.

ThenextfewmilesareknownasCornAlley,asthecorngrowsrightnexttothe trail. In7.6miles,you’llarriveatEnosburgFalls,historically thecenterofthedairyindustryinthearea.TheJuneDairyDaysfestivalrelivesthosedaysthefirst weekend of themonth. You’ll see a red caboose and freight depot; bothhouse museum artifacts and local railroad memorabilia. They’re open June–October, Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. There’s shade at Lincoln Park a couple of

blocks south onVT 108, and you’ll also find cafés, coffee shops, and an icecreamparlorinthevicinity.

It’s mostly cornfields and pastureland for roughly the last 10 miles toRichford. The last bridge on the trail is about 3 miles before Richford. TheHistoricDistrictofRichfordis lessthanamileawayfromthetrailhead; togetthereturnleftontoTroyStreetandrightontoMainStreet.Mostofthehistoricalbuildingsare concentratednearor at the junctionwithRiverStreet just acrosstheMissisquoiRiver.Theriverpoweredthemillshereinboomtimesmorethanacenturyago,butprosperityhasabandonedthecommercialdistrict.TwoblocksleftonRiverStreetyou’llseeanexampleofaprominentbusinessman’smansionbuiltin1890,nowabed-and-breakfast.PlansareintheworkstoextendthetrailtotheCanadianborder.

CONTACT:champlainbikeways.org/documents/Missisquoi%20VRT%20FINAL.pdf

DIRECTIONSTo reach the trailhead in Saint Albans from I-89, take Exit 20 onto VT 207/HighgateRoadtowardSaintAlbans.HeadsouthwestonVT207,go0.4mile,andturnleftontoUS7/SwantonRoad.Go1mile,andturnleftontoVT105/SeymourRoad.Goabout500feet,andturnrightintotheparkingarea.Thetrailendpointis0.2milesouth.

ToreachthetrailheadinRichfordfromI-89,takeExit21ontoVT78.HeadeastonVT78,go7.2miles,andturnlefttoremainonVT78.Goanother2.8miles,andturnleftontoVT105.In7.3miles,turnleftontoVT108,andgo0.5mile.VeerrighttocontinueonVT105,go9.5miles,andturnrightontoVT105/TroySt.In0.4mile lookforparkingatthetrailheadontheright.

55 SouthBurlingtonRecreationPath

CountyChittenden

EndpointsOverlookParkatSpearSt.andDeerfieldRoadtoDavisRoadjustwestofSpearSt.attheUniversityofVermontArchiePostAthleticComplexortoCentralAve.nearLyonsAve.inRedRocksParkortojustwestofHomeAve.andBatchelderSt.;CatkinDr.westofBowerSt.toMainSt./US2justeastofEastTerraceortoAirportDr.andAirportCir.(SouthBurlington)

Mileage

26.0

TypeGreenway/Non-Rail-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

R

1

SurfaceAsphalt

esidentsinSouthBurlingtonformedagrassrootscoalitioninthelate1980sto create a saferway to travelwithin Burlington’s extensive system of parks,schools, and neighborhoods. In the early 1990s, the city government devotedfundstocompletetheproject,creatingtheSouthBurlingtonRecreationPath,a26-milenetworkofpaved,off-street trails.Themultiusetrailnetworkprovidesmajor pathways for commuting to segments that travel through parks andforestedlandscapes.

ThosewhoprefernatureandthegreatoutdoorsmightbegintheirjourneyatOverlookParkonDeerfieldRoad,whereyou’llfindspectacularviewsofLakeChamplain and the mountains across the lake in New York. Overlook Parkprovides westward views and is a good spot to watch the sun set. Headingnorthwest,you’lltravelalongasegmentthattwistsitswaythroughFarrellPark,aheavilyforestedoasisofgreen,and towardRedRocksParkalong thewater.You’lleventuallycrossUS7andthencutanimmediateleftandrighttojointhesection parallelingQueen City Park Road before reaching RedRocks Park atCentralAvenue,whereyou’llturnleft.

Onthewestsideofthepath,explorethebeautifulforestedsettingsofFarrellandDorsetParks.

Trail users will be rewarded with great views of Lake Champlain and apopular swimmingholeonwarmsummerdays.A trailparkingarea is locatedwhereCentralAvenuemeetsShelburneBay.

You can head east fromFarrell Park alongSwift Street for approximately0.8mile toDorsetPark,whichprovidesaccess towalkingpaths ina similarlybeautiful forested setting. At Farrell Park, recreationists can also head souththrough Szymanski Park, with its popular tennis courts and playgrounds forchildren.

Forascenicroute,youmaywishtostartatOverlookParkandheadnorthonSpearStreetonanon-roadsection for1.5miles.Youcanaccessoff-road trailagaintoyourleftjustafterpassingunderI-189.Onyourleftside,agolfcoursedominates,butyou’ll alsoenjoybucolicviewsof theUniversityofVermont’sfarm.ThissegmentthenterminatesattheArchiePostAthleticComplexontheUniversity of Vermont campus, where there is no dedicated parking for trail

users.Accessing the trail on Dorset Street from Veterans Memorial Park, you

travelnorthpastC.DouglasCairnsArena,wherethetrailthenturnsrightalongthenorthsideofKennedyDriveandthenheadsnortheasttowardUS2/WillistonRoad.Here,justbeforeyoureachtheairport,you’llfindavarietyofshopsandrestaurantsaccessiblefromthetrail.

SegmentsoftheSouthBurlingtonRecreationPathalsoextendsouthbeyondOverlookParkandeastbeyondDorsetPark.Thesesegmentsarenotconnectedtomainstemsoftherecreationpath,buttheydooffersafe,off-streetaccesstoadjacentneighborhoods.

CONTACT:802-846-4108;southburlingtonvt.gov/parks_and_facilities/recreation_path_and_trails

DIRECTIONSThenorthernaccesspointisonlyaccessibletopedestriansandbicyclistsfromtheUniversityofVermontcampus.ToreachthetrailaccesspointatOverlookParkfromI-89,takeExit13forI-189 toward US 7/Shelburne/Burlington. Continue onto I-189 W 1.4 miles. Turn left ontoShelburneRoad/US7,go0.2mile,andturnleftontoSwiftSt.In1mile,turnrightontoSpearSt.Go0.8mile,andturnrightintoOverlookPark,justbeforeDeerfieldRoad.

To reach the western trail access point, follow the directions above to ShelburneRoad/US7,andturnleft.Go0.2mile,thenturnrightontoQueenCityParkRoad.In0.1mile,turnrighttostayonQueenCityParkRoad.Go0.4mile,andturnleftontoCentralAve.Lookfortheparkinglottoyourleftin0.3mile.

ToreachparkingonDorsetSt. fromI-89, takeExit14EtomergeontoUS2E/WillistonRoadtowardSouthBurlington.In0.2mileturnrightontoDorsetSt.,go1.8miles,andturnleftontoSwiftSt.Lookforparkingonyourright.

56

T

StoweRecreationPath

CountyLamoille

EndpointsBrookRoadbetweenW.BranchLaneandMountainRoad/VT108toMainSt./MapleSt./VT100atSunsetSt.inLintilhacPark(Stowe)Mileage

5.5

TypeGreenway/Non-Rail-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfaceAsphalt

heStoweRecreationPath encapsulates thebest parts ofVermontmountainlife. During summer the vegetation is lush and green, and the nearby West

Branch Little River keeps the trail cool and provides excellent fishing andswimming opportunities. In the winter, the trail gives visitors a reason to gooutsideandexploretheelements,andtheviewsofsnowcappedpeaksaremorethanphoto-worthy.

Trail users can enjoy this out-and-back path in either direction, but mostpeople start at the northern segment because it’s all downhill from there!Thenortherntrailheadalsoliesapproximately3milessouthofthebaseoftheworld-classStoweMountainResort.

The first several miles of gently sloping trail travel through the forestedbanks of the West Branch Little River and provide opportunities for quietenjoymentinaruralatmosphere.Beonthelookoutforwildlifealongthetrail;asyoutravelsouth,you’llquicklypassahorsefarmwherehorsesoftengrazebythesideofthetrail,andluckyrecreationistsmayevengettoseeamoosefeedinginthedistance.Portablerestrooms,benches,andpicnictablesareprovidedataseriesofsmallerparkinglotsalongthetrail.

Thepathoffersadelightfulmixofforestedlandscapesandopenpastoralcountryside.

After2.5miles,thetrailcrossesunderLuceHillRoad,wheredevelopmentbecomesdenserandthetrailmorepopular.Avarietyofrestaurants,breweries,andlodginglinethetrailfromhereuntilthetrail’sendinStoweVillage.Severalof these establishments have created doors with direct access points from thetrailtowelcomeintrailusers.

Given the popularity of this trail, Stowe prioritizes clearing snow and icefromtheStoweRecreationPathin thewinterforyear-rounduse.Youcanstillenjoysnowshoeingandcross-countryskiingin thesnowalongthesidesof thetrail. A free shuttle during the winter months transports trail users up themountainforaone-waytripbackdown.

CONTACT:stowerec.org/parks-facilities/rec-paths/stowe-recreation-path

DIRECTIONSToreachthenortherntrailheadfromI-89,takeExit10forVT100andheadnorthonVT100towardStowe.Go 9.8miles, and turn left ontoVT 108N.Go 4.3miles, and turn left ontoBrookRoad.Theparkinglotisontheleftin400feet.

TogettothesoutherntrailheadinStowefromI-89,takeExit10ontoVT100.FollowVT100NtowardStowe10miles,where theentranceto theStoweRecreationPathparking lotwillbeinLintilhacParkontheleftnexttoStoweCommunityChurch.

57 Ti-HaulTrailandShelburneBayParkRecPath

CountyChittenden

EndpointsShelburneDogParkatHarborRoadbetweenDepotRoadandTurtleLanetoHarborRoadjustsouthofPheasantHillRoad(Shelburne)Mileage

2.5

TypeRail-Trail/Greenway

RoughnessIndex1–2

SurfaceGravel

NatureandhistoryenthusiastswilldelightintheTi-HaulTrailandShelburneBayParkRecPath,twoshortbutscenictrailslinkedbyapleasant104-acreparkin Shelburne, Vermont. Forming an almost seamless connection near thesouthern tip of Shelburne Bay, the trails create a meandering and historicjourneythroughwoodsyterrain,offeringglimpsesofthewildlifeandwaterforwhichVermontiswellknown.Bothtrailsarerecommendedforbird-watching,andlocalssaytospecificallylookforblack-crownedherons,greatblueherons,andseveralspeciesofducks.

ThebestplacetobeginyourjourneyisattheBayRoadtrailhead,locatedinShelburneBayParkonthenorthsideofBayRoadbetweenHarborRoadandUS7. Heading north, the 1-mile Shelburne Bay Park Rec Path travels through awooded oasis for just over 0.75 mile before skirting the Lake ChamplainshorelineandofferinganamazingviewofShelburneBay.

Onthisjourneythroughwoodsyterrain,you’llhaveagoodchanceofspottingwildlife.

Walking,biking,andcross-countryskiingarepermittedonthisgravelroute.Note that numerous small hills make for a pleasant and fun bicycle ride;however, cyclists shouldbeprepared for sand and a few intenseuphill climbstowardthenorthernend.

AtShelburneBay,trailuserscanpauseandtakeinthebeautyoftheshallowwater, which is perfect for skipping rocks. Woodsy canopies provide shade,making for a cool respite from the sun in the summer.Boat accesspoints andpicnic tables are available in the northern section of the trail, near the trail’sendpointattheLakeChamplainYachtClub.

TheTi-HaulTrail, located justacrossBayRoadfromShelburnePark, isaquintessentialrail-trail—aflat,easybikerideoraperfectstrollwithglimpsesoffarmspeekingbetween the trees.Though this trailalsohasagravel surface, ithasfewhillsandiswheelchairaccessible.

Headingsouth,you’lljourneythroughmostlywoodsylandscapeswithafewmarshy areasbefore ending in about amile atShelburneDogParkonHarborRoad. The Ti-Haul Trail has an interesting history, having begun as a roadspecificallybuilttomovetheoldsteamboatTiconderogafromLakeChamplainto itspresenthomeat theShelburneMuseum.The2-mile trek took65days tocomplete at an average pace of 150 feet per day as the boatwas carted alongrailroadtracksthatwerebuiltliterallyasthejourneyprogressed;workerspulledup the railroad tracks behind the boat and placed them ahead. You can learnmoreaboutthesteamboatandherjourneyatthemuseum,locatedonShelburneRoad,about1.4milesfromthetrail’ssoutherntrailhead.

Alsonearby,attheintersectionofBayRoadandHarborRoad,isShelburneFarms, a working farm and education center dedicated to conservation andsustainability,builtonanestatedesignedbyFrederickLawOlmstedSr. in thelate19thcentury.

CONTACT:shelburnevt.org

DIRECTIONSFromI-89,takeExit13forI-189towardUS7/Shelburne/Burlington,andcontinueonI-189W.In 1.4miles, turn left ontoUS 7 S/ShelburneRoad, and go 2.9miles. Turn right onto BayRoad, andgo1.2miles. Turn right into the trailhead, just after crossing theLaPlatteRiver.AccesstheShelburneBayParkRecPathonthewestsideoftheparkinglot.TheTi-HaulTrailisaccessibletothesouth,justacrossBayRoad.

58

T

ToonervilleRail-Trail

CountyWindsor

EndpointsClintonSt./VT11andSiouxDr.toCharlestownRoad/US5/VT11andConnecticutRiverRoad/US5(Springfield)

Mileage

3.2

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfaceAsphalt

heToonervilleRail-Trail shadows theBlackRiver formost of its 3.2-mile

length in eastern Springfield to the border with New Hampshire across theConnecticut River. The route originally carried an electric trolley that localsnicknamed the Toonerville Trolley, referencing a nationally syndicatednewspaper comic that ran 1908–1955 and was adapted to early comedy filmshorts.Thatnamehassurvivedonthispavedtraillongaftermosthaveforgottenthecomicstriporthetrolley.

Thetrolley’sactualnamewastheSpringfieldElectricRailway,whichlaterbecametheSpringfieldTerminalRailway.ThecityofSpringfieldfundedthe4-mileinterurbanrailwayin1896tomakeconnectionstotherailroadsthatpassedthroughCharlestown,NewHampshire,acrosstheConnecticutRiver.Itlaterfellunder control of theBoston andMaineRailroad.Although the trolley stoppedrunning in 1947 (it was the state’s longest running at the time) and freightstoppedusingthetracksin1984,theSpringfieldTerminalnamestillsurvivesasasubsidiaryofPanAmRailways.

StopalongthebenchesliningthetrailtotakeintheviewsoftheverdantBlackRivervalley.

The paved multipurpose trail (also known as the Springfield Greenway)

opened in 1999. It begins about a mile east of downtown on VT 11/ClintonStreet inafieldsharedbytheSpringfieldFarmersMarketonSaturdays,June–earlyOctober.There’splentyofparkinghere.

Thetrailheadsawayfromthehighwaybrieflyintothewoodsandalongthebanksof theBlackRiver—agradual downhill experience.There areplentyofopportunities to stop and gaze at the river andwatch forwaterfowl, includingkingfishers, blueherons, and copiousduck species, fishing for their food.Theriver’sfallsindowntownSpringfieldfedthemillboominthe1800sandenticedcompaniestorelocatehere.Oneofthose,Jones&LamsonMachineCo.,becameaworld-renownedtoolmaker.Itsinventionswerespunoffintonewcompanies,andtheareabecameanearly-20th-centurytechboomcenterknownasPrecisionValley.

Acascadingwaterfall isvisibleabout1.2milesafterthetrailhead,whereasmalltributaryjoinsthemainchannel;atcertaintimes,thefallsprojectrainbowsof light, providing copious photo opportunities.About 0.2mile later, the trailcrosses the river on Gould’s Mill Bridge. A 0.4-mile side trip down PerleyGordonRoadrightbeforethebridgevisits theEurekaSchoolhouse;completedin1790,it’sthestate’soldestsurvivingone-roomschoolhouse.Crewsmoveditherein1968fromitsoriginallocation.

Crossing the bridge, the trail route detours onto lightly traffickedPaddockRoadfor0.7mile.ThepathreturnsontherightsideoftheroadandthengoesbeneathVT11.Inthefinalmile,thetrailrunsalongsideVT11,crossesUS5,passes a truck stop, goes beneath I-91, and then stops at aVermont Fish andWildlifeManagementAreaontheshoresoftheConnecticutRiver.

While theoriginal trolleyprovided a connection todowntownSpringfield,thecityhasplanstoextendthetrailabout0.7milenorthwardtoBridgeStreet,allowingeasieraccesstodowntown.

CONTACT:springfieldvt.com/attractions

DIRECTIONS

ToreachtheSpringfieldtrailheadfromI-91,takeExit7ontoVT11/CharlestownRoadtowardSpringfield.Go2.5milesonVT11W/CharlestownRoad(CharlestownRoadbecomesClintonSt.),andturnrightintoaparkinglotatRobertS.JonesIndustrialCenter.

To reach the Hoyts Landing trailhead from I-91, take Exit 7 onto US 5 towardCharlestown. Go about 0.3 mile on US 5 N/VT 11 E, and turn right onto Youngs Road;immediatelylookforparkingontheright.

59 WestRiverTrail

CountyWindham

EndpointsW.RiverSt.andVT100(SouthLondonderry)toDepotSt.eastofSalmonHoleLaneatJamaicaStatePark(Jamaica);VT30atRitchie’sRoadtoVT30justnorthofDamRoad(Townshend);RiceFarmRoad1milesouthofQuarryRoadand1.25milesnorthofHowlandRoad(Dummerston)toSpringTreeRoadjustwestofUS5/VT9(Brattleboro)

Mileage

16.1

TypeRail-Trail

RoughnessIndex3

SurfacesDirt,Sand,Gravel,Asphalt

TDirt,Sand,Gravel,Asphalt

heWestRiverRailroad,whichoncefolloweditsnamesakeriverfor36miles,beganpassengerserviceinthelate1800sasawaytotrimthetwo-dayvoyagebetweenBrattleboro and South Londonderry to a brisk 2 hours. Plaguedwithdifficulties from the start, the narrow line often succumbed to downed trees,falling rocks, and flooding. The line steadily lost passengers, and the railroadofficiallydiscontinueduseonitin1936,afteryearsofattemptstokeepitactive.

ThesamechallengesthatinevitablydoomedtheWestRiverRailroadmakeitanexcitinglocationforatrail.Hikerswillberewardedwithspectacularviewsandchallengingbutmanageablehills.Cyclistswillenjoyseveralmilesofopendirt trail; however, note that the two northern open sections of trail containchallenging terrain and are not entirely passable to even themost seasoned ofmountainbikers.

TheWestRiverwillbeanearconstantcompaniononthischallengingtrailadventure.

Thetrailiscurrentlydividedintothreesections;however,theFriendsoftheWest River Trail intend to eventually complete the missing 18miles to fullycompletethe36-miletrail.

SouthLondonderrytoJamaicaSegment:10.5milesStartingfromthenorthattheSouthLondonderrytrailheadonWestRiverStreet,youmaywishtojourney0.5milenorthtoanoldtraindepotthatnowservesasahistoricalmuseumandrentableofficespace.Inside,you’llfindexhibitsandoldphotographsmemorializingthearea’srailroadpast.

Heading south, the wide rail-trail follows the West River through denseforest.Keepinmindthatwhilethetrailiswellmaintained,youmaycomeacrossanoddrootorpuddle,sotakecare.Afterabout2miles,thetrailwindsthroughtheWinhall BrookCampground on lightly used paved streets. Restrooms andwater fountains, as well as the welcoming smell of nearby campfires, areavailablethroughoutthecampground.

After passing Winhall Brook Campground, the trail continues forapproximately 2.5 miles until the rail-trail dead-ends. The West River Trailcontinuessouthintothemountainside,butitisonlypassableonfootforthenext3miles;cyclistsshouldnotattempt towalk theirbikes throughthissection,asthetrailgetsverynarrowandcrosseswaterfallsandrockysectionsonitswaytothe Ball Mountain Dam. The bicycle-friendly portion of rail-trail re-emergesapproximately 0.5 mile past the BallMountain Dam and continues another 3milestotheJamaicaStateParktrailhead.

TownshendSegment:2.3milesAcompletedsectionoftrailinTownshend,whichbeginsatVT30andRitchie’sRoad and ends 3 miles later at the Townshend Dam, is advisable only forexperienced hikers. This section is incomplete,may be flooded during spring,andisnotentirelypassablebybicycle.

DummerstontoBrattleboroSegment:3.3milesThe southern section in Dummerston, which begins at the Black Mountaintrailhead,locatedonRiceFarmRoadabout0.6milesouthofwhereitturnsintoQuarryRoad,travels3.5milesalongapicturesqueportionoftheWestRivertotheMarinatrailheadjustnorthofBrattleboro,crossingunderneathI-91about2.5milesalongtheroute.NotethatafterleavingtheBlackMountaintrailheadandheadingsouth,thetrailison-roadforabout0.4mile.

Plans exist to complete the remaining 1.5miles of trail to theBrattleboroTrainStation,theoriginalstartingpointfortheWestRiverRailroad.

CONTACT:westrivertrail.org

DIRECTIONSToreachthenortherntrailheadinSouthLondonderryfromtheintersectionofVT30andUS7inManchester,takeExit4offUS7toVT11E/DepotSt.Headeastfor13.2miles,andturnrightontoVT100atLondonderry.Go2.8milesandturnleftontoW.RiverSt.(beforeyouturnleft,VT100willturnrightwhereitbecomesMainSt.).Go0.5mile,andlookforparkingwherethestreetends.ParkingisalsoavailableattheoldtraindepotinSouthLondonderry,locatedabout0.5milenorthofthetrailheadonW.RiverSt.

Toget to thesouthern trailhead inJamaica from the intersectionofVT30andUS7 inManchester,takeExit4offUS7toVT11E/DepotSt.Headeast4.8miles,andturnrightontoVT30S.Go14miles,andturnleftontoDepotSt.inJamaica.Parkingisavailableattheendoftheroad,about0.6mileahead.

To get to the Black Mountain trailhead in Dummerston from I-91, take Exit 3 towardBrattleboro onto Chesterfield Road. In 0.1 mile at the traffic circle, take the first exit ontoPutneyRoad.Go0.3mile,andturnrightontoBlackMountainRoad.Go0.6mile,andturnlefttoremainonBlackMountainRoad.Goanother0.4mileandturnleftagaintoremainonBlackMountainRoad.In0.7mileturnleftontoRiceFarmRoad.Go0.4mile,andturnlefttostayonRiceFarmRoad. Inanother1.2miles, look forparkingonyour right.From the trailheadonRiceFarmRoad,a0.5-mileon-roadsectionheadssouthtothecurrentaccesspoint.

Toget to thesouthern trailhead inBrattleboro from I-91, takeExit3 towardBrattleboroontoChesterfieldRoad. In0.1mileat the trafficcircle, take the firstexitontoPutneyRoad.After1.3miles,takeasharprightontoSpringTreeRoad.Go0.4mile,andturnrightintotheparkinglot.

60 WillistonVillageBikePath

CountyChittenden

EndpointsN.WillistonRoadbetweenUS2/WillistonRoadandLefebvreLanetoMarshallAve.atTraderLane;WillistonRoad/US2atS.BrownellRoadtoDunmoreLanejusteastofChelseaPl.;andVT2A/EssexRoadbetweenCascadeSt.andEastviewCir.toBeaudryLanejusteastofVT2A/EssexRoad(Williston)

Mileage

7.9

TypeGreenway/Non-Rail-Trail

RoughnessIndex1

SurfacesAsphalt,Concrete

TAsphalt,Concrete

heWillistonVillageBikePathlinksneighborhoods,schools,parks,shoppingareas, and restaurants in the suburban town of Williston via a collection ofconnectortrails.Theeastern1.2-milesegmentoftrailbeginsatNorthWillistonRoad—just 0.3 mile southeast of Williston Community Park and its athleticfields, where there is also a parking area—and heads northwest, completelyloopingaroundthesoccerfield,baseballdiamond,andadiscgolfcourse.Ontheeasternside,youcanalsopickuptheAllenBrookNatureTrail,awalkingtrailthatpassesthroughawoodedareaadjacenttoAllenBrook.

TheWillistonVillageBikePathcontinuesnorthwestandcrossesoverAllenBrook,reachingOldStageRoadsoonafter.PortionsofthetrailareincludedintheCrossVermontTrail—aproject to connect90milesofmultiuse trail fromLakeChamplaintotheConnecticutRiver.

AtOldStageRoad,youwillcometoa0.7-mileon-roadsection throughasuburban neighborhood, which is marked with small bicycle route signs. Toreturntooff-roadtrail,turnleftontoOldStageRoadandthentakeanimmediaterightontoLawnwoodDrive.Go0.2mile,turnrightontoSouthridgeRoad,andgo 0.2 mile. Turn right onto Harte Circle, go 0.1 mile, and turn right ontoMetcalf Drive. Go 0.2 mile to Coyote Lane; here, you can pick up the spuraccesspointtoreturntooff-roadtrailimmediatelytoyourright.Optionally,youcanturnrightontoCoyoteLane,goacouplehundredfeet,andturnleftontothetrail.

Thiseasy,family-friendlypathconnectsneighborhoods,schools,andparksacrossWilliston.

Totaling3.1miles, includingspursandloops, thissectionof trailwill takeyoupastAllenBrookSchoolandontoTaftCorners,apopularshoppingdistrict.TrailparkingisavailablejustoffBoxwoodStreet.Notethatafterabriefwindingsection of trail before and after the school, you’ll reach Talcott Road, a quietneighborhood street with another 0.2-mile on-road segment. Bicycle symbolswillthendirectyoutocrosstothesouthsideofTalcottRoad,whereyou’llmeetupwithoff-roadtrailforanother0.2miletoUS2/WillistonRoad.

TurnrightatUS2tostayonthetrail,which,after0.1mile,crossesZephyrRoad. Immediately afterward, the route turns left and crosses over US 2. Becautiouswhencrossing;thoughacrosswalksignalislocatedhere,thissectionofthehighwaycanexperiencehighlevelsoftraffic.

AtTaftCornersthepathcontinuesthroughthecomplex,providingaccesstomultiple shopping centers and restaurants. Here, the trail connects to theMarshall Avenue Bike Path, which follows the southern side of MarshallAvenue.

A separate 1.4-mile section of trail connects South Brownell Road to

Vermont Technical College and businesses and ends at Dunmore Lane. AnadditionalnorthernsegmentbeginsatOverlookParkandheadssouth1.5milesonVT 2A/EssexRoad, passing shops, businesses, and a few residential areasbeforeendingatBeaudryLane.

CONTACT:town.williston.vt.usandtrailfinder.info/trails/trail/williston-village-bike-path

DIRECTIONSToreachtheeasternendpointandparkingattheWillistonCommunityPark(100LibraryLane)fromI-89,takeExit12forVT2AtowardUS2/Williston/EssexJct.HeadnorthonVT2A(fromI-89N,turnright;fromI-89S,turnleft),andgo0.7mile.TurnrightontoUS2E,andgoabout2miles.TurnleftontoCentralSchoolDr.,andfollowthedrivetotherightandthentotheleft,endingattheparkinglotadjacenttothesoccerfieldcomplex.

ToreachthewesternendpointandparkingatTaftCornersfromI-89,takeExit12forVT2AtowardUS2/Williston/EssexJct.HeadnorthonVT2A,andgo0.7mile.TurnrightontoUS2,andheadeast0.2mile.TurnrightontoBoxwoodSt.andtheparkinglot isimmediatelytoyourleft.

ToreachthenorthernendpointatOverlookParkfromI-89,takeExit12forVT2AtowardUS2/Williston/Essex Jct., and headnorth.Go2.9miles onVT2AN, and turn left into theparkinglotatOverlookPark,justbeforecrossingtheWinooskiRiver.

NewHampshire’sAmmonoosucRailTrail

PhotoCreditsPageiii:AndrewDupuy;pagevi:NeilA.Gerdes;pageix:JimKosinski;pagex: Anthony Le; page 7: TrailLink usermcwpage8; page 9:Maine Bureau ofParks and Lands;page 13: KatieGuerin;pages 15 and 17:MaineBureau ofParksandLands;page19:JimKosinski;page23:WashingtonCountyCouncilofGovernments;page25:PatrickWojahn;page29:CoreyTempleton;pages31and33:KatieGuerin;page35:TrailLinkuserbrockharmon;page39:TrailLinkuser mcwpage8; page 41: The Forks Area Chamber of Commerce; page 45:MaineBureau of Parks and Lands;page 47: KatieGuerin;page 51:MichaelCorr; page 55: AndrewDupuy; page 57:Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands;page61:PatrickWojahn;page63:DaleCalder;page67:KatieGuerin;page68:PatrickWojahn;page71:AndrewDupuy;page73:KatieGuerin;page75:EliGriffen;page 77: JoeLaCroix;page 79: PeteBanach/SpokenShutter.com;pages83,84,and87:KevinMills;page89:JoeLaCroix;pages93and95:BenCarter;pages99and100:CharlesF.Martin;page103:EliGriffen;page105:TrailLink user letswalk4949; page 109: Eli Griffen; page 111: Anthony Le;pages115,117,and120:BenCarter;page121:TrailLinkusertmaguire;page125: Ben Carter; pages 129 and 130: Suzanne Matyas; pages 133 and 134:Derek Strout; page 137: Meredith Suniewick (courtesy of Jim Brown); page139:BenCarter;page143:JackShine;page147:JoshuaR.Powe;page149:BobGladue;pages153and155:AndrewRiedl;pages159and161:AnthonyLe;pages165,167,and169:KevinBelanger;page173:ScottPastorell;page177:KevinBelanger;page181:DavidAlexander;page183:KevinBelanger;page187:DennisCoello;page189:NeilA.Gerdes;pages191and195:KevinBelanger;page197:BrandiHorton;pages201and203:KevinBelanger;page207:ShawnandMegFreebern;page215:JoeLaCroix.

T

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connecting corridors into multiuse trails, Railsto-Trails Conservancy (RTC)depends on the support of itsmembers and donors to create access to healthyoutdoorexperiences.

Yourdonationwillhelpsupportprogramsandservicesthathavehelpedputmorethan23,000rail-trailmilesontheground.Everyday,RTCprovidesvitalassistancetocommunitiestodevelopandmaintaintrailsthroughoutthecountry.In addition,RTCadvocates for trail-friendlypolicies, promotes thebenefitsofrail-trails,anddefendsrail-traillawsinthecourts.

Join online at railstotrails.org, or mail your donation to Railsto-TrailsConservancy,2121WardCourtNW,FifthFloor,Washington,D.C.20037.

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