The New Hampshire Northern Rail Trail

My favorite type of bike riding is on dedicated off-road paths. All across the country, former railroad beds are being converted to multi-use trails. One of these, the Northern Rail Trail in New Hampshire, has over 50 miles that has been converted to a finished gravel hard-packed trail. In the summer it is used by walkers and bikers, and in the winter it becomes a popular snow mobile route. The rail corridor itself is seventy miles long and extends from Concord, NH to White River Junction, VT. 1982 was the last year that a freight train traveled the entire distance of the railway. The trail was officially abandoned in 1992, and in 1999 the entire rail corridor became eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. By 2009, the Grafton County Friends of the Northern Rail Trail had transformed the first 23-mile section of the corridor from Lebanon to the Grafton County Line to a multi-use trail. By 2013 the trail had been completed almost to the Hannah Dustin parking area in Boscawen, making this the longest multi-use rail trail in New Hampshire.

On Columbus Day, we took advantage of the seventy-plus degree weather to go for a bike ride. We began the trip at the parking area next to the Gerrish Depot building in Boscawen. Plans are underway to renovate this historic building starting with bids taken this summer to re-shingle the roof. The Gerrish Depot and the depot at Potter Place in Andover are the only remaining train stations on the Northern Rail Trail.

Gerrish Depot in serious need of repairs, still retains its original character

We headed north, following Route 3 on our left and the Merrimack River and farm land on the right.

There aren't necessarily fantastic views along this portion of the ride, but just pleasant New Hampshire landscape that can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Even though there was beautiful weather, and it was a holiday, we passed only a few people on our ride.

Abandoned farm machinery

In addition to getting some exercise, we also learned a lot about the importance of the rail corridor and the Merrimack River to the economic growth of the area from the numerous historical markers along the way.

There is plenty of evidence of the original train track, like an old railroad turntable in Franklin and removed railroad ties, which make you feel like you are traveling through time.

Turntable used for turning the engines

Railroad tie remnants and retaining wall

At Hancock Falls it was a nice spot to see some trees changing color in the reflection of the pond.

Dam at Hancock Falls

By 4:00 O'clock it was time to head back to the parking area, but we will definitely be back to ride this and other sections of the trail.

For further information and maps:
northernrailtrail.org
Friends of the Northern Rail Trail