New Hampshire welcomes bikers and bicycles with trails and services

Bikers are welcome to bring (or rent) bicycles and enjoy the profusion of trails and services for biking in all parts of New Hampshire.

Northern Rail Trail

Along Route 4 Lebanon Enfield Canaan Grafton, NH Phone: 603-271-3254

Trail Length: 23 miles

This rail trail runs near Route 4, which leads to all of the trail’s access sites and parking. Large parking lots are marked, other access points usually have some suitable parking nearby. Trail is managed by the NH Bureau of Trails. See maps. Lebanon and Enfield diagram map: Lebanon and Enfield diagram map. Canaan and Orange diagram map. Grafton diagram map.

Winnipesaukee River Trail

Franklin, Northfield, NH Phone: 603-524-5531

Total Length: 3 Miles

This trail parallels the Winnipesaukee River and passes the historic Sulphite upside down covered bridge believed to be the only one in the country and listed on the national register of historic places. You will also view mill ruins and remaining portions of dams that tell the history of the 5 mills that operated on this river in the mid 19th century. The trail runs from the historic rail road trestle in Franklin to the Surrett Battery property just off Park Street in Northfield. In that area you can also view the collection of antique rail cars and cabooses that operate on the local scenic railway.

Derry Rail Trail

Derry, Phone: 603-537-1120

Total Length: 3.6 Miles

The Derry Rail Trail is 3.6 miles from the Center of Derry to Windham Road, where it meets up with the Windham Rail Trail. It follows the Derry section of the old Manchester and Lawrence Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad. To access the trail from I-93, take Exit 4, to RT-102 East towards the center of Derry. You will go straight through the light at Fordway until you see the Derry Depot Steakhouse on your right and Bensons Lumber/Derry Feed on your left. The trail crosses right there at the red brick crosswalk. You can park in the municipal parking lot down the hill behind the Derry Depot Steakhouse on Abbot Court.
Trail Map

Piscataquog Trail

Manchester, NH Phone: 802-624-6565

Total Length: 2.1 miles

The Piscataquog Trail is a 10 ft wide, paved recreational trail in the West Side of Manchester. The trail is highly utilized by cyclists and pedestrians and allows residents from the West Side of Manchester to the amenities of downtown.  Future phases of the Piscataquog Trail include the rehabilitation of the abandoned railroad trestle bridge crossing the Piscataquog River and linking to the Goffstown Rail Trail and additional trail networks along the West bank of the Piscataquog River. Once complete, the trail will be approximately 3 miles in length. Access Points: West Side Arena, MerchantsAuto.com Stadium, Third Street.
Trail Map

Rockingham Recreational Trail

Manchester, NH Phone: 802-624-6565

Total Length: 3.1 Miles

The Rockingham Recreational Trail follows an abandoned railroad corridor from Tarrytown Road to Lake Massabesic. The trail is approximately 10 ft wide and unpaved, and is highly utilized by walkers, joggers and trail cyclists. Trail users can continue into an additional trail network at Lake Massabesic. Additionally, urban residents have access to the trail to connect them to the natural and rural setting of Lake Massabesic, without depending on motorized transport. Access Points: Lake Massabesic, Candia Road, Tarrytown Road.
Trail Map

South Manchester Rail Trail

South Manchester, NH Phone: 802-624-6565

Total Length: 2.4 Miles

The South Manchester Rail Trail is partially paved and is located parallel to South Willow Street, the most traffic congested area of the City.  This 10 foot wide, partially paved trail provides abutting neighborhoods with access to the wealth of amenities on South Willow Street without utilizing a motorized vehicle.  In addition to connecting residents with the retail options, the trail also runs along Nutt's Pond and connects to Precourt Park, where visitors can enjoy soccer and baseball fields. Access Points: Shaw's Parking Lot on South Willow Street.
Trail Map

Windham Rail Trail

Salem, Windham, NH Phone: 603-434-0806

Total Length: 4.1 Miles

This paved scenic trail provides a smooth path for bicyclists, starting from the intersection of Routes 111 and 28 in Salem, and continuing to a point on North Lowell Road in Windham. This is a scenic stretch of trail, which traverses by a farm pasture, apple orchard, two ponds and marshes, is predominately wooded. There are two bridges that the trail crosses. One is built of New Hampshire granite as an archway and provides a unique architectural significance. Two high stone cuts provide a cool section of passing on hot days, and in the winter support multi-colored ice flow “sculptures.” The trail also passes several stonewalls, and a cellar hole from an 1800’s sawmill.
Trail Map

Ashuelot Rail Trail

Keene to Hinsdale, NH

Total Length: 23 Miles

This extensive trail features lots of beautiful scenery, like covered bridges, historic mill towns, and abundant wildlife. Unfortunately, it also features sandy, muddy, and even flooded trail sections after heavy rains, so bicyclists take note. The Ashuelot Railroad, operated from 1851 to 1983, fostering the development of textile mills, wooden box factories, and leather tanneries in the region. Watch for the original granite mile markers, which pop up periodically along the trail. The trailhead is located on Emerald Street near Keene State College.

Odiorne Point State Park Bike Trail

Off Route 1A in Rye Phone: 603-436-7406

Total Length: 3 Miles

At Odiorne Point State Park, bicyclists can enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic ocean and rocky shore, and explore evidence of past military occupation. A paved recreational path is available, and an extensive network of trails wind through the dense vegetation and traverse the park. The Seacoast Science Center, which is located in the park, has exhibits relating to the natural and human history of Odiorne and the seacoast area.
Trail Map

Franconia Notch State Park Bike Path

I93 Parkway Lincoln, Franconia, Phone: 603-823-8800

Total Length: 20 Miles

This paved 20-mile round-trip brings riders within easy reach of park attractions, including Flume Gorge, The Old Main of the Mountain Profile, Profile Lake, Boise Rock, The Basin, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and Echo Lake.