Presidential Rail Trail

Given the varied surface conditions, which include gravel, crushed stone, packed dirt, and even rougher sections, a bike with wider tires is highly recommended. Hybrid or gravel bikes are ideal, and some riders even find a short-travel full-suspension mountain bike suitable for the more challenging parts. Road bikes with skinny tires are generally not recommended.

The trail is multi-use and accessible from several points. There are multiple parking lots located along its length, making it convenient to start your ride from various locations for shorter or longer excursions.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the Presidential Rail Trail. As it passes through the White Mountain National Forest and is a multi-use trail, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles, including cleaning up after your pet.

The trail offers beautiful scenery throughout the warmer months. Summer brings abundant wildflowers, while fall is spectacular for its foliage. For cycling, late spring through early fall typically provides the most pleasant conditions. Winter allows for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

No specific permits or entrance fees are required to access the Presidential Rail Trail itself. However, as parts of the trail are within the White Mountain National Forest, always check for any general forest regulations or parking fees that might apply to specific access points or facilities within the park.

You'll experience stunning and diverse scenery, including panoramic views of the Presidential Mountain Range, the Kilkenny Range, and Cherry Mountain. The trail passes through forests, clearings, bogs, pastures, ponds, and rivers. It's also a prime spot for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot moose, black bears, wild turkeys, deer, beavers, and otters, especially within the Cherry Pond area and Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge.

Beyond the incredible mountain views, you'll encounter diverse natural environments and historical elements. Key highlights include the Presidential Rail Trail itself, especially near Cherry Pond, and the historic bridges, some with granite trusses carved by Italian craftsmen. The Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge at the western end is considered a 'crown jewel' for its wildlife.

Yes, the Presidential Rail Trail is a significant part of the larger Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail, which integrates rail trails with back roads, dirt roads, and paved roadways, offering extended touring opportunities. The route also passes through sections of the Cohos Trail, CCC Gorham Trails, and Amphibrach.

The trail's surface varies, with some sections being rougher, particularly further east from the Whitefield end. If you're looking for a more gradual climb or a fun downhill, consider starting from Gorham and heading westward, as this section is described as a gradual climb, offering a nice downhill slope on the return. The western end from Whitefield starts with gentle, slightly uphill terrain.

The full trail spans over 19 miles (approximately 30 kilometers). For an average touring cyclist, completing the entire length as an out-and-back ride could take a full day, depending on your pace, stops for sightseeing, and the specific sections you choose to ride. The tour data suggests an average cycling time of around 5.5 hours for the full 57 km (35 miles) out-and-back route.

While the trail is generally gently sloping, its varied surface conditions, including rougher sections, mean that it might be challenging for very young children or those on road bikes. However, many sections, especially those that have been improved with a solid base (like from Gorham to Route 115), can be quite enjoyable for families with appropriate bikes (hybrids or gravel bikes) and a willingness to navigate some bumps.