Northern Rail Trail

The trail features numerous well-marked parking areas and access points along its length. You'll find information kiosks at many of these points to help you get started.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's important to keep your dog on a leash at all times and to clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all users.

The trail is enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly scenic rides with comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer is great for warmer weather, while winter allows for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on the packed snow.

No, there are no fees to use the Northern Rail Trail. Access is completely free for all users.

The surface varies along its nearly 60-mile length. You'll encounter a mix of hard-packed stone dust, crushed gravel, coarse gravel, packed dirt, and cinder. While much of it is smooth, some sections, particularly from Grafton to Lebanon, can have sandy spots and exposed railroad ties, making wider tires advisable.

The trail offers diverse scenery, including farmlands, wooded valleys, and quaint New England towns. You'll enjoy views of lakes and rivers, including seven crossings of the Mascoma River and skirting the northern shore of Mascoma Lake. Look out for historic covered bridges, sustainable farms, orchards, and impressive rock cuts. You can also explore highlights like Hanover and the Abandoned Mill in Enfield.

While generally easy, the section from Grafton to Lebanon can be more challenging due to regular sandy spots and exposed railroad ties. For a smoother ride, the Merrimack County section (Boscawen to Danbury) is known for its excellent surface. Hybrid, cross, gravel, or mountain bikes are recommended for the entire trail, though road bikes with 28c+ tires can manage.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Northern Rail Trail, Upper Valley Loop Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Mascoma River Greenway.

Absolutely! Its rail-trail conversion means minimal inclines, making it largely flat and accessible for a wide range of cyclists, including beginners and families. The main consideration is the varied surface, so choose your bike accordingly.

Yes, the trail passes through several historic villages and towns where you can find restaurants and convenience stores. The Danbury Country Store is particularly noted for its sandwiches and house-made soda. Some locations also offer bike repair stations and e-bike battery charging.

Due to the varied surface, which includes crushed gravel, packed dirt, and some sandy spots, a hybrid, cross, gravel, or mountain bike is highly recommended. Road bikes with tires 28c or larger can also manage, but wider tires will provide a more comfortable and stable ride.