Summary

This moderate rail trail ride is part of our longtime goal of riding the complete (NH) Northern Rail Trail with some fellow bikers. We encourage others to join us and a group of our friends.

The NRT stretches 58 miles from Boscawen to Lebanon, NH. We'll ride about 25 miles round trip, from Highland Lake in East Andover to Danbury and back. Though the NRT is not paved, its hard packed dirt/crushed gravel surface (with occasional soft spots) can accommodate most any type of bicycle. While a hybrid/city bike is best suited for the NRT, one certainly can ride this trail with a road or mountain bike. There are hills on the NRT, but most are gradual. Anyone shy of a devout couch potato/sofa cucumber should be able to handle them!

New England weather is unpredictable, so check the forecast before you leave home. Layers that you can add/subtract are your best bet for clothing. To be safe, throw in a poncho as well! Also bring sunscreen, a helmet, plenty of fluids (more than you think you'll need!), and a lunch and/or snacks.

Review Friends of the Northern Rail Trail of Merrimack County for additional information. (If you search for just Northern Rail Trail you may be directed to another section of the trail.)

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IMPORTANT: Please check your bike well before the trip. Make sure your brakes are working, and fill your tires if they're low. Check the tires for bulges or other signs of damage. A bulge may mean a weak spot in the tire and/or tube, and an impending flat. In fact, even if your tires seem fine, pack an extra tube if you have one. Consider getting your bike tuned up if you haven't done so this year.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

(SLIGHTLY) FURTHER REVISED DIRECTIONS 6/15:

From Boston and points south: Take I-93 north to exit 17* for US 3/US 4 west Penacook/Boscawen. When US 3 and 4 diverge, follow rt. 4. Continue on rt. 4 for about 13 miles to Plains Rd., and turn right. In about 1.5 miles, turn right on NH 11 east. Continue for about 1.5 miles, **watching for Barton’s Performance auto shop then Applecrest Lane on your right. Just after Applecrest, turn left on Channel Rd. (Note: Applecrest loops back to rt. 11. If you pass Applecrest a second time, or come to the intersection with Maple St. and Chase Hill Rd., you’ve gone too far.) You’ll immediately come to the bike trail. Turn left onto the trail itself, and park next to it. Watch for pedestrians and bikers!

From Vermont and points northwest: Take I-89 south to exit 11* (in NH) for NH 11/King Hill Road. Follow rt. 11 east about 12 miles. Follow directions from** above.

From Europe, Asia, Australia, or Antarctica: Fly to Logan Airport, rent a car, and follow directions above. :))

*Note: Sequential interstate highway exits are being replaced by driving-distance exit numbers nationwide. This exit number may no longer be correct on the date of the trip.