Nice View of Mirror Lake and Mt. Cardigan from the Northern Rail Trail
Rock Cut Near Mascoma Lake
Trail and Mascoma lake
Highlights of the: Northern Rail Trail
Towns involved: Lebanon, Enfield, Canaan, Orange, Grafton, Danbury, Wilmot, Andover, Franklin, Boscawen
Miles: 59
Trail Surface:
- Hard packed stone dust
- Crushed gravel
- Coarse gravel
- Packed dirt
- Cinder
Difficulty:
- Easy, smooth surface, easy grades
- Easy-moderate
Trail activities allowed:
- Walking
- Cycling
- In-line skating
- Dog walking
- Horse riding
- E-bikes (Class 1 & 2)
- XC Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Dog sledding, skijoring
- Snowmobiling
- Geocaching
- Bird watching
Maps: Merrimack County: www.FNRT.org/maps/ Grafton County: https://www.northernrailtrail.org/maps
Parking:
Lebanon Center: Witherell Recreation Center (CCBA) parking lot
Enfield: Main Street near Mascoma Lake
Grafton: Sargent Hill Road
Danbury: Route 4 opposite Danbury Country Store
Wilmot: Geoffries Landing (Fish & Game boat launching at Eagle Pond by Route 11)
Andover: Potter Place by Route 11, Blackwater Park by Lawrence Street, Highland Lake Inn at 32 Maple Street
Franklin: Chance Pond Road crossing of the trail
Boscawen: Route 3 at Gerrish Depot, Jamie Welch Park by Depot Street
A small number of cars can be parked at other road accesses
Amenities:
- Restroom
- Porta-Potty
- Information kiosk, Welcome Center: Danbury Center, Highland Lake and East Andover
- Restaurant
- Convenience store
- Gas Station
- Bike repair station
- E-bike battery charging at Welcome Centers and Boscawen
Websites: Merrimack County: www.FNRT.org, Grafton County: www.NorthernRailTrail.org
Social media: www.facebook.com/FNRTNH/
Stone Arch Bridge over Frazier Brook
Fall at Horseshoe Pond
Jack Spaulding & Fall Color in Franklin
Comments:
The Northern Railroad was built 1845-1847 and was part of Boston to Montreal service. After railroad abandonment in 1992, the Lebanon to South Boscawen section was sold to New Hampshire and rail banked for possible return of Boston to Montreal train service. It is currently the longest rail trail in New Hampshire, but may be extended with the Granite State Rail Trail all the way to the Massachusetts border. From the trail you see many historical artifacts, including “telltales,” granite stonework, and the base of a locomotive turntable. Scenery is excellent and varied, including lake and river views. Impressive rock cuts near Mascoma Lake and at the Orange Summit were difficult projects before pneumatic drills.
All Photos courtesy of Charles Martin