photo of Blackmount Trail and text by Ellen Kolb
Visit the fairs, discover the rail trails
Summer and fall mark the season of New Hampshire fairs. Treat yourself to one of these family-friendly events. While you’re in the neighborhood, you might even find a rail trail that will make a return trip to the area worthwhile. Try one of these favorites:
From the North Haverhill fairgrounds, you’re only four miles from the south end of the Blackmount trail, linking North Haverhill and Woodsville. Start from the parking area at Clark Pond Road and NH Route 10. Along the trail, keep an eye out for the whimsical image of Dora the Explorer that someone has put up just for fun.
Heading to the Lancaster Fair? You’re not far from the Presidential Rail Trail, one of the most scenic routes in the Granite State. Enjoy the views of the Presidential Range and Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge. There are several trailheads along US Route 2, east of Lancaster.
The best link between fair and trail is no doubt in New Boston, where the southern trailhead for the New Boston Rail Trail is at the Hillsborough County fairgrounds just off NH Route 13. From there, walkers and bicyclists can enjoy four shady miles extending north to the Goffstown line.
Once fair season is over, these and other rail trails are still accessible year-round. Learn more about them at nhrtc.org.
For more by NHRTC Treasurer, Ellen Kolb, check out her blog: http://granitestatewalker.com/