Highlights of the:  Cheshire Rail Trail – South

Towns involved:  Keene, Swanzey, Troy, Fitzwilliam and Massachusetts State Line

Miles:  20

Trail Surface:

  • Paved, smooth
  • Hard-packed stone dust
  • Packed dirt
  • Sand
  • Grass

Difficulty:

  • Easy-moderate
  • Some rough areas requiring caution or walking the bike

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

Map:  www.ci.keene.nh.us

Parking:

Keene municipal parking lots and several spots along the trail.

Amenities:

  • Information kiosk
  • Coffee shop
  • Bakery Deli
  • Ice cream
  • Restaurant
  • Gas Station (Keene and Fitzwilliam)

Website:   www.pathwaysforkeene.org

Social media: www.facebook.com/pathwaysforkeene

Photos by Chuck Redfern:
— Cheshire Rail Trail, Keene
— Cheshire Rail Trail South, Keene

Comments:

  • Beautiful view of wetlands, Mount Monadnock, ponds, depots
  • Spectacular stone arch bridge in Keene (near Swanzey town line)
  • Refer to “New Hampshire Rail Trails” book by Charles F. Martin for excellent details on the trail

In Keene, a proposed bridge over Rt 101 will connect the Cheshire Rail Trail South with the Cheshire Rail Trail North.