NHARPC CORNER: Rail Trail Planning in New Hampshire Enhancing Transportation, Recreation, Economies, and Health

By Scott Bogle, Craig Tufts and Henry Underwood

In New Hampshire, there are currently over 300 miles of State-owned rail corridors that are available for a variety of uses throughout the year. In addition, there are a substantial number of rail corridors under municipal or private ownership.  Rail trails parallel major transportation corridors, connect community centers and provide a low-stress walking and biking option for both residents and visitors alike.  Despite the range of benefits that trails can bring, there are many challenges.  Given that rail trails do not receive the degree of state or federal attention as our roads and bridges, a wide variety of individuals and groups – at the local, regional and statewide level – have emerged organically over time and are coordinating to make the most of these transportation and recreational assets.

For full article:   https://www.nhmunicipal.org/town-city-article/nharpc-corner-rail-trail-planning-new-hampshire-enhancing-transportation