Photo and text by Ellen Kolb: Rockingham Recreational Trail, Auburn NH<\/p>\n
New Hampshire\u2019s multi-use rail trails don\u2019t take a season off. Winter is a time for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Some rail trails are snowmobile trails as well, and this is a time to thank the snowmobile clubs whose members help maintain the trails for everyone\u2019s benefit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After a generous snowfall, it\u2019s tempting to grab snowshoes and head to the nearest trailhead. Once you get there, if you\u2019re using one of the rail trails open to snowmobiles, you\u2019re likely to see a sign telling you which local club handles trail grooming. Keep an eye out for the grooming machines that create a path of compacted snow along the trail – and wave to the driver!<\/span><\/p>\n Keep in mind a little bit of trail etiquette. Snowmobilers will stick to the rail trails marked for their use, and will be mindful of non-motorized skiers and hikers. Where cross-country ski tracks are present, snowshoers and hikers will walk next to rather than on top of them. Slower traffic always stays to the right.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n