Text and photo by NHRTC Board Member Ellen Kolb.
The Granite State has more than 300 miles of rail trails, along with more than 90 state park properties. Why not explore one of each in a single trip? You can create your own itinerary with the information you’ll find at nhstateparks.org and nhrtc.org. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Take Route 101 to exit 5 in Raymond and head north to Pawtuckaway State Park. Take your pick of activities there, with a lake, a fire tower, and a boulder field awaiting your discovery. Later, head back toward 101 and set your map app to “Raymond B&M Depot” or “Raymond Historical Society.” There, you’ll find a restored train depot and a parking area from which you can set off for a walk on the Rockingham Recreational Trail.
If you’re in Nashua, you’ll find the northernmost parking area for the Nashua River Rail Trail on Gilson Road. When you’re finished with your walk or ride, cool off with a swim at Silver Lake State Park in Hollis, a ten-minute ride away.
The auto road up Pack Monadnock at Miller State Park in Peterborough leads to a picnic area and a beautiful vista to the north. After enjoying the view, you can drive a few minutes west to the center of Peterborough and its Common Pathway, which follows the Contoocook River along an old railbed.
Your chosen state park might have a nominal admission fee, so check the state parks website before you go. Rail trails are always free!
To read more by Ellen – check out her blog: Granite State Walker