The trail follows the Connecticut River providing fine water views.
On a Saturday in early September we rode the Upper Coos Recreational Trail, ignoring my own recommendation to ride trails that allow ATVs on weekdays for less motorized traffic. It turned out to be a busy day as we encountered probably over 75 ATVs on a two-way pass of this trail. At first I thought they were “staying COVID-safe” wearing face masks outdoors, until I realized their masks and goggles were to avoid eating their own dust!
This trail is more of an “adventure experience” than bike/ped/equestrian trails, as the knobby tires tend to chew up the trail surface, making it more challenging for cyclists, necessitating wider tires. We rode both ways on the trail, making about a 22 mile day; other riders have recommended returning by taking the River Road, Routes 253 and 102 back through Vermont.
We started our day early by staying overnight in Colebrook and found parking near the Colebrook River Walk trail head on Bridge St. We asked a postman and he said “Park anywhere!”, so we did. Heading north from there, the trail follows the Connecticut River, with many excellent water and farm land views. Also the very different geology of Vermont and New Hampshire is on display on the east and west horizons.
As we rode along the river, we passed farmland and this weathered barn.
On the bridge over the river into VT, the second-span truss seemed to have a very non-symmetric shape
The border guard told us he was glad we stopped here. If we went further, across the border, we’d have to report to the Canadian guards. We talked with him for about 20 minutes; he was bored. Not a single car came through either way while we were there.
-Rich Westhoff