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The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail offers pleasant views of the surrounding mountains with the Ammonoosuc River always close by. The trail is open all year round and is a popular ATV and snowmobile route. The rail-trail's ungroomed gravel surface is in fair condition with larger stones scattered about. Nothing a mountain bike couldn't handle, though deep ballast and rough stretches, especially around the gates, make this ride a challenge. The trailhead begins at Route 302 and Highland Street in Woodsville. Because of the town's strategic location at the junction of the Ammonoosuc and Connecticut rivers, it was a busy railroad hub until the mid 1960’s. Rte 302 through Woodsville is also known as Central Street and runs parallel to where the railroad tracks once ran. Before the construction of the railroad in 1853, only a handful of buildings existed; a blacksmith shop, sawmill, gristmill and a store. About 0.25 miles from the start, the trail intersects with the Blackmount Trail in Woodsville behind an auto parts store. The Blackmount Trail leads four miles to North Haverhill. Continue biking. You'll ride under the north end of the Bath - Haverill Covered Bridge, the oldest remaining covered bridge in New Hampshire, and travel through several residential communities and stretches of woods occasionally interrupted by fields speckled with wildflowers. There is a trestle bridge over the Ammonoosuc River in Lisbon. A gold strike near Lisbon on the Ammonoosuc in 1864 led to the opening of several small mines. After your ride try your hand at gold panning in the Wild Ammonoosuc River or visit the regions covered bridges (see Historical Note below). The Frost Place is Robert Frost's farm, now a museum of his life and work. The White Mountain National Forest and the Northeast Kingdom in Vermont are nearby with unlimited mountain biking opportunities.
Historical Note: Three of the oldest and longest covered bridges in New Hampshire are located in this area; one in Woodsville, another in Bath, and the other in Swiftwater. Bath-Haverill Covered Bridge
Bath Bridge
Swiftwater Bridge
Robert Frost Farm (in the area in nearby Derry) Listed on the National Registry for historic landmarks of national significance. Guided house tours, a children's garden, walks along the Hyla Brook Trail, a summer lecture series, and poetry readings on selected Sundays are all available at the park. Directions: Located at 122 Rockingham Road (Route 28) in Derry, NH. From I-93: Take Exit 4. East on 102 to Derry Traffic Circle. South on Route 28 and follow signs to Robert Frost Farm Historic Site. Admission Fees. (www.robertfrostfarm.org) Phone: 603-432-3091
Woodsville: The trail begins at Route 302 and Highland Street. Lisbon: Parking located off Central Street/Landaff Road next to the old train station. Look for trail parking signs. Littleton: From I-93, get off exit 42. Head east on 302 and make right onto Industrial Park Drive and travel 1/3 mile. Trailhead is on the right and immediately travels under I-93 overpass. There is no parking available. Blackmount Trail: N. Haverville. Parking available on Route 10 next to the “Augie’s Take-A-Break” pavilion. Look for trail parking signs on the corner of Brier Hill Road & Route 10.
Note: Gas and food are available in Lisbon, Bath and Woodsville.
For more information: For other long distance multi-use rail trails in this region see New Hampshire Rail Trails
Bureau of Trails Phone: (603) 271-3254
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