Wolfeboro / Sanbornville Recreational Trail - Cotton Valley Trail

The Trail:

Also known as the Cotton Valley Trail this 12 mile rail corridor stretches from the eastern shores of Lake Winnepesaukee at Wolfeboro to a restored railroad turntable at Sanbornville.

Riders of all ages and abilities will enjoy this scenic trail. It meanders across three lakes via causeways, many trestles and winds through the scenic woods and fields of the Cotton Valley. Animals that can be seen along the trail include moose, deer, beaver, fox and many species of birds.

The railroad’s tracks are still in place (and owned by the State of New Hampshire). The trail runs alongside tracks that are still in place. It is the only place in New England where old “Speeder” cars, antique railroad maintenance vehicles, are still allowed to operate for recreational purposes.

The trail ends at Turntable Park, a restored railroad turntable at Sanbornville. The tracks from the railroad that ran between 1870 and 1986 are still in place. There is Public Parking and a picnic table at Turntable Park.

Note: There is an active railroad track of the New Hampshire North Coast Railroad behind the chain link fence along the east side of Turntable Park. DO NOT trespass on this active track.

Lake Winnipesaukee:
Located in the center of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, is 26 miles long with 182 miles of shoreline and 72 square miles of surface area. This glacier formed lake is surrounded by three mountain ranges and dotted with 365 islands. Winnipesaukee is one of New England's most popular lakes for boating, fishing, swimming and beaches.

Wolfeboro:
Is known as "The Oldest Summer Resort in America" where the lakes meet the mountains. Stroll east down any side street to the cool, calm waters of Lake Winnepesaukee. Take advantage of both the resort community amenities and solitude of the lake. There is ample opportunity for a post ride swim

(See our Bikes & Beaches feature article for more detail).

Behind the train station, running along the former tracks of the rail line, is the Russell C. Chase Bridge-Falls Path, a rail-trail that runs along Back Bay to a set of small cascades.

Side Trips:

The Wright Museum is located at 77 Center Street in Wolfeboro, near Russell Chase Bridge Falls Path. It is a one-of-a-kind non-profit institution dedicated to teaching present and future generations about the significant and lasting impact World War II (1939 -1945) had on the United States and the world. It features authentic displays of Home Front America during those times.

Historical Note:

Look for the many historic railroad sites at Wolfeboro, Brookfield, Wakefield and Sanbornville, including stations, depots and trestles.

For more information:

For other long distance multi-use rail trails in this region see New Hampshire Rail Trails

Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 547
32 Central Avenue
Wolfeboro NH 03894

Phone: (603) 569-2200 or 1-(800) 516-5324
TTY Users: 711 (AT&T National Relay Service)

CVRTC, Inc. (Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club)
.O. Box 417
Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896

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