Lincoln Woods Trail

Directions:

Park at the lot on the Kancamagus Highway, a designated scenic byway.
To get there, take I-93 Exit 32 at Lincoln and go E on NH Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway) about 5.7 miles to sign and parking lot. There is a fee for parking.

General Description:

(see White Mountain National Forest Info for important details).

The Lincoln Woods Trail, formerly known as the "Wilderness Trail", follows what was once the main line of the East Branch and Lincoln Railroad. It was a former logging railway system that was the largest in the White Mountains through the 1940's. Today the old railbed is used as the quickest route into Pemigewasset Wilderness and provides access to several spur trails leading into high country and some of New Hampshire's 4,000 foot peaks. The bridge connecting the trail into the Pemigewasset Wilderness is built upon pilings that once supported the railroad.

Begin your mountain bike ride from the trailhead at the White Mountains National Forest Lincoln Woods Visitor Center, but first stop in. Housed in a log cabin, the information center is manned daily. It serves as the gateway for a variety of outdoor activities, including wilderness backpacking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. You can find out about the route and conditions ahead, admire the views from the 160 foot suspension bridge, get a permit to visit the Franconia Falls and find flush toilet facilities. A pedestrian walkway accessible from the parking area, offers views up the scenic Pemigewasset River.

The Trails:

Lincoln Woods Trail &  Franconia Brook Trail

The Lincoln Woods Trail is one of the easiest and most popular mountain biking excursions in the White Mountains National Forest. It provides one of the best opportunities for a combined family bike ride and hike to Franconia Falls. (see Franconia Falls Trail). The flat, wide trail travels fairly straight along a gentle grade, crosses the 160 foot-long suspension bridge and runs alongside the west side of the east branch of the Pemigewasset River for much of its length ending at the boundary of the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area at 2.9 miles.

Shortly after beginning your ride from the Visitor Center, mountain bike across the suspension bridge. From the bridge, the trail travels on the railbed up the west side of the river and passes the now-closed Franconia Brook Campsite. Along the trail there are are panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Several spur trails, popular with hikers, including the East Side Trail, Franconia Falls Trail, the Osseo Trail and the Black Pond Trail branch off the main Lincoln Woods Trail and lead to many scenic attractions and high mountain country. Watch out for raised, old railroad ties still remaining on the path.

At 2.8 miles into your bike ride, the trail leading to Franconia Falls, the Franconia Brook Trail, a rough old logging road riddled with ruts, roots and rocks begins just south of the bridge spanning Franconia Brook. Mountain biking is not permitted past the sign on the other side of the bridge, which marks the entrance into the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area.

The yellow blazed logging road follows the brook for .25 miles to the waterfalls. It is also one of the most heavily traveled trails in the summer and best accessed on foot. During the summer, a bike rack is available at the end of the Linclon Woods Trail. Bring a bike lock, lock your bike here and walk the short distance to the falls. A permit from the Visitor Center is required to visit the Falls.

Melting glaciers eroded about an acre of granite ledge as they receded northward forming Franconia Brook and creating the Franconia Falls. This waterfall is a favorite hike for families. The series of wide ledges, pools and cascades are popular sunbathing and swimming spots. Near the base of the falls, close to the trail along the brook, is a natural waterslide, the groove formed by eons of flowing water.

Note: Use caution around the falls. Currents and water levels can vary depending on the flow. Footing may be slippery.

Other popular trails easily reached from the Lincoln Woods Trail:

East Side Trail : 2.9 miles (one way)
The East Side Trail was formerly a doubletrack jeep road used for National Forest Administrative purposes. The trailhead access is the same as for the Lincoln Woods Trail. This a less crowded, more difficult ride. It travels along a doubletrack gravel jeep road that is closed to motorized vehicles. It runs parallel to the Lincoln Woods Trail along the east side of the river and also ends at the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area boundary gate. Along the trail there are nice views of Mt. Bond and Franconia Ridge. At about 2.75 miles it reaches the walk-in Franconia Brook Campsite.

Osseo Trail: 4.0 miles (one way)
At 1.4 miles; the Osseo Trail diverges from the Lincoln Woods Trail and ends at the junction with the Flume Slide Trail. The beginning of the trail runs on old logging grades. The rest of the route is extremely difficult, requiring a series of steep ascents via short switchbacks, stone steps and wooden staircases.

Black Pond Trail : 0.8 miles
At 2.6 miles; this fairly level side trail travels for the most part on an old logging road to Black Pond. The path detours for a short stretch due to several brook crossings. Use caution as the brook crossings can be difficult in high water. The trail travels a little way up the west side of Black Pond for views of the 4,025 foot Owls Head. Further travel is discouraged by the placement of barriers across the road.

For More Information:

Lincoln Woods Visitor Center
Kancamagus Highway
Lincoln, NH

Phone: (603) 630-5190

Pemigewasset/Ammonoosuc Ranger District
RFD # 3, Box 15, Rte 175
Plymouth, NH  03264

Phone: (603) 536-1310
TTY: (603) 536-3281 or 711 (AT&T National Relay Services)

White Mountain National Forest Supervisor's Office
719 Main Street
Laconia, NH  03246

Phone: (603) 528-8721
TTY Users: (603) 528-8722 or 711 (AT&T National Relay Services)

Website: Mountains National Forest Recreation

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