New Boston Rail Trail NH

• 4-star trail
• 5 miles each way
• Moderate | Low Gradient
• New Boston, NH | Merrimack Region
. NH Rail Trails

The image shows a view of a small town surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. The town features a mix of residential and commercial buildings, including a prominent white church with a steeple, a red building that appears to be a general store or community center, and several houses. The roads are winding, and there is a bridge crossing a small river.

New Boston, New Hampshire.

With an October 2021 grand opening, the extended New Boston rail trail celebrated a new lease of life for the former railroad route, offering 3.9 miles of compacted gravel trail suitable for two legs, two wheels or even four hooves. Beyond the official route, we’ve also mapped the old railroad alignment to its historical terminus at the old passenger depot.

West of Manchester and built as a spur off the New Hampshire Central Railroad in 1893, the New Boston Railroad served two stations over five miles, tracing its way up the gentle slope of the South Branch Piscataquog River valley to the attractive town of New Boston itself.

Although the trail follows the river, including passing by the site of the former Wilson-Dicker lumber mill, virtually the whole journey is under shade of forest. Intermittent views of the river can be spotted from time to time, but for the best river valley views you’d have to take your chance on the adjacent auto road.

⬤ Hardpack ⬤ No Access ⬤ Parking

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ New Boston Rail Trail 4.8 miles each way, moderate, low gradient
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

There are still several things to see along the way, including dense evergreen forest at the North end, a new rustic footbridge resting on abutments that once served the prior rail bridge, the Lang Station building and then there's the 4H fairgrounds that were once the base of the Pinball Hill ski area.

Continue beyond the Southern limits of the rail trail for another 0.9 miles to the New Boston passenger depot – now a private residence – and grab some well-earned refreshment at the café in town, or from the old Dodge’s Country Store. This extended route crosses the 4H fairgrounds and along a wide gravel paved road, but is a legitimate right of way that traces the old railroad alignment.

⚠ Trail Conditions:
Hardpack trail throughout with dirt road and gravel segment closest to New Boston. Take care at the two road crossings which aren't ideal or well marked for road users.

The image shows a view of a winding road running alongside a river, surrounded by dense forest with trees displaying autumn colors. The road has a few cars traveling on it, and the river appears dark, possibly due to the reflection of the trees and the sky. The forest is lush and vibrant, with a mix of green, yellow, orange, and red foliage, indicating the changing seasons.

Following the banks of the South Branch Piscataquog River.

The image shows a person riding a bicycle on a dirt path through a forested area. The path is surrounded by tall trees, some of which have leaves that are changing color, indicating it is likely autumn. To the right of the path, there is a river or stream reflecting the blue sky and the colorful foliage.

Fall foliage and occasional river views.

The image shows a small stone building in a wooded area. The building has a sign with the word 'LANG' on it. There is a decorative compass rose on the side of the building, indicating the cardinal directions (N, E, S, W). Additionally, there are several smaller signs and notices posted on the side of the building.

The refurbished Lang Station building.

The image shows a picturesque house with a unique architectural design, featuring a round turret with a conical roof, a stone chimney, and a mix of stone and wood exterior. The house is surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with a dirt road running alongside it. The setting appears to be rural and serene, with a clear blue sky overhead.

The old New Boston passenger depot, now a private residence.

Tangents:
• Official: New Boston Rail Trail
• AllTrails Public: New Boston Rail Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
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