Sugar River Rail Trail & Bobby Woodman, NH

• 5-star trail
• 11 miles each way
• Moderate | Moderate gradient
• Newport to Claremont, NH | Sunapee Region
. NH Rail Trails

The image shows a covered bridge in a forested area. The bridge is made of wood and has a pitched roof. The surrounding area is lush with green trees and vegetation. There is a dirt path leading into the bridge. On the right side of the bridge, there are two signs with the numbers '50' and '26' on them.

Wright's Covered Bridge.

Among the most picturesque rail trails in New Hampshire, the shady Sugar River Rail Trail intertwines with the wide and fast-flowing river from which it is named, over several river crossings including steel truss bridges and historic covered railroad bridges.

Historically the route of the Western section of the Concord & Claremont Railroad built in the 1870s, the state of New Hampshire had the foresight to buy this right-of-way after it was abandoned in 1977. The route is now a multi-use trail maintained in part by fees from snowmobilers and all-terrain vehicle owners, who share the trail with hikers, cyclists, equestrians and cross-country skiers.

⬤ Hardpack ⬤ Live Rail ⬤ No Access ⬤ Parking

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

1 2 5★ Sugar River & Bobby Woodman Rail Trails
9.5 & 1.8 mi ea way, moderate, gain 500ft (250ft E-W)
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

For the best out-and-back bicycle experience we advise starting at the West end by the Route 103 trailhead near Claremont. Here the Eastbound trail runs along the banks of the Sugar River on a surface that is mostly hardpack with short patches of occasional sand. Bikes with smaller tires and less seasoned riders may struggle with some of the trail conditions, and by starting at the less sandy West end and riding the gentle uphill gradient, the rider has the option to turn around and head back downhill depending on their comfort level. From the Western trailhead of the Sugar River Trail, the bridges are at mile 2.3 and 3.5 and the two steel truss bridges are at mile 6.1 and 6.5.

Walkers will also likely prefer starting at the Western end, though alternatively parking by Oak Street would start you by the two steel truss bridges and a Westerly 4 mile trek leads to the railroad bridges. Check out the interpretative sign by the parking lot to learn about the factories that once stood on this site, and the covered bridge that once carried Oak Street traffic across the river.

The image shows a scenic view of a river flowing through a lush, green landscape. On the right side of the river, there is a dirt path that winds through the trees and vegetation. The sky is partly cloudy with large, fluffy clouds, and the background features rolling hills covered in dense forest. The scene is tranquil and picturesque, making it interesting for nature enthusiasts and those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or biking along the river path.

Following closely to the Sugar River, the rail trail has great views.

One-way bicycle trippers will likely want to start in the East by the Claremont trailhead and head downhill. From here you'll experience the most numerous and deepest of sandy sections, which are at their worst in dry summer periods and immediately after being graded in the spring. Starting an out-and-back journey from here though, would set you up for an uphill return journey ending with the worst of the sandy conditions. Those with light gravel bikes or e-bikes might find the sand less of a problem however.

The 1.8 mile Bobby Woodman Rail Trail continues along the route in a Westerly direction, starting at the Route 103 Sugar River Trail trailhead and progressing as far as the remaining live railroad tracks just South of downtown Claremont. Instead of running alongside the river, this trail unfortunately runs between a highway and box-store parking lots for half its length, with the remaining distance traversing unremarkable residential neighborhoods.

The Sugar River Rail Trail is a genuine gem of a trail that's best explored between the months of May and October. All-terrain vehicles riding this route are most popular at weekends and holidays, so for the most tranquil visits we recommend a weekday visit where possible. Regardless of when you can visit however, this is a trail not to be missed.

⚠ Trail Conditions: Sugar River hardpack surface with occasional or sustained sandy sections at East end. Sandy sections can be hard going. Bobby Woodman has hardpack surface throughout.

This image shows an expansive landscape of lush green forest with a river winding through it. A covered bridge crosses over the river, adding a charming, rustic element. The scenery appears to extend over rolling hills and valleys, with more forested areas stretching out towards distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

Wright's Covered Bridge and the Sugar River, looking West.

This image features a rusted steel truss bridge spanning a rocky, shallow river. The bridge design, with exposed beams and trusses, gives it an industrial, historic look, contrasting with the surrounding greenery. Large rocks are scattered in the river, which flows gently beneath the bridge, creating a peaceful, natural setting. The trees on both sides suggest it’s located in a forested area, and the clear blue sky and sunlight enhance the vibrant summer atmosphere.

One of several steel bridges crossing the Sugar River.

Tangents:
• AllTrails Public: Sugar River, Bobby Woodman
• TrailLink: Sugar River
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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