Presidential Rail Trail, NH

• 5-star trail
• 19 miles each way
• Medium difficulty | Moderate elevation
• Whitefield-Gorham, NH | White Mountains Region
. The image shows a person standing next to a bicycle, enjoying a scenic view of a forest with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. The individual is wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and bright pink attire.

The image shows a person standing next to a bicycle, enjoying a scenic view of a forest with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. The individual is wearing a helmet, sunglasses, and bright pink attire.

Asphalt,

Hardpack,

Rough,

Live Rail,

No Access, ⬤ Parking Expand ↓ Map

Trailspotting Map:

5★ Presidential Rail Trail
19.3 mi ea way, medium, gain 530 ft (780 ft E-W)
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

The Presidential Rail Trail threads its way through a river valley between peaks of the northern White Mountains and provides enticing views in all directions. Also, starting at either end of the trail leads to quick rewards, meaning that you don't have to ride the full length of the trail to get something great out of it.

From the western end of the trail closest to Interstate 93, your journey is entirely flat for the first five miles and includes a variety of terrain from woodland to wetland. A mile-and-a-half into the route you'll encounter the picturesque Cherry Pond boardwalk and viewpoint that looks out towards the northerly Mount Waumbek. Continue a little further and as you round a bend you'll be presented with wide panoramic mountain views that begin with the looming Cherry Mountain on your right.

Looking towards Mt Madison with Mt Adams beyond.

The middle of the trail also marks the watershed of two rivers - the Israel River heading west, and the Moose River heading east. Water is never far away from the Presidential Rail Trail. Wetlands provide great open views and several ponds along the route add impressive reflections of White Mountain peaks.

If you choose to start at the Gorham end you'll immediately need to contend with a slight upward incline, but it's reassuring to know that your return will be downhill. A heavily wooded trail leads you out of Gorham and crosses the Moose River three times. You'll be three miles out of Gorham before reaching the trail's signature mountain views. Though here these views are possibly the best you'll find along the whole trail - with persistent scenes of Mounts Madison, Adams and Jefferson to the south.

The image shows a person riding a bicycle on a dirt path through a natural landscape. The path is surrounded by greenery, with various plants and shrubs on either side. In the distance, there are mountains under a clear blue sky with few clouds. The cyclist is wearing a yellow top and dark pants.

Typical of the rail trail's surface condition.

Continuing beyond the Presidential Rail Trail on the old railroad route east past Gorham and then north towards Berlin on the Androscoggin Rail Trail can extend your journey for a further four miles. Unfortunately our recent attempt to ride this route was unsuccessful due to construction work, but we were able to enjoy the first mile that leads onto a very long elevated former railroad bridge across the Androscoggin River valley. On this trail expect to find a wide dirt and gravel road that is frequented by ATVs and some larger vehicles. Follow Trailspotting, as we'll be back with a trail review of the Androscoggin Rail Trail in the future.

Trail Conditions
Mostly hardpack surface with only some occasional rock dodging. Some single-track sections, particularly towards middle.

The image shows a natural landscape featuring a body of water in the foreground, surrounded by grasses and shrubs with autumnal red foliage. In the background, there is a mountain under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The scene is interesting due to the clear reflection of the mountain and sky in the water, as well as the contrast between the vibrant fall colors and the greenery.

Cherry Mountain looms large at the western end of the trail.

The image shows a wooden deck on a very long bridge, leading towards a forested area with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Gorham High Bridge links the Androscoggin Rail Trail.

A beautiful natural landscape with a large body of water in the foreground, surrounded by green shrubs and plants. In the background, there are mountains covered with dense green vegetation under a clear blue sky.

Cherry Pond viewpoint looking north towards Mt Waumbek.

Tangents:
• Link: Friends of the Presidential Rail Trail
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Presidential Rail Trail
• TrailLink: Presidential Rail Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Cherry Mountain (4 mi) · 4★ Starr King & Waumbek Mts (5-7 mi) · 5★ Jefferson Mt Caps Ridge (4 mi) · Show Map

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