10 Scenic New Hampshire Biking Trails Following Old Abandoned Railroads

I love a good mountain bike trail as much as anyone, but sometimes I just want a smooth, easy ride through beautiful scenery. That is exactly what you get on the old railroad trails of New Hampshire.

When the trains stopped running, the tracks were pulled up and the paths were left behind. Now they are some of the best biking trails in the state.

Wide, flat, and mostly free of rocks and roots. I have found ten of these rail trails that are absolutely worth exploring.

They wind through forests and farmlands, along rivers and past old mill buildings. You can ride for miles without seeing a car or climbing a steep hill.

The surfaces are packed gravel or dirt, perfect for hybrid bikes or mountain bikes. I spent a whole day on one trail that followed a river through a deep gorge.

The water was clear and cold, and the trees provided shade the whole way. That is the beauty of rail trails in New Hampshire.

You just pedal and enjoy.

1. Northern Rail Trail

Stretching nearly 60 miles from Boscawen all the way to Lebanon, the Northern Rail Trail is the crown jewel of New Hampshire’s rail trail network. It was built along the old Boston and Maine Railroad’s Northern Line.

This corridor was acquired by the state back in the mid-1990s, preserving it for generations of outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

The surface is a satisfying mix of packed granite dust, cinders, and crushed stone, making it rideable for most bikes with a bit of tire width.

Flat and friendly, the trail glides through the Mascoma River Valley. It continues past mirror-still lakes, and alongside babbling streams that make you want to stop and just breathe it all in.

Mirror Lake offers one of the most jaw-dropping views along the route, with Cardigan Mountain rising majestically in the background. Keep your eyes peeled for that cool trail tunnel running underneath Route 4, a quirky engineering highlight that feels like a bonus reward mid-ride.

Historic villages dot the route, each one telling its own quiet story of New Hampshire’s railroad era. Grab a trail map through Trail Finder before heading out, and plan for multiple stops along the way because this trail rewards the curious explorer.

Beginners will love the gentle grade, while experienced cyclists can rack up serious mileage. Address: Northern Rail Trail, Boscawen to Lebanon, NH.

This trail is genuinely one of the best long-distance rides the entire Northeast has to offer.

2. Presidential Recreational Rail Trail

Few rail trails anywhere in the country can claim views like this one. The Presidential Recreational Rail Trail runs from Whitefield and the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge all the way to Gorham, tracing the old Boston and Maine Railroad corridor.

It was once used to haul lumber and paper through New Hampshire’s rugged North Country.

Those mountain views are absolutely unreal. The trail skirts the northern edge of the White Mountains’ Presidential Range, and on a clear day, the peaks seem close enough to touch.

Wetlands, quiet ponds, and open meadows break up the forest stretches, keeping the scenery constantly changing and endlessly interesting.

Wildlife sightings here are practically guaranteed. Moose wander through the wetlands, wild turkeys strut across the path, and black bears occasionally remind you that this is their neighborhood too.

Bring binoculars because Cherry Pond, sitting within the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, is a legendary bird-watching spot that serious birders travel far to visit.

At the eastern end near Gorham, the Gorham Historical Society and Railroad Museum adds a fantastic layer of context to the whole ride. Old railroad artifacts and exhibits bring the trail’s history to life in a really satisfying way.

Plan your trip using the NH State Parks website for the most current trail conditions. Address: Presidential Recreational Rail Trail, Whitefield to Gorham, NH.

Pack snacks, charge your camera, and allow a full day to truly savor every stunning mile of this extraordinary route.

3. Nashua River Rail Trail

Smooth as silk and accessible to just about everyone, the Nashua River Rail Trail is the kind of ride that makes cycling feel effortless. Starting in Nashua and stretching south into Ayer, Massachusetts, this paved gem covers about 12.5 miles total, with roughly three miles of that sitting in New Hampshire territory.

Road bikers, casual riders, and families with little ones in tow all flock to this trail because the surface is genuinely exceptional. No rocks, no roots, no surprise gravel patches, just clean, well-maintained pavement rolling through wooded corridors, wetlands, and over pretty river crossings that make every mile feel like a reward.

The transition from New Hampshire into Massachusetts is seamless, and the trail connects communities in a way that feels both practical and joyful. Commuters use it, weekend warriors love it, and first-time cyclists find it the perfect introduction to rail trail riding.

Wetland areas along the route attract herons, ducks, and all kinds of wildlife that make surprise appearances while you pedal. The tree canopy provides welcome shade during summer months, keeping temperatures comfortable even on warmer days.

Parking and trailhead access in Nashua are straightforward, and the trail sees regular maintenance that keeps it in top condition year-round. Address: Nashua River Rail Trail, Nashua, NH to Ayer, MA.

If you are introducing someone to cycling for the very first time, this smooth, scenic, and welcoming route is the absolute perfect starting point.

4. Cotton Valley Rail Trail

Quirky, charming, and genuinely one of a kind, the Cotton Valley Rail Trail delivers a biking experience you simply cannot find anywhere else in New Hampshire. Running 12 miles between Wolfeboro and Wakefield, this trail hugs the gorgeous shores of both Crescent Lake and Lake Wentworth, offering water views that shimmer and sparkle on sunny days.

Here is the twist that makes Cotton Valley truly unique. The old railroad tracks are still in place, and the Cotton Valley Railroad club operates vintage speeder railcars along those same rails.

Cyclists share the corridor with these charming little vehicles, which means paying close attention and crossing tracks carefully is simply part of the adventure.

The surface blends packed stone dust, some pavement sections, and original ballast, so a hybrid or mountain bike handles things most comfortably. The terrain stays relatively gentle, making it manageable for riders of varying experience levels who want that Lakes Region scenery without a brutal workout.

Wolfeboro itself is worth exploring before or after the ride. Known affectionately as the oldest summer resort town in America, it has wonderful waterfront character and a relaxed small-town energy that pairs perfectly with a trail day.

Check shared-use guidelines on the Cross New Hampshire Lakes Trail resource before visiting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the rail-with-trail setup. Address: Cotton Valley Rail Trail, Wolfeboro to Wakefield, NH.

The combination of lake views, living railroad history, and relaxed riding pace makes this trail a genuinely memorable outing.

5. Sugar River Recreational Rail Trail

Two massive covered railroad bridges. That is the headline, the showstopper, the reason cyclists from across New England make the drive out to western New Hampshire specifically for this trail.

The Sugar River Recreational Rail Trail runs nearly 10 miles from Newport to Claremont, and those two historic covered bridges are the stuff of cycling bucket lists.

Originally engineered tall enough to accommodate the towering steam engines of the railroad era, these timber-frame marvels are now yours to pedal straight through. The feeling of riding through them, with the river rushing below and the wooden structure framing everything around you, is genuinely magical and unlike almost anything else on two wheels.

Beyond the bridges, the trail follows the Sugar River through a landscape of pastoral beauty. Riverside views appear around nearly every bend, and the relatively compact 9.5-mile length means the whole route can be completed comfortably without feeling rushed or exhausted.

The surface of ballast, cinders, and sand calls for wider tires, so leave the road bike at home and bring something with a bit more grip. The trail stays quiet on weekdays, making those mornings feel almost private, like the whole river valley belongs to you alone.

An additional short segment, the Bobby Woodman Rail Trail, adds a little extra mileage near Claremont for those wanting to extend the adventure. Address: Sugar River Recreational Rail Trail, Newport to Claremont, NH.

Those covered bridges alone justify every mile of the drive to get here.

6. Cheshire Recreational Rail Trail

Forty-two miles of forested splendor connect Fitzwilliam to Walpole along the Cheshire Recreational Rail Trail, making it one of the longest and most rewarding rail trail rides in the entire state. Converted from an old railroad line, this gravel and stone dust path threads through some of southern New Hampshire’s most beautifully preserved landscapes.

The trail passes through Troy, Keene, and Westmoreland, each town offering its own distinct character and charm. In Keene, an absolutely gorgeous stone arch bridge spans the Ashuelot River, and it is the kind of structure that makes you stop, lean your bike against the railing, and just stare for a few minutes.

Troy adds another historical layer with a beautifully preserved old railroad depot that transports your imagination straight back to the steam era. These architectural remnants scattered along the route give the Cheshire Trail a depth that purely recreational paths simply cannot match.

Autumn transforms this trail into something almost otherworldly. Maple, oak, and birch trees explode into color along the entire corridor, and the relatively flat grade means you can actually look up and enjoy the foliage without worrying about crashing.

Trail conditions and current layout information are available through the NH State Parks website, which is worth checking before a long outing. Address: Cheshire Recreational Rail Trail, Fitzwilliam to North Walpole, NH.

For cyclists who want history, scenery, and serious mileage wrapped into one long, satisfying day, the Cheshire Trail absolutely delivers on every front.

7. Ashuelot Rail Trail

Winding alongside the Ashuelot River for over 21 miles between Keene and Winchester, the Ashuelot Rail Trail is the kind of ride that slows you down in the best possible way. Southern New Hampshire shows off its quieter, more contemplative side out here, where mature trees arch overhead and the river keeps you company for most of the journey.

Cyclists often combine this trail with the Cheshire Recreational Rail Trail to create an epic multi-day adventure through the region. Together they form a substantial network of off-road riding that showcases the rolling, wooded character of the Granite State’s southwestern corner in spectacular fashion.

The surface of ballast, gravel, and sand rewards riders on hybrid or mountain bikes who appreciate a slightly more rugged feel underfoot. Traction stays reliable through most seasons, though spring can bring softer sections that add a little extra challenge and excitement to the experience.

River vistas appear regularly along the route, and the Ashuelot moves at a gentle, unhurried pace that mirrors the trail’s overall mood perfectly. Herons stand motionless in the shallows, kingfishers dart between branches, and the whole scene feels wonderfully removed from the noise of everyday life.

Trailhead access is available in both Keene and Winchester, giving riders flexibility to plan point-to-point or out-and-back routes depending on energy and time. Address: Ashuelot Rail Trail, Keene to Winchester, NH.

Quiet, scenic, and deeply satisfying, this trail rewards anyone willing to trade speed for atmosphere on a beautiful New Hampshire afternoon.

8. Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail

Two branches, 43 total miles, and enough variety to satisfy mountain bikers, casual cruisers, and everyone in between. The Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail fans out from Manchester in two directions, one branch heading toward Fremont and the other pushing east toward Portsmouth, covering wildly different terrain along each corridor.

The Fremont branch is the wilder of the two, rolling through sandy, forested terrain that mountain bike tires absolutely love. Tree cover is dense, the path feels adventurous, and the whole experience carries a backcountry energy that surprises riders expecting a typical rail trail.

Head east toward Portsmouth instead, and the vibe shifts noticeably. The crushed stone surface smooths out, the corridor opens up slightly, and the ride begins near the massive Lake Massabesic, which provides a gorgeous watery backdrop for the first several miles of the eastern branch.

Both branches pass through classic New Hampshire landscapes, including mixed forests, wetlands, and quiet rural stretches that feel genuinely far removed from urban life even when Manchester is just a few miles behind you. Wildlife sightings are common, and the trail sees enough use to feel welcoming without ever feeling crowded.

Parking areas and trailhead access points exist at multiple locations along both branches, making logistics straightforward for riders of all experience levels. Address: Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail, Manchester to Fremont and Manchester to Portsmouth, NH.

Two trails for the price of one outing makes the Rockingham system one of the smartest choices in the entire state for a full day of riding.

9. Goffstown Rail Trail

Short, sweet, and surprisingly satisfying, the Goffstown Rail Trail packs a lot of charm into its 5.5 miles. Running from the edge of Manchester out to the quaint town of Goffstown, this accessible little trail is the kind of neighborhood gem that locals treasure and visitors consistently underestimate.

The transition from city fringe to small-town character happens gradually and beautifully along this route. Manchester’s urban edges give way to increasingly dense woodland, and by the time the Piscataquog River crossing arrives, the whole atmosphere feels genuinely peaceful and removed from the city’s energy.

That river crossing is a highlight worth savoring. The view from the bridge over the Piscataquog is lovely in every season, but autumn turns it into something truly special, with reflected foliage colors turning the water into a living painting beneath your wheels.

The surface blends stone dust and pavement sections, keeping things smooth and approachable for riders on almost any type of bike. Families with young cyclists find this trail particularly welcoming because the manageable length means nobody ends the day completely exhausted and grumpy.

Goffstown itself rewards a post-ride wander, with a classic New England town center that feels authentically unhurried and friendly. Grab a snack, rest your legs, and appreciate the simple pleasure of a well-maintained community trail.

Address: Goffstown Rail Trail, Manchester to Goffstown, NH. Sometimes the best rides are not the longest ones, and this charming little corridor proves that point with every single pedal stroke.

10. Derry Rail Trail and Salem Bike-Ped Corridor

Paved, polished, and perfectly designed for maximum accessibility, the Derry Rail Trail and Salem Bike-Ped Corridor combine to create a continuous 9.2-mile route that southeastern New Hampshire families and commuters absolutely adore. Running from Windham through to Salem, this smooth corridor is as welcoming as rail trails get.

Road bikes glide effortlessly on the clean asphalt surface, and parents pushing jogging strollers share the path comfortably with cyclists of every age and ability level. The inclusive design philosophy behind this trail makes it one of the most genuinely community-oriented routes in the state.

Tree-lined suburban corridors keep the route feeling green and pleasant even as it passes through developed areas. The consistent canopy overhead creates a shaded tunnel effect during summer that makes warm-weather rides genuinely comfortable and inviting throughout the day.

Multiple town connections along the route add practical value beyond pure recreation. Riders can use this trail to actually get somewhere useful, which adds a commuter energy that distinguishes it from purely scenic wilderness routes and gives it a lively, purposeful character.

Parking and trailhead access points are well-marked and plentiful, removing the logistical headaches that sometimes discourage casual riders from exploring new trails. The well-maintained surface and clear signage make the whole experience feel effortless from start to finish.

Address: Derry Rail Trail and Salem Bike-Ped Corridor, Windham to Salem, NH. Pack the family, pump up the tires, and roll out onto this beautifully accessible trail that proves rail trail riding does not need to be rugged to be absolutely wonderful.