Explore the best rated trails in Rochester, NH, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Northern Rail Trail and Eastern Promenade Trail . With more than 71 trails covering 425 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Great parking lot off rt3 in Hooksett. Packed gravel trail for the most part. Absolutely beautiful wetlands and woods. A wildlife paradise.
This was an OK trail. We enjoyed that it was pretty well marked with the exception of one crossing near some train tracks. Too many road crossing points. Portions of the trail were rough because of roots growing under the pavement. We actually saw a runner take a pretty nasty spill because of the rough surface. It was nice to check it out, but we won’t go out of our way to come back.
Trail connects to the Methuen Rail Trail via a confusing ramp (at the north end of the park). It’s narrow and turns a lot so you won’t go fast, but it’s paved and was easy to follow. MBTA commuter rail near the east end. I liked it because you see a bit of the city as get through safely.
Nice section starting from the Kennebunk elementary school parking lot. The trail switches to road riding in Biddeford turn left when the trail ends and you’ll see a Dunkin Donuts. Can you say coffee and pee
The trail itself is excellent. A great place for a leisurely walk, bike or skate between Newburyport and Amesbury with options to continue/connect to the rail trail for a longer trek. But while the trail is awesome, I don’t understand why people feel entitled to let their dogs roam off leash along the trail? This makes it not only uncomfortable for those walking, but dangerous for those biking or skating that don’t want to be chased by a dog, friendly or not, that can be the cause of an accident. It’s really not the dogs fault… it’s the owners ignorance and disrespect for anyone that shouldn’t have to alter what they are doing in order to be deal with your dog. If you want to walk your dog off leash, there are numerous other places nearby that can accommodate you.
This is a nice trail. It can be a bit hard to ride with road tires, much easier with a hybrid. You often run in to walkers, the people who use this trail are always friendly. It is a Part of the East Coast Greenway and a nice extension to the Topsfield / Danvers trail. I have run into "through riders" doing some part of the East Coast Greenway.
We did the first two miles from Park n Ride in Newburyport up until the intersection in Salisbury before returning back for the two mile trek back. Crossing over the Merrimack River 95 Bridge was beautiful. Recommend for all bikers but especially first time riders as it’s a smooth ride.
One of our favorite trails! Several locations to hop on or off the trail, whether you’re looking for a short walk or a more lengthy adventure. The swamp walk shouldn’t be missed. Enjoy ambling along the boardwalk through the swamp where you may see beavers, turtles, snakes or a great blue heron or two. I recommend parking at Choate Farm and following the well-marked wooded path through the woods to the rail trail. Kids love it!
I live in the area & have walked my dog using the section from S. Beech to Gold Street for years. A new section from Gold to Perimeter Road is finally completed as well. I can't wait to try the new section in the summer when I can ride my bike or rollerblade.
I traveled all the way from California with high expectations for this trail and I wasn't let down (except for the repairs being made on the damaged portion of the trail). It's all good. I made it work.
What an awesome trail for a mid October bike ride!
- The colors of the trees reflected upon the numerous ponds and lakes.
- The pleasant chirping and squawking of active birds.
- Leaves fluttering gently to the ground.
- A wide, smooth path carpeted in golden brown leaves.
- Historic buildings.
- Industrious squirrels.
- Old, historic stone walls.
- Deep, dark woods.
- Rolling, grass covered hills.
- Harvested pumpkins on a farm being sorted into bins.
- Goats, horses, and the friendliest trail users you could ever hope to cross paths with!
I took a leisurely four hours out and back and over 200 photos and video to capture my wonderful memories of this trail. Thank you Massachusetts and New Hampshire!
At only 2.1 miles, Eastern Promenade Trail packs a great deal of interest into its short length.
Starting near the Highway 295 bridge you'll be blessed with sensational views of the bay. Next, as you make your way past Fish Point, you'll be rewarded with the sight of massive cruise ships, vintage narrow gauge trains, and historic buildings.
What brought the greatest pleasure to me on this October Sunday morning bike ride were the throngs of people walking their dogs! It was like being at the National Dog Show! I had to stop at East End Beach which is essentially a dog park to watch the dogs happily play and cavort. This trail was most heavily populated with the dog walkers, joggers, and other pedestrians. We bicyclists were few and far between.
Be sure to combine this with the Back Cove Trail loop for nearly 8 miles of riding and get more bang for your buck!
(But do not bother combining it with another connecting trail - the Bayside Trail, which doesn't go along a bay and is about as appealing as riding down an alley)
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