Northern Rail Trail

The trail spans approximately 57 to 59 miles, offering various access points. You'll find amenities like information kiosks and welcome centers at different points along the route, which typically include parking areas. For specific parking locations, it's best to check local town resources along the trail's path from Lebanon to Boscawen.

Yes, the trail is largely considered 'Easy' to 'Easy-moderate' for recreational use, including jogging. Its nearly flat profile, typical of rail trails, minimizes strenuous climbs, making it enjoyable for various fitness levels. While some sections might have varied surfaces, the overall gentle grade is beginner-friendly.

The terrain is generally smooth with easy grades, but the surface material can vary. You'll encounter hard-packed stone dust, crushed gravel, coarse gravel, packed dirt, and cinder. Some sections, particularly in Grafton County, might have sandy spots or occasional exposed railroad ties. Running on these varied surfaces can engage more stabilizing muscles and offer a lower impact than continuous road running.

You can expect excellent and diverse scenery. Highlights include views of Mascoma Lake, Mirror Lake, and various river vistas. The trail meanders through farmlands, charming towns, and offers dense tree cover. Historically, you'll find artifacts from its past as part of the Boston to Montreal rail service, such as granite stonework, telltales, and restored depots like Potter Place. Impressive rock cuts near Mascoma Lake and the Keniston Covered Bridge are also notable sights.

The trail offers year-round recreational opportunities. The dense tree cover is especially appreciated during summer months for shade. Spring and fall offer beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures. Even in winter, it can be enjoyed, though surface conditions will vary with snow and ice.

Yes, the Northern Rail Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash and to clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and use the Northern Rail Trail. It is open to the public for recreational activities.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Northern Rail Trail, Mill Road, and Johnston Drive Park. It also connects with the Mascoma River Greenway, extending its reach even further.

While largely easy, some sections, particularly in Grafton County, might present a 'trickier' surface with sandy spots and occasional exposed railroad ties. The trail gradually ascends from Lebanon to its highest point in Orange, then gently slopes downhill towards Boscawen, offering slight elevation changes. Historically, look out for impressive rock cuts near Mascoma Lake and the Keniston Covered Bridge.

The specific section from Lebanon to Enfield, for example, is about 15.5 km (9.6 miles) and typically takes around 1 hour and 37 minutes to jog. The overall trail is 57-59 miles long, so jogging the entire length would require multiple hours or days, depending on your pace and chosen segments.

The trail offers various amenities, including restrooms, porta-potties, information kiosks, and welcome centers at different points along its length. These are typically found in or near the towns it passes through, such as Potter Place, which features a restored depot.