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Best rail trail hikes in New Hampshire
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Best rail trail hikes in New Hampshire

Ready for some outdoor fun? These hikes offer everything you could want for an unforgettable adventure!

Here are some great hikes to explore in New Hampshire.

Most popular hikes

1

Easy

Onway Lake West Loop

Rockingham County, New Hampshire · star 4.6 (21) · 3.8 km · Est. 55 min

2

Easy

Sip Pond via Monadnock Recreational Rail Trail Out and Back

Cheshire County, New Hampshire · star 4.4 (17) · 2.5 km · Est. 30 min

3

Easy

Little Cherry and Cherry Pond Via Presidential Rail Trail

Coos County, New Hampshire · star 4.5 (25) · 8.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 46 min

4

Easy

Profile Recreational Trail from Trudeau Road

Grafton County, New Hampshire · star 5.0 (7) · 2.0 km · Est. 24 min

5

Difficult

Mount Madison to Adams Five to Mount Franklin

Coos County, New Hampshire · star 4.3 (19) · 31.4 km · Est. 2 days

6

Easy

Hooksett Riverwalk Trail

Merrimack County, New Hampshire · star 4.5 (26) · 3.6 km · Est. 43 min

7

Easy

Presidential Rail Trail

Coos County, New Hampshire · star 4.5 (26) · 30.9 km · Est. 6 hrs 31 min

8

Easy

Pratt Pond via Mason Railroad Trail

Hillsborough County, New Hampshire · star 4.6 (25) · 22.1 km · Est. 4 hrs 35 min

9

Easy

Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail

Rockingham County, New Hampshire · star N/A (0) · 48.9 km · Est. 2 days

10

Easy

Dover Community Trail

Strafford County, New Hampshire · star 4.4 (26) · 13.4 km · Est. 2 hrs 47 min

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for rail trail hikes in New Hampshire

Rep. Ariel Lind avatar

Onway Lake West Loop

PathSummitscout18 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Lang Grant avatar

Sip Pond via Monadnock Recreational Rail Trail Out and Back

TrekSprinter27 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Shani West IV avatar

Little Cherry and Cherry Pond Via Presidential Rail Trail

SpruceAlpinist23 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Mrs. Mike Abbott avatar

Profile Recreational Trail from Trudeau Road

AshTrailfinder29 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Rico Labadie avatar

Mount Madison to Adams Five to Mount Franklin

RangerClimber29 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in New Hampshire

What is the climate like for hiking in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a unique hiking experience. Spring (March-May) is mild but can be muddy due to snowmelt. Summer (June-August) offers the warmest hiking conditions, but staying hydrated is essential.
Fall (September-November), with its mild temperatures and vivid autumn colors, is a favorite among hikers. Winter (December-February) can be challenging due to cold and snow, but it offers serene beauty for well-equipped hikers. Always check the weather before heading out. The New Hampshire State Parks (https://www.nhstateparks.org/) and the Mount Washington Observatory (https://www.mountwashington.org/) provide valuable information.

Do I need a permit to hike in New Hampshire?

Most hiking trails in New Hampshire do not require permits, but certain activities like camping or fishing might. For more details and to obtain necessary permits, it's advisable to check with the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation (https://www.nhstateparks.org/) and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/).

Is wild camping allowed in New Hampshire?

Wild camping in New Hampshire is generally allowed in national forests with some restrictions, while it's limited in state parks to designated campgrounds. Always follow Leave No Trace principles. For camping regulations, refer to the White Mountain National Forest website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain) and the New Hampshire State Parks site (https://www.nhstateparks.org/).

Are there mountain rescue services in New Hampshire?

For emergencies during hiking in New Hampshire, dial 911 to reach local authorities who will coordinate with the appropriate rescue services. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Law Enforcement Division also assists with search and rescue operations. Visit their website for more information (https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/law-enforcement/index.html).

Are there dangerous plants in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire's hiking trails wind through forests of birch, beech, and maple, with beautiful wildflowers blooming in spring and summer. Hikers should be aware of poison ivy in wooded areas. For more information on local flora, the New Hampshire Wildflowers website (https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/habitat/types.html#:~:text=Appalachian%20oak%2Dpine%20forests%20are,mountain%20laurel%2C%20and%20sugar%20maple.) is a great resource.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in New Hampshire?

Hikers in New Hampshire may encounter a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, moose, and numerous bird species. Ticks and mosquitoes are common during warmer months. Black bears are present but seldom seen. Visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's website (https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/) for detailed wildlife information.

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