Parking
Day & Multi-Day
Day Parking
Check the fold-out map or pdfs of the map for locations of parking spots along the route. They are, of course, designated by a red circled "P". Not all of these are amenable for overnight parking, look for the ones that have the "P" in a black circle for overnight spots. Scroll below to find info about the parking lots for multi day stays.
Multi-Day Parking
Notes on Overnight Parking:
Leaving your car for more than one day requires a parking space that will not be an issue with the local police departments. A phone call to the local police department can assist you to find a good parking spot, and helped me in putting together the list below! Obviously, although the region is considered to be safe, DO NOT leave valuables in your car. As you would expect, parking lot owners will NOT be responsible for your belongings. If you are staying in a campground or motel at the start or end of your trip, it is likely that you can leave your car there in an out-of-the-way spot, check with the owners.
Here is where you can park for one or more overnights:
Woodsville:
There is a small parking lot for about 12 cars very close to the trail and to the start point at the Connecticut River, Route 302. It is located at the intersection of Oak Hill Street and North Court Street off of Monroe Street (Route 135) near the Haverhill-Bath Covered Bridge, opposite and downhill from the caboose and The Party Store. Turn into Oak Hill Street and the parking lot will be immediately on your right. There is a Dero Fix-it station (air pump and tools) plus a trash can at this lot.
To access the xNHAT from there, you can ride up Oak Hill Street which winds around onto Railroad Street which runs parallel to Route 302. Continue straight past the Iron Rail Restaurant and you will eventually see the orange gate that marks the beginning of the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail. This entrance is across route 302 from Dunkin Donuts and the Gather Together Cafe (both are good spots for coffee and tea before your ride).
Here is a satellite photo of the lot, circled:
Littleton:
The parking procedure in Littleton municipal lots has changed. You now must obtain and pay for a Parking Pass from Police Department (www.littletonpd.org) and display it on your vehicle ($10 per overnight). With the pass, you can park for a maximum of 3 overnights. You can get the pass online, or stop in at the office at 2 Kittridge Lane, M-F from 8am-6pm. Call them for more info: 603-444-7711.
For the form, go to the Parking page (top of their homepage) on the website and look for "Municipal Lot Overnight Visitor Pass", or click this link
The 2 parking lots located conveniently to the xNHAT where you can use this overnight pass and have good availability are located off of Pleasant Street. One is behind the Easy Wash laundromat and the other is across the street, behind the Jax Jr movie theater. See the map on the Police Department webpage: https://www.littletonpd.org/parking
Gorham:
On Railroad Street, near the town park at the intersection of Routes 16 and 2, is a railroad station museum and some historic railroad cars. With permission, overnight parking is allowed on the side of Railroad Street, across from the park and east of the railroad museum, in the dirt area next to the railroad tracks. To get permission, you just need to stop in the police station and tell them that you plan to park for the overnights. The police station is also on Railroad Street, across from the museum in the big brick building along the west side of the park.
Bethel:
The Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce located at 8 Station Place, is allowing vehicles to park for multiple days in their lot which is very close to the recreation path that leads to Davis Park. There are sufficient parking spaces so far this season, so you DO NOT need to contact the Bethel Chamber of Commerce to tell them you are parking in their lot. Just show up and park there! All they request is that you park on the far side of the parking lot away from their building. The Chamber Staff are enthusiastic supporters and cyclists, they are happy to give you the parking convenience!!
The only time we cannot park there is the first week in August (1st thru 8th, 2027) when the Rotary Club hosts a week-long yard sale in the parking lot area and the place is packed with cars and vendors! If you are planning to travel there in early August of 2027, keep this in mind. I will arrange for alternate parking and will post the info on the website. The local bike shop, Barker Mountain Bike Shop has always been willing to allow us to use their back parking lot during this week.
If you need a ride back to your car, there are available shuttle services.