Trail Information
Click to link:
Click to link:
What is the Surface Like?
What Bicycle to Ride?
What About Food?
Where to Stay?
Is There a Bike Shop? Rentals?
Parking, Day and Multi day
Shuttle Services
Trail Conditions Update
Bike the Route and Earn a PATCH!!
What Bicycle to Ride?
What About Food?
Where to Stay?
Is There a Bike Shop? Rentals?
Parking, Day and Multi day
Shuttle Services
Trail Conditions Update
Bike the Route and Earn a PATCH!!
Brief Description of Trail Sections
Traveling West to East:
Woodsville to Lisbon 10.3 miles
This section is on the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail. Share the trail with ATVs, they support the upkeep for the trail through their volunteer efforts, registration fees, club memberships and gas taxes. The xNHAT is a member of the club and helps with work and funding.
The surface of this rail trail is ballast, dirt and gravel, with sections of a smooth solid ledgpack.. Sometimes the surfaces are tedious, but take your time, it gets better, nice riding, then worse again. This is a scenic rail trail which travels alongside the Ammonoosuc River and through the woods. There are 3 bridges, 2 over the river, and the trail goes underneath the historic Bath Covered Bridge. Go up to the covered bridge and cross it to see The Brick Store (unfortunately closed now). Watch for potholes and washboard, particularly at road crossings and the gates..
Lisbon to River Road 3.7 miles
Paved quiet backroads. Easy riding on good pavement, recently fixed with sections of smooth ledgepack. Yes, you could stay on the rail trail all the way to Littleton, but the route gets off the rail trail here to enjoy some quiet paved backroads, just for a change of surface and scenery. Due to rail trail improvements over the past 2 years, it is fine to stay on the rail trail in this section. If you are doing and out/back, take the road eastward and retrun via the rail trail.
River Road to Littleton 6.3 miles
Mixed media combination of paved backroad, dirt road and dirt rail trail into the town of Littleton. The route is scenic as it parallels the Ammonoosuc River.
In Littleton, enjoy the newly surfaced rail trail! 4.5 miles eastward from Industrial Park Road to Oxbow Drive
At the beginning of May, 2022 a 4.5 mile section of rail trail was completed in Littleton heading eastward towards Bethlehem. ATVs are not allowed on this section. In September and October of 2025, this section was surfaced with a solid, smooth ledgepack. Everyone, of any age and any ability, can now enjoy this section of rail trail!
It is a goal of the xNHAT to get cyclists OFF of hilly and busy Route 116 and ON to a quiet, smooth traffic-free scenic rail trail. We are proud to be a part of the new rail trail extension and surface improvement. From Oxbow, the "End of the Line" for now, you must get back onto Route 116 to bike to Whitefield. We are working to extend the rail trail further east!!
BTW, your donations and our grant awards are what is funding the extension and surface improvements! THANK YOU!
If you want to stop in Littleton for lodging, food, bike shop, coffee, grocery store, brewery, etc. get off of the rail trail at one of 3 bike/ped bridges: a defunct road, a suspension bridge or a covered bridge. Most fun is the suspension or covered bridge. Access the suspension bridge at the rail trail crossing at Riverside Road. Go across the front yard of the pumpkin colored house on a public pathway. You will see the suspension bridge just next to the pumpkin colored house, on the east side. Walk your bike! For the covered bridge, use the pathway in front of the pumpkin colored house but stay on the stonedust riverside bike path about 0.2 mile to the covered bridge. The Schilling Brewery is right at the other side of the bridge, as is access to the town's Main Street.
Oxbow Drive to Whitefield 10.9 miles
When you reach Oxbow Drive (a dirt road), the rail trail ends (for now) so you must exit the rail trail and ride up to Route 116 a short distance using Oxbow Drive. Once on Rote 116, you are a road rider again, ride cautiously on this paved primary road as Route 116 is shared with cars and trucks. This section is the only section of the entire xNHAT route that is NOT a quiet backcountry road or trail. In addition to some traffic, this section has has some hill climbing. There is a moderate shoulder, please stay on the shoulder in single file, and use caution. If you are used to biking on the road you will not have any issues with this. There is a good shoulder, good pavement and a good line of sight. You will notice, as you climb the hill in low gear, the abandoned railroad bed below you, close to the road. This rail bed is in the process of becoming a rail trail, another 2.6 miles of rail trail to be included in the xNHAT in the summer of 2026!
Whitefield to Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge 4.6 miles
Route 116 here is not as busy, and once you turn onto Airport Road you will be treated to a really nice road to bike including excellent views of the Presidential Mountain Range and Cherry Mountain (hope for a clear day!).
Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge to Valley Road 6.6 miles
BEST SECTION FOR FAMILIES!!
SO scenic. A marvelous ride to the pond with Presidential Range, Pliny Range, Mt Martha and Cherry Mountain views. Look for birds, moose, bear and beaver in the pond and wetlands. Great views from the observation deck on the pond. At the end of the 4 mile Pondicherry section at Rt 115a/Meadows Road turn left and then in less than a mile turn right on Israel River Road. This paved section is quiet, scenic, and the Israel River Campground is a good place to stop for a snack or a bathroom break. It is also a good place to camp...enjoy their hot tub! The reason you are routed off the rail trail is for the views on these quiet backroads. The rail trail has obstructed views due to the tree cover.
Valley Road to the Presidential Rail Trail 3 miles
More Views!!!
Valley Road is a wonderful dirt backroad with excellent views of the Presidential Range. It has fields of purple lupines in the month of June, a photographer's paradise. Conditions of the roadway vary from nice smooth packed dirt to loose dirt or washboard, depending on the timing of the most recent road grading (most recent in October of 2025). On the dirt section of Valley Road, past the white house with stellar view, you will see Paradise Meadows, a free camping area (see Lodgings page for details). There is often a cooler on the roadside with bottles of cold water, free for bikers and walkers!
Presidential Rail Trail to Gorham 11 miles
Get back onto the Presidential Rail Trail at Jefferson Notch Road. Horses, walkers, bikers and hikers all enjoy this section. The Israel River Bridge is a great spot to stop for a break, to eat lunch or to take a dip in the river. After reaching the height of land at the Bowman parking lot, enjoy the 9 miles of downhill into Gorham! ON the way, note the Snyder Brook Bridge, a Pony Truss Bridge, a historic landmark. This section of trail ends in Gorham at a large parking lot for trail users, ATV usage of the Presidential Rail Trail begins at this point, traveling eastward. If food or lodging is desired, off road access to the Town of Gorham is available across from the parking area on a recreation path. Access this pathway at the western end of the parking lot, carefully cross Route 2 and go around the orange/yellow gate marking the start of the route. Cross the bridge, travel downhill and eventually though a small neighborhood near the airport and arrive at Route 16. Take a right on Route 16 for many options for food and lodging.
Gorham to Hogan Road 1.3 miles
The rail trail in this area is shared with ATVs. The trail is ballast and dirt, some gravel and sand, too. A high bridge over the Androscoggin River and Route 16 provides great views. Share the lumps and bumps with the ATVS for a half mile, but after crossing the power canal, you exit the Presidential Rail Trail on the right to head up to Hogan Road. Watch for this right turn shortly after crossing the small wooden decked bridge over the power canal. Take a right onto a signed, blue blazed, short hiking path right after the canal bridge. Or you can ride just a it further and take a right into a construction parking area/clearing and walk up the short steep jeep road to join Hogan Road under the power lines. Then go right on Hogan Road to head towards Bethel.
Hogan Road to North Road 5.4 miles
Scenic and interesting, Hogan Road travels on the north side of the Androscoggin River. Dams and power stations are on the river. There may be a few cars, jeeps or ATVs on this dirt road, listen for them. Watch for potholes and loose rocks.
ROAD CONDITIONS NOTICE! Hogan Road was damaged by the Halloween Storm of 2017. The damage has packed down over the years and is not as bad as it once was! Hogan Road is beautiful, and an adventure requiring some walk-bike on the short uphills and washed out downhills. A culvert and a small bridge were washed out but have been repaired and replaced. The rubbly section lasts for about 1 mile. It is ridable by many who have a mountain bike and/or good skills on the rocky rubble. The rest of us may hop off the bike in a few spots for a short walk. Look for the osprey next near the pier lines that cross the river. The ospreys will be looking our for YOU, they may buzz you, especially now while they are tending their young.
North Road to Bethel 18 miles
This quiet shady paved back road is considered a gem by the local cyclists. Excellent ride on rolling terrain. There are some short steeper climbs along the way. This road is an excellent out-and-back day ride even on the busiest summer trafficy day. All traffic stays on Route 2, while North Road remains quiet and shady.
The Bethel Pathway 1.1 mile
SHORT BUT EXCELLENT SECTION FOR FAMILIES WITH BEGINNER CYCLISTS!!!
The last 1.1 mile of the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail uses the local flat paved riverside recreation path in Bethel. There is a parking lot, porta potty, picnic tables, playground and skate park. Great food, coffee and ice cream are nearby. The Bethel Pathway
Woodsville to Lisbon 10.3 miles
This section is on the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail. Share the trail with ATVs, they support the upkeep for the trail through their volunteer efforts, registration fees, club memberships and gas taxes. The xNHAT is a member of the club and helps with work and funding.
The surface of this rail trail is ballast, dirt and gravel, with sections of a smooth solid ledgpack.. Sometimes the surfaces are tedious, but take your time, it gets better, nice riding, then worse again. This is a scenic rail trail which travels alongside the Ammonoosuc River and through the woods. There are 3 bridges, 2 over the river, and the trail goes underneath the historic Bath Covered Bridge. Go up to the covered bridge and cross it to see The Brick Store (unfortunately closed now). Watch for potholes and washboard, particularly at road crossings and the gates..
Lisbon to River Road 3.7 miles
Paved quiet backroads. Easy riding on good pavement, recently fixed with sections of smooth ledgepack. Yes, you could stay on the rail trail all the way to Littleton, but the route gets off the rail trail here to enjoy some quiet paved backroads, just for a change of surface and scenery. Due to rail trail improvements over the past 2 years, it is fine to stay on the rail trail in this section. If you are doing and out/back, take the road eastward and retrun via the rail trail.
River Road to Littleton 6.3 miles
Mixed media combination of paved backroad, dirt road and dirt rail trail into the town of Littleton. The route is scenic as it parallels the Ammonoosuc River.
In Littleton, enjoy the newly surfaced rail trail! 4.5 miles eastward from Industrial Park Road to Oxbow Drive
At the beginning of May, 2022 a 4.5 mile section of rail trail was completed in Littleton heading eastward towards Bethlehem. ATVs are not allowed on this section. In September and October of 2025, this section was surfaced with a solid, smooth ledgepack. Everyone, of any age and any ability, can now enjoy this section of rail trail!
It is a goal of the xNHAT to get cyclists OFF of hilly and busy Route 116 and ON to a quiet, smooth traffic-free scenic rail trail. We are proud to be a part of the new rail trail extension and surface improvement. From Oxbow, the "End of the Line" for now, you must get back onto Route 116 to bike to Whitefield. We are working to extend the rail trail further east!!
BTW, your donations and our grant awards are what is funding the extension and surface improvements! THANK YOU!
If you want to stop in Littleton for lodging, food, bike shop, coffee, grocery store, brewery, etc. get off of the rail trail at one of 3 bike/ped bridges: a defunct road, a suspension bridge or a covered bridge. Most fun is the suspension or covered bridge. Access the suspension bridge at the rail trail crossing at Riverside Road. Go across the front yard of the pumpkin colored house on a public pathway. You will see the suspension bridge just next to the pumpkin colored house, on the east side. Walk your bike! For the covered bridge, use the pathway in front of the pumpkin colored house but stay on the stonedust riverside bike path about 0.2 mile to the covered bridge. The Schilling Brewery is right at the other side of the bridge, as is access to the town's Main Street.
Oxbow Drive to Whitefield 10.9 miles
When you reach Oxbow Drive (a dirt road), the rail trail ends (for now) so you must exit the rail trail and ride up to Route 116 a short distance using Oxbow Drive. Once on Rote 116, you are a road rider again, ride cautiously on this paved primary road as Route 116 is shared with cars and trucks. This section is the only section of the entire xNHAT route that is NOT a quiet backcountry road or trail. In addition to some traffic, this section has has some hill climbing. There is a moderate shoulder, please stay on the shoulder in single file, and use caution. If you are used to biking on the road you will not have any issues with this. There is a good shoulder, good pavement and a good line of sight. You will notice, as you climb the hill in low gear, the abandoned railroad bed below you, close to the road. This rail bed is in the process of becoming a rail trail, another 2.6 miles of rail trail to be included in the xNHAT in the summer of 2026!
Whitefield to Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge 4.6 miles
Route 116 here is not as busy, and once you turn onto Airport Road you will be treated to a really nice road to bike including excellent views of the Presidential Mountain Range and Cherry Mountain (hope for a clear day!).
Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge to Valley Road 6.6 miles
BEST SECTION FOR FAMILIES!!
SO scenic. A marvelous ride to the pond with Presidential Range, Pliny Range, Mt Martha and Cherry Mountain views. Look for birds, moose, bear and beaver in the pond and wetlands. Great views from the observation deck on the pond. At the end of the 4 mile Pondicherry section at Rt 115a/Meadows Road turn left and then in less than a mile turn right on Israel River Road. This paved section is quiet, scenic, and the Israel River Campground is a good place to stop for a snack or a bathroom break. It is also a good place to camp...enjoy their hot tub! The reason you are routed off the rail trail is for the views on these quiet backroads. The rail trail has obstructed views due to the tree cover.
Valley Road to the Presidential Rail Trail 3 miles
More Views!!!
Valley Road is a wonderful dirt backroad with excellent views of the Presidential Range. It has fields of purple lupines in the month of June, a photographer's paradise. Conditions of the roadway vary from nice smooth packed dirt to loose dirt or washboard, depending on the timing of the most recent road grading (most recent in October of 2025). On the dirt section of Valley Road, past the white house with stellar view, you will see Paradise Meadows, a free camping area (see Lodgings page for details). There is often a cooler on the roadside with bottles of cold water, free for bikers and walkers!
Presidential Rail Trail to Gorham 11 miles
Get back onto the Presidential Rail Trail at Jefferson Notch Road. Horses, walkers, bikers and hikers all enjoy this section. The Israel River Bridge is a great spot to stop for a break, to eat lunch or to take a dip in the river. After reaching the height of land at the Bowman parking lot, enjoy the 9 miles of downhill into Gorham! ON the way, note the Snyder Brook Bridge, a Pony Truss Bridge, a historic landmark. This section of trail ends in Gorham at a large parking lot for trail users, ATV usage of the Presidential Rail Trail begins at this point, traveling eastward. If food or lodging is desired, off road access to the Town of Gorham is available across from the parking area on a recreation path. Access this pathway at the western end of the parking lot, carefully cross Route 2 and go around the orange/yellow gate marking the start of the route. Cross the bridge, travel downhill and eventually though a small neighborhood near the airport and arrive at Route 16. Take a right on Route 16 for many options for food and lodging.
Gorham to Hogan Road 1.3 miles
The rail trail in this area is shared with ATVs. The trail is ballast and dirt, some gravel and sand, too. A high bridge over the Androscoggin River and Route 16 provides great views. Share the lumps and bumps with the ATVS for a half mile, but after crossing the power canal, you exit the Presidential Rail Trail on the right to head up to Hogan Road. Watch for this right turn shortly after crossing the small wooden decked bridge over the power canal. Take a right onto a signed, blue blazed, short hiking path right after the canal bridge. Or you can ride just a it further and take a right into a construction parking area/clearing and walk up the short steep jeep road to join Hogan Road under the power lines. Then go right on Hogan Road to head towards Bethel.
Hogan Road to North Road 5.4 miles
Scenic and interesting, Hogan Road travels on the north side of the Androscoggin River. Dams and power stations are on the river. There may be a few cars, jeeps or ATVs on this dirt road, listen for them. Watch for potholes and loose rocks.
ROAD CONDITIONS NOTICE! Hogan Road was damaged by the Halloween Storm of 2017. The damage has packed down over the years and is not as bad as it once was! Hogan Road is beautiful, and an adventure requiring some walk-bike on the short uphills and washed out downhills. A culvert and a small bridge were washed out but have been repaired and replaced. The rubbly section lasts for about 1 mile. It is ridable by many who have a mountain bike and/or good skills on the rocky rubble. The rest of us may hop off the bike in a few spots for a short walk. Look for the osprey next near the pier lines that cross the river. The ospreys will be looking our for YOU, they may buzz you, especially now while they are tending their young.
North Road to Bethel 18 miles
This quiet shady paved back road is considered a gem by the local cyclists. Excellent ride on rolling terrain. There are some short steeper climbs along the way. This road is an excellent out-and-back day ride even on the busiest summer trafficy day. All traffic stays on Route 2, while North Road remains quiet and shady.
The Bethel Pathway 1.1 mile
SHORT BUT EXCELLENT SECTION FOR FAMILIES WITH BEGINNER CYCLISTS!!!
The last 1.1 mile of the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail uses the local flat paved riverside recreation path in Bethel. There is a parking lot, porta potty, picnic tables, playground and skate park. Great food, coffee and ice cream are nearby. The Bethel Pathway
Did you ride the route Border to Border? Did you ride any part of the route???
If you have traveled part of the route, however short, you can get a Colorful Sticker and Very Special Paper Clip!!
For completing every inch, End-to End, you deserve this
Celebratory Colorful Highly Coveted Embroidered End-to-Ender Patch ...and a Sticker, too!
Send your mailing address to [email protected] to get your awards!
Contact Us:
Disclaimer: The Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail and the authors of the website, social media and maps strive to prepare accurate information about the route and the conditions. However, they make no warranty, representation, or guaranty as to the accuracy of any information presented. Conditions on the route can change without warning due to weather, flooding, wear and tear, construction, tree falls, vehicles on the route, etc. You should verify the accuracy of all information obtained from this web site, wear a helmet and abide by safe bicycling standards. By using or relying on any material contained on this site, the user knowingly waives any and all claims for damages against any and all of the entities comprising the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail that may arise from the contained information.