Marianne Borowski of xNHAT on the North of Normal Podcast with Amanda McKeen

Marianne Borowski with Amanda McKeen from the North of Normal Podcast in Littleton, New Hampshire

In this episode of North of Normal, Amanda McKeen sits down with Marianne Borowski, the driving force behind the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail, for a conversation that goes well beyond the trail itself. Marianne shares the story of growing up in a Polish-American family, her father’s remarkable journey through war and immigration, and a career in biotechnology that eventually led her to make a very different choice for her life. After decades of intense work in science, Marianne retired young, embraced cycling and the outdoors, and began building a life centered around adventure, curiosity, and being outside.

The conversation also explores how a cross-country bicycle trip helped inspire Marianne to create a connected trail route across New Hampshire and into Maine. Today, the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail spans 83 miles and brings together rail trails, community trails, and quiet roads while connecting towns, people, businesses, and outdoor recreation opportunities along the way. Marianne talks about the collaboration, persistence, and sometimes unlikely partnerships required to keep improving the trail, as well as the economic and community benefits she is seeing as more people discover it. For Marianne, the trail is about much more than getting from one place to another. It is about adventure, connection, progress, and creating a place where people can experience a little more joy.