Sunday, June 12, 2021
***There is trail restoration work on the Presidential Rail Trail now happening during June. The Trail IS OPEN during this work project, just be cautious and follow the directions of the work crew. Say "Hi" to Chris, the excavator operator, as you pass by. He is going to expertly fix the drainage and washout issues on the trail!
***There is an extension of the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail in Littleton eastward from Industrial Park Road. YAY... BUT....IT IS NOT READY for biking, YET. So, follow the standard, classic xNHAT map, cue sheet and/or directions in this area. Use the standard route until all the work is done on the extension, then I will change the cue sheet and map, and update the route.
Here is some detail:
When you get to the end of the Rail Trail at Industrial Park Road, you will see "Frozen Adventures" ice cream on the parking lot to the right. The trail in development is on the left side of the parking lot. IGNORE this new trail, still under construction, for now! It is too rough! As directed by the map and cue sheet, take a left onto paved Industrial Park Road, then after a very short distance, maybe 100 yards, take your first right onto Riverside Drive, also a paved road. Follow the road until you see a pumpkin colored house on your left (not quite a mile?), just before a short steep rise in the road that goes slightly right to cross the former railroad bed (soon to be new trail!). Do not go up that little hill, don't cross the rail line. Instead, bear left onto a narrow dirt bike/ped pathway, right in front of the pumpkin colored house. You will feel like you are crossing their front yard! You are, and that is OK. Note the suspension bridge there, a fun way to get to the Main Street of Littleton! If you are not going to town, just follow the recreation path into the park. The xNHAT route will take you to Route 302 and towards Whitefield.
This construction project is the start of getting cyclists off off Route 116!! Yay!
Welcome to the 2021 season on the xNHAT!
I just biked the entire route from Woodsville to Bethel, June 9, 10, 11, so here is my latest view of the conditions and adventures long the way:
You have likely noticed the word "Adventure" in the name of the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail. This is in there because you will certainly find adventures along the way. Along with the scenic beauty of the mountains, forest, fields, ponds, rivers and streams, the adventures include variable trail and road surfaces, sudden detours, weather, washouts. The rail trails are generally "natural" surfaces (mostly hard packed, consisting of cinder, dirt, some ballast, gravel... NOT the beautifully manicured hard packed stone dust or paved surfaces of the flatlands!). ATVs are a North Country favorite sport, you will see them on the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail and on a short section of the easternmost part of the Presidential Rail Trail, especially on weekends.
So, enjoy the challenges along the way, they make for the best stories to share for years to come.
It is now June, but the weather can be interesting, another of the adventures along the way. Be sure to check the weather forecasts (more than just one!) to determine what gear to pack. Warm weather is coming in, and that has brought the black flies and mosquitoes, they are out there, but just keep peddling and you will be fine. Bug spray works well. Long sleeves and long pants are good to keep away the black flies and ticks, too. They seem to like to get into "edges", the edge of your collar, the edge behind ears, the cuffs of your shirt or pants.
As of now there is occasional late springtime mud and some soft areas. There will be some loose gravel here and there The paved roads are good. The NH Bureau of Trails is out on the rail trails doing some maintenance. Starting the first week of June there will be restoration work on the Presidential Rail Trail from Gorham to Jefferson This work is dearly needed. It will include side ditching for efficient drainage, crowning and grading. Say goodbye to those washed out sandy or muddy areas! The trail will be open during this time, but do be cautious around the excavator. Say Hi to Chris, the expert operator, as you pass by, follow his directions, for your safety. The eastern part of the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail, Littleton to Lisbon, was graded few weeks ago, so this might be soft before it is packed down by ATVs, cyclists and walkers. There will be gravely sections, they are typically short and will change to a nice section, then back again. Like the weather, if you don't like it, wait a few minutes.
Ammonoosuc Rail Trail: From Woodsville to Lisbon: Just biked this on June 9. In good shape, relative to what it can be, yes, there are areas of gravely stuff, especially around the gates, so use caution there. If you know this section, you will be pleased with the surface and fewer gravely spots, if you don't know this section you might whine about the gravely spots. Adventure, remember? Whats that new gravel bike for, anyway?? It will get better as the ATVs pack it down and fling the loose gravel off to the sides. The ATVs in this area are typically mellow and enjoying the scenery as much as you are. They will typically wave and slow down when they see you. Wave and move over to the side of the trail. This rail trail is a good example of all trail users sharing the trail well. There can be rare exceptions to this rule on both sides.
On-road section from Lisbon (Bishop and Lyman Roads) to Rt 302: Paved roads, all good, some places have really nice pavement, some are not quite as nice.
Rt 302 to River Road and back on the rail trail: Some of the pavement is good, some not as good. The river views are very pleasant in this area. Part of River Road is dirt. It is a much better ride on the dirt road than the (gravely) rail trail in this area, so stay on River Road, don't be tempted to get onto the rail trail too early. There is a KOA campground across the river from where you are riding on River Road, you will see the camper vehicles along the riverside. AFTER you pass by the campground, start looking for the right turn onto a short uphill rocky dirt access road that goes about 30 yards to rejoin the Rail Trail. Go ou tis dirt road and take a left, go thru the gates andcontnue on the rail trail heading towards Littleton.
Ammonoosuc Rail Trail: From River Road to Littleton: It typically is hard packed, but just recently graded within the last few weeks. After this grading the potholes and washboard are gone, BUT we have the loose stones on the surface until the ATVs flick them off. Yay for the ATVs, they help clear those loose rocks, eventually.
From Industrial Park Road into Littleton, there is ongoing work on an extension of the rail trail, but it is not ready to ride yet, it is rocky and not graded. Just follow the route of the xNHAT. See more info at the top area of this page about the extension.
Littleton to Whitefield to Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge (Rt 116, Hazen and Airport Roads): Paved roads, all OK. Route 116 is a road ride... it has a good shoulder, good pavement and good lines of sight. However, you will climb and you will see more cars and trucks here than on any other road of the xNHAT. This up/down road ride will be eventually be converted to a rail trail ride... 3, maybe 4 miles of it this summer.
Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge: The 4 mile section of the Presidential Rail Trail in the refuge is in good shape. The work done last year to restore, crown, ditch, add new culverts and 4 Beaver Deceivers has made this section good for early season use. However....the new ledge pack surface is more coarse than a typical stone dust rail trail. Some sections are more "more coarse" than others. It is hoped that with use this season it will pack down firmly, and there will be additional work to address this coarse situation later in the summer.
Meadows, Israel River and western end of Valley Road: Paved and in good shape.
Valley Road (dirt section). This road is in good shape The lupine fields on Israel River and Valley Roads are in prime bloom right now (June 12), they seem to be opening up earlier than usual this year. Over the next week the fields should be continue to be beautifully purple!! Perhaps the best views of lupine fields in NH!
For the mountain views and the lupine, be sure to exit the rail trail after Pondicherry, follow the cue sheet and map carefully here! Do not stay on the rail trail or you will miss the panoramas. Take Meadows, Israel River and Valley Roads eastward. Turn left onto Meadows Road as you exit the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge. If you stay on the rail trail in this section eastward to Jefferson Notch Road instead of the on-road route, you will miss the views and lupine. If doing a looped day ride out of Pondicherry, I suggest doing the Israel River-Valley Road route EASTWARD for the panorama, then return westward via the rail trail.
Presidential Rail Trail, Jefferson Notch Road to the Bowman parking lot: Due to the construction project on the Israel River Bridge abutments last November and December, this section of trail has yet to be repaired after all the construction vehicles and huge crane traveled this area. It is all ridable, but you will encounter a short section of mud, a few big rocks and soft areas within a 0.3 mile section to the west of the Israel River Bridge. All this is ridable or walkable with caution. It is better, but there are some ruts, from the bridge eastward. All rideable, just keep our eyes open for any issues to ride around. Stop your bike to look around and soak in the views! There is some rough gravel right at the edges of the bridge. More work will be done in this area once the trails are suitable for the crews to get in and restore the trail. The work should be starting around the first week of June. The trail will remain open during the work, say Hi and follow directions of the work crew as you pass by.
Presidential Rail Trail, Bowman to Gorham: There are a few sandy spots, soft areas and a few short bits of gravelly surface. The 10 mile ride on the downhill rail grade is great! You may see moose and bear, they have been recently viewed in Randolph and in the Pondicherry area. Some of the sandy or rutted areas will be fixed as the trail undergoes some ditching, crowning and grading, this project is ongoing, starting in Gorham, heading west, June 7th. The trail willl be open durn this restoration project.
Gorham to Hogan Road: This short section (Rt 2 parking lot to the junction with Hogan Road) is shared with ATVs. There can be lots of them on the weekends. From this location they can access 1000 miles of trail, so they come from everywhere to enjoy this riding Mecca. To control dust in the residential area, about a 0.1 mile section of the rail trail was just paved during the week of May 17th. Enjoy the black velvet! HOWEVER......After the pavement ends you WILL have soft areas and some rocks, not pleasant. Take it slowly and take it as part of the adventure, you will be on Hogan Road soon. This issue will be addressed, somehow the trail must be restored and be enjoyable for ALL allowed users. For now, we just need to grin and bear it, Hogan Road is up ahead.
Hogan Road: In good shape (for Hogan Road)! Likely some mud and wet areas, but Hogan always has some issues. Part of the Adventure. It is a beautiful unmaintained dirt road. The rocky areas, sand, etc. from the big floods and washouts of 2017 are all still there...part of the fun. Some consider this to the be best part of the entire route, others say just the opposite. Something for everyone on this route! The easternmost end of the route has been regraded!! It was amazingly free of the deep potholes (more like ponds) that were part of the adventure in the past.
North Road to Bethel: All paved, a fantastic pavement ride. Most of the pavement is new as of last year. Some sections are not new and require the usual care looking for cracks and broken pavement.
Do realize that conditions change a lot, especially now in the spring when maintenance season begins! I try to keep up with everything, and rely on cyclists and walkers, like you, to help keep this Trail Conditions page up to date! Email me if you see an issue that needs to be shared with other trail users and the NH Bureau of Trails: crossnewhampshire@gmail.com
Enjoy your ride!!
***There is trail restoration work on the Presidential Rail Trail now happening during June. The Trail IS OPEN during this work project, just be cautious and follow the directions of the work crew. Say "Hi" to Chris, the excavator operator, as you pass by. He is going to expertly fix the drainage and washout issues on the trail!
***There is an extension of the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail in Littleton eastward from Industrial Park Road. YAY... BUT....IT IS NOT READY for biking, YET. So, follow the standard, classic xNHAT map, cue sheet and/or directions in this area. Use the standard route until all the work is done on the extension, then I will change the cue sheet and map, and update the route.
Here is some detail:
When you get to the end of the Rail Trail at Industrial Park Road, you will see "Frozen Adventures" ice cream on the parking lot to the right. The trail in development is on the left side of the parking lot. IGNORE this new trail, still under construction, for now! It is too rough! As directed by the map and cue sheet, take a left onto paved Industrial Park Road, then after a very short distance, maybe 100 yards, take your first right onto Riverside Drive, also a paved road. Follow the road until you see a pumpkin colored house on your left (not quite a mile?), just before a short steep rise in the road that goes slightly right to cross the former railroad bed (soon to be new trail!). Do not go up that little hill, don't cross the rail line. Instead, bear left onto a narrow dirt bike/ped pathway, right in front of the pumpkin colored house. You will feel like you are crossing their front yard! You are, and that is OK. Note the suspension bridge there, a fun way to get to the Main Street of Littleton! If you are not going to town, just follow the recreation path into the park. The xNHAT route will take you to Route 302 and towards Whitefield.
This construction project is the start of getting cyclists off off Route 116!! Yay!
Welcome to the 2021 season on the xNHAT!
I just biked the entire route from Woodsville to Bethel, June 9, 10, 11, so here is my latest view of the conditions and adventures long the way:
You have likely noticed the word "Adventure" in the name of the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail. This is in there because you will certainly find adventures along the way. Along with the scenic beauty of the mountains, forest, fields, ponds, rivers and streams, the adventures include variable trail and road surfaces, sudden detours, weather, washouts. The rail trails are generally "natural" surfaces (mostly hard packed, consisting of cinder, dirt, some ballast, gravel... NOT the beautifully manicured hard packed stone dust or paved surfaces of the flatlands!). ATVs are a North Country favorite sport, you will see them on the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail and on a short section of the easternmost part of the Presidential Rail Trail, especially on weekends.
So, enjoy the challenges along the way, they make for the best stories to share for years to come.
It is now June, but the weather can be interesting, another of the adventures along the way. Be sure to check the weather forecasts (more than just one!) to determine what gear to pack. Warm weather is coming in, and that has brought the black flies and mosquitoes, they are out there, but just keep peddling and you will be fine. Bug spray works well. Long sleeves and long pants are good to keep away the black flies and ticks, too. They seem to like to get into "edges", the edge of your collar, the edge behind ears, the cuffs of your shirt or pants.
As of now there is occasional late springtime mud and some soft areas. There will be some loose gravel here and there The paved roads are good. The NH Bureau of Trails is out on the rail trails doing some maintenance. Starting the first week of June there will be restoration work on the Presidential Rail Trail from Gorham to Jefferson This work is dearly needed. It will include side ditching for efficient drainage, crowning and grading. Say goodbye to those washed out sandy or muddy areas! The trail will be open during this time, but do be cautious around the excavator. Say Hi to Chris, the expert operator, as you pass by, follow his directions, for your safety. The eastern part of the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail, Littleton to Lisbon, was graded few weeks ago, so this might be soft before it is packed down by ATVs, cyclists and walkers. There will be gravely sections, they are typically short and will change to a nice section, then back again. Like the weather, if you don't like it, wait a few minutes.
Ammonoosuc Rail Trail: From Woodsville to Lisbon: Just biked this on June 9. In good shape, relative to what it can be, yes, there are areas of gravely stuff, especially around the gates, so use caution there. If you know this section, you will be pleased with the surface and fewer gravely spots, if you don't know this section you might whine about the gravely spots. Adventure, remember? Whats that new gravel bike for, anyway?? It will get better as the ATVs pack it down and fling the loose gravel off to the sides. The ATVs in this area are typically mellow and enjoying the scenery as much as you are. They will typically wave and slow down when they see you. Wave and move over to the side of the trail. This rail trail is a good example of all trail users sharing the trail well. There can be rare exceptions to this rule on both sides.
On-road section from Lisbon (Bishop and Lyman Roads) to Rt 302: Paved roads, all good, some places have really nice pavement, some are not quite as nice.
Rt 302 to River Road and back on the rail trail: Some of the pavement is good, some not as good. The river views are very pleasant in this area. Part of River Road is dirt. It is a much better ride on the dirt road than the (gravely) rail trail in this area, so stay on River Road, don't be tempted to get onto the rail trail too early. There is a KOA campground across the river from where you are riding on River Road, you will see the camper vehicles along the riverside. AFTER you pass by the campground, start looking for the right turn onto a short uphill rocky dirt access road that goes about 30 yards to rejoin the Rail Trail. Go ou tis dirt road and take a left, go thru the gates andcontnue on the rail trail heading towards Littleton.
Ammonoosuc Rail Trail: From River Road to Littleton: It typically is hard packed, but just recently graded within the last few weeks. After this grading the potholes and washboard are gone, BUT we have the loose stones on the surface until the ATVs flick them off. Yay for the ATVs, they help clear those loose rocks, eventually.
From Industrial Park Road into Littleton, there is ongoing work on an extension of the rail trail, but it is not ready to ride yet, it is rocky and not graded. Just follow the route of the xNHAT. See more info at the top area of this page about the extension.
Littleton to Whitefield to Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge (Rt 116, Hazen and Airport Roads): Paved roads, all OK. Route 116 is a road ride... it has a good shoulder, good pavement and good lines of sight. However, you will climb and you will see more cars and trucks here than on any other road of the xNHAT. This up/down road ride will be eventually be converted to a rail trail ride... 3, maybe 4 miles of it this summer.
Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge: The 4 mile section of the Presidential Rail Trail in the refuge is in good shape. The work done last year to restore, crown, ditch, add new culverts and 4 Beaver Deceivers has made this section good for early season use. However....the new ledge pack surface is more coarse than a typical stone dust rail trail. Some sections are more "more coarse" than others. It is hoped that with use this season it will pack down firmly, and there will be additional work to address this coarse situation later in the summer.
Meadows, Israel River and western end of Valley Road: Paved and in good shape.
Valley Road (dirt section). This road is in good shape The lupine fields on Israel River and Valley Roads are in prime bloom right now (June 12), they seem to be opening up earlier than usual this year. Over the next week the fields should be continue to be beautifully purple!! Perhaps the best views of lupine fields in NH!
For the mountain views and the lupine, be sure to exit the rail trail after Pondicherry, follow the cue sheet and map carefully here! Do not stay on the rail trail or you will miss the panoramas. Take Meadows, Israel River and Valley Roads eastward. Turn left onto Meadows Road as you exit the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge. If you stay on the rail trail in this section eastward to Jefferson Notch Road instead of the on-road route, you will miss the views and lupine. If doing a looped day ride out of Pondicherry, I suggest doing the Israel River-Valley Road route EASTWARD for the panorama, then return westward via the rail trail.
Presidential Rail Trail, Jefferson Notch Road to the Bowman parking lot: Due to the construction project on the Israel River Bridge abutments last November and December, this section of trail has yet to be repaired after all the construction vehicles and huge crane traveled this area. It is all ridable, but you will encounter a short section of mud, a few big rocks and soft areas within a 0.3 mile section to the west of the Israel River Bridge. All this is ridable or walkable with caution. It is better, but there are some ruts, from the bridge eastward. All rideable, just keep our eyes open for any issues to ride around. Stop your bike to look around and soak in the views! There is some rough gravel right at the edges of the bridge. More work will be done in this area once the trails are suitable for the crews to get in and restore the trail. The work should be starting around the first week of June. The trail will remain open during the work, say Hi and follow directions of the work crew as you pass by.
Presidential Rail Trail, Bowman to Gorham: There are a few sandy spots, soft areas and a few short bits of gravelly surface. The 10 mile ride on the downhill rail grade is great! You may see moose and bear, they have been recently viewed in Randolph and in the Pondicherry area. Some of the sandy or rutted areas will be fixed as the trail undergoes some ditching, crowning and grading, this project is ongoing, starting in Gorham, heading west, June 7th. The trail willl be open durn this restoration project.
Gorham to Hogan Road: This short section (Rt 2 parking lot to the junction with Hogan Road) is shared with ATVs. There can be lots of them on the weekends. From this location they can access 1000 miles of trail, so they come from everywhere to enjoy this riding Mecca. To control dust in the residential area, about a 0.1 mile section of the rail trail was just paved during the week of May 17th. Enjoy the black velvet! HOWEVER......After the pavement ends you WILL have soft areas and some rocks, not pleasant. Take it slowly and take it as part of the adventure, you will be on Hogan Road soon. This issue will be addressed, somehow the trail must be restored and be enjoyable for ALL allowed users. For now, we just need to grin and bear it, Hogan Road is up ahead.
Hogan Road: In good shape (for Hogan Road)! Likely some mud and wet areas, but Hogan always has some issues. Part of the Adventure. It is a beautiful unmaintained dirt road. The rocky areas, sand, etc. from the big floods and washouts of 2017 are all still there...part of the fun. Some consider this to the be best part of the entire route, others say just the opposite. Something for everyone on this route! The easternmost end of the route has been regraded!! It was amazingly free of the deep potholes (more like ponds) that were part of the adventure in the past.
North Road to Bethel: All paved, a fantastic pavement ride. Most of the pavement is new as of last year. Some sections are not new and require the usual care looking for cracks and broken pavement.
Do realize that conditions change a lot, especially now in the spring when maintenance season begins! I try to keep up with everything, and rely on cyclists and walkers, like you, to help keep this Trail Conditions page up to date! Email me if you see an issue that needs to be shared with other trail users and the NH Bureau of Trails: crossnewhampshire@gmail.com
Enjoy your ride!!
April 9. Israel River Bridge heading west towards Jefferson Notch Road. You will encounter some wet and muddy spots for about 0,3 mile.
April 9. The snow has receded to just thin strip along the shadier side of the Presidential Rail Trail near Jefferson Notch Road. Sad to see it go.
Finding Hogan Road and the Presidential Rail Trail:
To find Hogan Road from the rail trail, heading east: The short little access trail is IMMEDIATELY on the right after crossing the short bridge over the power canal. It really, truly is immediately after the bridge and gate, look hard to your right. The access entrance has small signs on birch trees for the xNHAT and a hiking trail. Use your cue sheet and watch your odometer. If you miss this entrance, you can access Hogan Road from an open parking/work/staging area on the right about 0.1 mile from the small bridge over the power canal.
To find the Presidential Rail Trail from Hogan Road, going WEST... Once you pass the old brick power building/dam, you will go slightly uphill and back into the woods. When you emerge to an open area, there will be many big tall power poles on your right carrying power lines. Up ahead on the left will be a narrow single track that leads steeply downhill. There is a sign on a tree, but it is at the edge of the woods and likely covered with leafy branches. I cannot put signs on the power poles, which would have made this easier! When the power pole and guy wires are right near the dirt roadway, look to the left for the single track. If you miss this, a short distance ahead is a rough dirt road access to a staging area for the power company. It also goes steeply down to the left. The rail trail will be visible, take a left and deal with the ATVs, dust and bad surface conditions for about 1.2 miles. You will be pleased at that point to be on the non-motorized section of the Presidential Rail Trail, a highlight of the route!
Comments about the conditions:
In 2020, the section from Bath to Lisbon was re-graded, re-ditched and gravel added to help stabilize the surface (the gravel in places is tedious). The back road alternate route is a good possibility here. When trying to decide between the rail trail issues and the paved back road, my friends and I decided to ride the rail trail because the day was hot and the shade of the rail trail, even with the rougher surface, was more appealing than the alternate on-back-road route up hill in the hot sunshine. We all survived the rail trail.
The alternate back road route from Bath to Lisbon is a nice ride, it is a good alternate if you had enough of the newly "Maintained" trail. You can use the back roads on the western side of the river from Bath, into Lisbon and rejoin the xNHAT route in Lisbon where it heads towards Bishop Road. This alternate route has a hill, but it is not terrible, and it is scenic, and worth it, It has a nice downhill and a pleasant ride along the river into Lisbon.
This is JUST the on-road route section from Bath to Lisbon: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28541115
The other direction, from Lisbon to Bath: ridewithgps.com/routes/30254175
Here is a link to the alternate route, from Woodsville to Littleton. It uses the rail trail to Bath and the alternate route from Bath to Lisbon, the rest of it is the "original" xNHAT: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32926550
The rail trail is shared with ATVs and some dirt bikes. The sharing has been working well... so far. You will see more ATVs on the weekends than weekdays. The local users tend to be friendly and courteous to cyclists and pedestrians, please be friendly and courteous to them, too! Share the trail.
The xNHAT began a collaboration with the NH Bureau of Trails by financially contributing to some small care and maintenance projects on the rail trail. One of these is the reconstruction of the trail as it passes though a tunnel under Route 302 just south of Lisbon. This tunnel was always a mess: a swamp, a mud bath or a sand box. The approaches leading down to the tunnel were always rocky, sandy and washed out. This area was regraded and PAVED on July 16th, 2020.
SO, in conclusion, on the rail trail headed east, once you are past the town of Lisbon, you are all set, the worst is over. To get there, you can choose: ride either the entire rail trail from Woodville to Lisbon, or ride it from Woodsville to Bath, then use the on-road alternate to Lisbon.
Conditions from Lisbon to Littleton:
Bishop Road had some nice new pavement applied in 2020, but there are sections that have bad pavement. River Road looks like it was re-graded, so there are more loose stones than usual, but it is fine to ride.
The northern section of the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail accessed off of River Road all the way to Littleton, was in fine shape as of last year. It had not been re-graded or worked on at all at that potion. The trail surface anomalies here are provided by the female snapping turtles who will soon be digging holes on the sides of the trail to lay their eggs. They cover up the hole with dirt, but leave an obvious little pile complete with their webbed footprints indicating their efforts to cover and hide their eggs.
Once in the Littleton area, check out the suspension bridge and the bike/ped covered bridge.
Conditions from Littleton to the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge in Whitefield:
Route 116 is still the road ride needed to get between these towns. The rail trail will soon be extended part of this way, and the work started last November and has been on hold until after mud season.
Conditions on the Presidential Rail Trail, Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge:
A long awaited restoration and improvement of the Presidential Rail Trail in the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge was done in the summer of 2020. The parking areas at each end, Hazen Road and Meadow Road (route 115A), were expanded, the trail has many new culverts installed, drainage ditches were restored and the surface was improved with hard pack stone dust. There will be 2 Porta Potties installed at the Airport Road end, likely in May.
In 2020, 9 "Beaver Deceivers" were installed in ponds adjacent to the rail trail, 4 in Pondicherry, 5 to the east of Route 115. These devices will now maintain the water level in the ponds, as opposed to the industrious beavers who have been maintaining the pond levels to a height which floods the trail causing expensive washouts. The devices also preserve the life of the beavers since the beavers are not trapped anymore and "removed" as nuisances, and the devices preserve the wetlands for all of the other wildlife that depend on them. So far all of the beavers have been deceived, none can figure out this system and all is well.
Conditions on Valley Road, the Dirt Section with the Presidential Range Views.
Some potholes and mud that can be avoided.
Presidential Rail Trail Jefferson, Randolph to Gorham
In general the rail trail is in good shape. However, keep in mind that this is not a perfectly manicured rail trail, it has good areas and it has not as good areas...and this variety is its beauty. So just watch out for the rogue rocks, soft areas, mud, tall grass. Ticks have not been as big problem everywhere, check for them particularly if you head in to the tall grass. The 10 mile downhill from Bowman to Gorham is a GREAT ride!!
The easternmost 1.5 miles of the Presidential Rail Trail (from the parking lot on Route 2 in Gorham to the section with Hogan Road) is shared with ATVs, and was very popular last year. This section includes a big bridge that spans the Ammonoosuc River and Route 16, and a short bridge over the power canal. This shared section can be busy on weekends. It is getting churned up and soft due to the ATV use. The best part of this section is the view of Mt Madison from the bridge and the fact that it is only about 1,2 miles long before this shared section is over with. It is not too bad because it is short... grin and bear it, consider it another facet of the "Adventure" in the North Country. The ATVs have access to 1000 miles of trails from here, they can go to Quebec from here, so it is a favorite place for them to explore. Share the trail as best as possible in this section. The dust can be really bad here, get out your mask.
Conditions on Hogan Road
Hogan Road is in good shape. However, realize that "good shape" means an unmaintained dirt road with occasional rocks, puddles, loose stones, washouts, gravel though soon to repair the bad spots. There are nice smooth areas also, now being coated with a soft layer of pine needles as the trees are shedding. Expect everything. The osprey will likely be upset at you as you travel under its nest area. Look for bald eagles on the river. Stop to enjoy the river and mountain views. I saw a bear in the woods near the trail, make some noise so you both aren't surprised. Depending on your tires and your confidence and skill, you can either bike the entire length for a challenge, or just hop off and walk short sections to avoid the circumstances. There is another tiny little planked bridge that is starting to fall apart. Water, when there is rain, was flowing ON TOP of it. It is, obviously, at the bottom of a hill, so you will see it. WALK your bike over this, there are big holes developing that your tires will fit snugly into, watch for them.
Review of the One Construction Project for 2021 (that I have heard of..):
The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail will be extended eastward as a non-motorized recreation trail from Littleton towards Whitefield about 4 miles! Removal of track and ties started in November, 2020 and will continue in 2021 This will shorten the distance that one must bike on Route 116, which will be an advantage! The rail trail extension will go along the river for a pleasant scenic alternative to the road, and avoids a few hillclimbs. In the meantime, Route 116 is the only option. Be cautious, wear bright clothing, a blink trail light is helpful for visibility. At presnt (April,2021) the rail trail extension is not in shape for cycling yet.
Trail Signs
Some small trail signs posted in some areas (rail trails and dirt and back roads first). It takes awhile to interact with each town and the NH Bureau of Trails (keepers of the rail trails) to get the proper permission to post the signs. They will appear slowly, town by town. For now, use the downloadable cue sheets, the paper map and the RIdeWIthGPS maps. There are a few signs posted on Hogan Road in Gorham and in Shelburne, hopefully they are still there (a few have disappeared).
Reminders:
Your GPS WILL run out of power at some point along the way. Have a back up. Print out and carry a cue sheet. (see maps section). Request a FREE, 7-panel, accordion fold, waterproof, detailed map by emailing a request to crossnewhampshire@gmail.com
Between Woodsville and Whitefield there are typically plenty of possibilities to obtain food and water, however the coronavirus has closed some of them, so check before you go. Whitefield has a small grocery store, a Subway, Triangle Dairy Bar, Dunkin Donuts, a pizza place and a convenience store/gas station. After Whitefield, there is only a small camp store at the Israel River Campground that you can use as a place to get water, drinks and snacks, even ice cream bars. That's it until Gorham, where're you can go a short bit up Jimtown Road to the Mose Brook State Park Campground for water and some snacks. The good folks a t his North are avid cyclists and the crater of Coos Trails (mountain biking tail system) and can help you if you have a bicycle problem. You can get off of the trail to access the Main Street of Gorham for supplies via the bike route (it is marked on the map, access is across the street from the big parking lots at an orange gate.
Send me any trail condition updates, wildlife viewing and good food/lodging experiences! Photos, too!!
crossnewhampshire@gmail.com,
To find Hogan Road from the rail trail, heading east: The short little access trail is IMMEDIATELY on the right after crossing the short bridge over the power canal. It really, truly is immediately after the bridge and gate, look hard to your right. The access entrance has small signs on birch trees for the xNHAT and a hiking trail. Use your cue sheet and watch your odometer. If you miss this entrance, you can access Hogan Road from an open parking/work/staging area on the right about 0.1 mile from the small bridge over the power canal.
To find the Presidential Rail Trail from Hogan Road, going WEST... Once you pass the old brick power building/dam, you will go slightly uphill and back into the woods. When you emerge to an open area, there will be many big tall power poles on your right carrying power lines. Up ahead on the left will be a narrow single track that leads steeply downhill. There is a sign on a tree, but it is at the edge of the woods and likely covered with leafy branches. I cannot put signs on the power poles, which would have made this easier! When the power pole and guy wires are right near the dirt roadway, look to the left for the single track. If you miss this, a short distance ahead is a rough dirt road access to a staging area for the power company. It also goes steeply down to the left. The rail trail will be visible, take a left and deal with the ATVs, dust and bad surface conditions for about 1.2 miles. You will be pleased at that point to be on the non-motorized section of the Presidential Rail Trail, a highlight of the route!
Comments about the conditions:
In 2020, the section from Bath to Lisbon was re-graded, re-ditched and gravel added to help stabilize the surface (the gravel in places is tedious). The back road alternate route is a good possibility here. When trying to decide between the rail trail issues and the paved back road, my friends and I decided to ride the rail trail because the day was hot and the shade of the rail trail, even with the rougher surface, was more appealing than the alternate on-back-road route up hill in the hot sunshine. We all survived the rail trail.
The alternate back road route from Bath to Lisbon is a nice ride, it is a good alternate if you had enough of the newly "Maintained" trail. You can use the back roads on the western side of the river from Bath, into Lisbon and rejoin the xNHAT route in Lisbon where it heads towards Bishop Road. This alternate route has a hill, but it is not terrible, and it is scenic, and worth it, It has a nice downhill and a pleasant ride along the river into Lisbon.
This is JUST the on-road route section from Bath to Lisbon: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28541115
The other direction, from Lisbon to Bath: ridewithgps.com/routes/30254175
Here is a link to the alternate route, from Woodsville to Littleton. It uses the rail trail to Bath and the alternate route from Bath to Lisbon, the rest of it is the "original" xNHAT: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32926550
The rail trail is shared with ATVs and some dirt bikes. The sharing has been working well... so far. You will see more ATVs on the weekends than weekdays. The local users tend to be friendly and courteous to cyclists and pedestrians, please be friendly and courteous to them, too! Share the trail.
The xNHAT began a collaboration with the NH Bureau of Trails by financially contributing to some small care and maintenance projects on the rail trail. One of these is the reconstruction of the trail as it passes though a tunnel under Route 302 just south of Lisbon. This tunnel was always a mess: a swamp, a mud bath or a sand box. The approaches leading down to the tunnel were always rocky, sandy and washed out. This area was regraded and PAVED on July 16th, 2020.
SO, in conclusion, on the rail trail headed east, once you are past the town of Lisbon, you are all set, the worst is over. To get there, you can choose: ride either the entire rail trail from Woodville to Lisbon, or ride it from Woodsville to Bath, then use the on-road alternate to Lisbon.
Conditions from Lisbon to Littleton:
Bishop Road had some nice new pavement applied in 2020, but there are sections that have bad pavement. River Road looks like it was re-graded, so there are more loose stones than usual, but it is fine to ride.
The northern section of the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail accessed off of River Road all the way to Littleton, was in fine shape as of last year. It had not been re-graded or worked on at all at that potion. The trail surface anomalies here are provided by the female snapping turtles who will soon be digging holes on the sides of the trail to lay their eggs. They cover up the hole with dirt, but leave an obvious little pile complete with their webbed footprints indicating their efforts to cover and hide their eggs.
Once in the Littleton area, check out the suspension bridge and the bike/ped covered bridge.
Conditions from Littleton to the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge in Whitefield:
Route 116 is still the road ride needed to get between these towns. The rail trail will soon be extended part of this way, and the work started last November and has been on hold until after mud season.
Conditions on the Presidential Rail Trail, Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge:
A long awaited restoration and improvement of the Presidential Rail Trail in the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge was done in the summer of 2020. The parking areas at each end, Hazen Road and Meadow Road (route 115A), were expanded, the trail has many new culverts installed, drainage ditches were restored and the surface was improved with hard pack stone dust. There will be 2 Porta Potties installed at the Airport Road end, likely in May.
In 2020, 9 "Beaver Deceivers" were installed in ponds adjacent to the rail trail, 4 in Pondicherry, 5 to the east of Route 115. These devices will now maintain the water level in the ponds, as opposed to the industrious beavers who have been maintaining the pond levels to a height which floods the trail causing expensive washouts. The devices also preserve the life of the beavers since the beavers are not trapped anymore and "removed" as nuisances, and the devices preserve the wetlands for all of the other wildlife that depend on them. So far all of the beavers have been deceived, none can figure out this system and all is well.
Conditions on Valley Road, the Dirt Section with the Presidential Range Views.
Some potholes and mud that can be avoided.
Presidential Rail Trail Jefferson, Randolph to Gorham
In general the rail trail is in good shape. However, keep in mind that this is not a perfectly manicured rail trail, it has good areas and it has not as good areas...and this variety is its beauty. So just watch out for the rogue rocks, soft areas, mud, tall grass. Ticks have not been as big problem everywhere, check for them particularly if you head in to the tall grass. The 10 mile downhill from Bowman to Gorham is a GREAT ride!!
The easternmost 1.5 miles of the Presidential Rail Trail (from the parking lot on Route 2 in Gorham to the section with Hogan Road) is shared with ATVs, and was very popular last year. This section includes a big bridge that spans the Ammonoosuc River and Route 16, and a short bridge over the power canal. This shared section can be busy on weekends. It is getting churned up and soft due to the ATV use. The best part of this section is the view of Mt Madison from the bridge and the fact that it is only about 1,2 miles long before this shared section is over with. It is not too bad because it is short... grin and bear it, consider it another facet of the "Adventure" in the North Country. The ATVs have access to 1000 miles of trails from here, they can go to Quebec from here, so it is a favorite place for them to explore. Share the trail as best as possible in this section. The dust can be really bad here, get out your mask.
Conditions on Hogan Road
Hogan Road is in good shape. However, realize that "good shape" means an unmaintained dirt road with occasional rocks, puddles, loose stones, washouts, gravel though soon to repair the bad spots. There are nice smooth areas also, now being coated with a soft layer of pine needles as the trees are shedding. Expect everything. The osprey will likely be upset at you as you travel under its nest area. Look for bald eagles on the river. Stop to enjoy the river and mountain views. I saw a bear in the woods near the trail, make some noise so you both aren't surprised. Depending on your tires and your confidence and skill, you can either bike the entire length for a challenge, or just hop off and walk short sections to avoid the circumstances. There is another tiny little planked bridge that is starting to fall apart. Water, when there is rain, was flowing ON TOP of it. It is, obviously, at the bottom of a hill, so you will see it. WALK your bike over this, there are big holes developing that your tires will fit snugly into, watch for them.
Review of the One Construction Project for 2021 (that I have heard of..):
The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail will be extended eastward as a non-motorized recreation trail from Littleton towards Whitefield about 4 miles! Removal of track and ties started in November, 2020 and will continue in 2021 This will shorten the distance that one must bike on Route 116, which will be an advantage! The rail trail extension will go along the river for a pleasant scenic alternative to the road, and avoids a few hillclimbs. In the meantime, Route 116 is the only option. Be cautious, wear bright clothing, a blink trail light is helpful for visibility. At presnt (April,2021) the rail trail extension is not in shape for cycling yet.
Trail Signs
Some small trail signs posted in some areas (rail trails and dirt and back roads first). It takes awhile to interact with each town and the NH Bureau of Trails (keepers of the rail trails) to get the proper permission to post the signs. They will appear slowly, town by town. For now, use the downloadable cue sheets, the paper map and the RIdeWIthGPS maps. There are a few signs posted on Hogan Road in Gorham and in Shelburne, hopefully they are still there (a few have disappeared).
Reminders:
Your GPS WILL run out of power at some point along the way. Have a back up. Print out and carry a cue sheet. (see maps section). Request a FREE, 7-panel, accordion fold, waterproof, detailed map by emailing a request to crossnewhampshire@gmail.com
Between Woodsville and Whitefield there are typically plenty of possibilities to obtain food and water, however the coronavirus has closed some of them, so check before you go. Whitefield has a small grocery store, a Subway, Triangle Dairy Bar, Dunkin Donuts, a pizza place and a convenience store/gas station. After Whitefield, there is only a small camp store at the Israel River Campground that you can use as a place to get water, drinks and snacks, even ice cream bars. That's it until Gorham, where're you can go a short bit up Jimtown Road to the Mose Brook State Park Campground for water and some snacks. The good folks a t his North are avid cyclists and the crater of Coos Trails (mountain biking tail system) and can help you if you have a bicycle problem. You can get off of the trail to access the Main Street of Gorham for supplies via the bike route (it is marked on the map, access is across the street from the big parking lots at an orange gate.
Send me any trail condition updates, wildlife viewing and good food/lodging experiences! Photos, too!!
crossnewhampshire@gmail.com,
Here is the newly graded surface on the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail, from Woodsville about 3 miles heading east to the first bridge over the Ammonoosuc River. The trail in this area is now flattened, washboard is gone, potholes are gone.. BUT it is lumpy from the resurrected gravel now, until packed down by the ATVs and some rain. Be patient, it is a bit slow and tedious, but it will improve!
This is the tallest beaver dam I have ever seen. The water is lapping at the trails edge. May 5, 2020, Presidential Rail Trail, Jefferson.
June 1st, What a difference a Beaver Deceiver can make! The height of the black outlet pipe is now controlling the water level. The new lowered pond level will not threaten the trail anymore but will still be good for the beavers and the surrounding wetlands. Win Win Win.
May 2, 2020 The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail has its issues with uneven surfaces and gravel at the gates. Caution!
Taking a lunch and ice cream break at the Israel River Campground.
May 2, 2020. The Ammonooosuc Rail Trail has its various issues or "Adventures", but it is a beautiful ride along the river, well worth the various surface conditions!
At the edge of the washout is a stack of timbers ready for the bridge replacement. This photos was taken on May 29, 2019. Looks the same as of June, 2020. NEW BRODGE INSTALLED on July 12th!
Here is Hogan Road, the eastern section, no problem with conditions here! This area is elevated from the riverside, so no damage from the flooding.
New railings on a bridge located near Gorham on the Presidential Rail Trail.
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