OK, the photo above shows you probably the worst spot on the western end of the trail due some areas of big gravel. Just walk your bike across this bridge. At the gates there can also be a pile of rough gravel, so walk through and use caution.
If you are tired of the conditions on the rail trail or just want a change as you travel from Woodsville to Bath, use the alternate, road route to Lisbon. It requires climbing one hill with the reward of a great downhill and pleasant views. Exit the rail trail in Bath at the covered bridge and travel pleasant paved backroads (West Bath Road to Pettyboro and Dodge Roads) on the eastern side of the river. Follow the map and cue sheets available on Ride With GPS, see the maps section of this website.
As for the more challenging section on the eastern portion of the trail: In the Halloween Storm of October 31, 2017, a one mile section of Hogan Road (Gorham to Shelburne) is worse than what you see here. There are sections that might need to be walked because of the babyhead sized river stones that were exposed when the river washed out all of the roadway. One bridge was washed out and finally in the Sumer of 2020, was replaced. The road washouts are occasionally repaired, but expect some adventure and walk-bike in a few places. Keep up with the Facebook posts and this section of the website for updates as they become available.
In general, the rule on surface conditions is:
It Will Change
If it is bad, it will change,
If it is good, it will change.
Paved roads can be way worse than dirt roads,
Washboard happens. It will change.
Freshly graded roads are worse than the washboard.
Frost Heave Season happens, it will change into Mud Season.
A pothole filled with water is deeper than you think.
Riding a smooth dirt road in the woods is buttercream. Enjoy it while you have it,
It will change.
New asphalt pavement is sweet black velvet. Enjoy it while you have it, It will change.
If you are tired of the conditions on the rail trail or just want a change as you travel from Woodsville to Bath, use the alternate, road route to Lisbon. It requires climbing one hill with the reward of a great downhill and pleasant views. Exit the rail trail in Bath at the covered bridge and travel pleasant paved backroads (West Bath Road to Pettyboro and Dodge Roads) on the eastern side of the river. Follow the map and cue sheets available on Ride With GPS, see the maps section of this website.
As for the more challenging section on the eastern portion of the trail: In the Halloween Storm of October 31, 2017, a one mile section of Hogan Road (Gorham to Shelburne) is worse than what you see here. There are sections that might need to be walked because of the babyhead sized river stones that were exposed when the river washed out all of the roadway. One bridge was washed out and finally in the Sumer of 2020, was replaced. The road washouts are occasionally repaired, but expect some adventure and walk-bike in a few places. Keep up with the Facebook posts and this section of the website for updates as they become available.
In general, the rule on surface conditions is:
It Will Change
If it is bad, it will change,
If it is good, it will change.
Paved roads can be way worse than dirt roads,
Washboard happens. It will change.
Freshly graded roads are worse than the washboard.
Frost Heave Season happens, it will change into Mud Season.
A pothole filled with water is deeper than you think.
Riding a smooth dirt road in the woods is buttercream. Enjoy it while you have it,
It will change.
New asphalt pavement is sweet black velvet. Enjoy it while you have it, It will change.
Of the 83 miles of the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail:
40.4 miles paved road
(only 10 miles on a primary road, 30 miles on quiet paved backroads)
11 miles dirt road
15.5 miles dirt rail trail, shared with ATVs
15 miles dirt rail trail, non-motorized only
1.1 miles paved recreation path
(only 10 miles on a primary road, 30 miles on quiet paved backroads)
11 miles dirt road
15.5 miles dirt rail trail, shared with ATVs
15 miles dirt rail trail, non-motorized only
1.1 miles paved recreation path
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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.