(Last week, we asked readers this question: If a New Hampshirite wanted to be a tourist in their own state, to what off-the-beaten-path piece of land (or water) would you send them? Bill Pribis of Concord suggested heading northwest.)
I would send anyone who enjoys cycling to the Great Northern Rail Trail. This hidden gem of a rail trail starts in Boscawen and travels for 58 contiguous miles, ending in Lebanon. The trail is entirely off road. It is primarily a well-packed cinder trail but it does get a little bit rugged in sections so wider tires (hybrid or mountain bike) are recommended.
Some highlights along the trail include a beautiful stretch along the Merrimack River in Boscawen; Webster Lake in Franklin; Highland Lake in East Andover; the Potter Place Railroad Station in Andover (with a small museum and information about the area’s namesake, the fascinating Richard Potter – look him up!); the Danbury Country Store in Danbury (a great place to stop for lunch); and a nice stretch along Mascoma Lake in Enfield.
My wife and I discovered this trail in our quest for safe, traffic-free bicycling. It was hard to believe that a trail of this length existed in New Hampshire with so few people aware of its existence. We have spent a few very fun weekends riding from Concord to White River Junction, staying at the ever-so-quirky Hotel Coolidge in downtown White River Junction, and riding back to Concord the following day, incorporating the entire length of the trail in a two-day “out and back” ride. However, there are ample lodging opportunities along the trail for less ambitious riders who might want to take more time to cover its length.
A bike ride along just about any portion of the trail in the fall is one of the most incredible ways I know of to enjoy the fall colors.
BILL PRIBIS
Concord