South Manchester Rail Trail, NH

• 4-star trail
• 2 miles each way
• Easy | Low gradient
• Manchester, NH | Merrimack Region
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A scenic wooden bridge deck with restored wooden trestle supports, crossing over a small body of water. The bridge is part of a trail surrounded by lush trees and vegetation under a clear sky.

Recently restored Cohas Brook trestle (Before)

Once the powerhouse of the Northern New England states and still the largest city, Manchester grew up around the many textile mills constructed below Merrimack River’s Amoskeag Falls. Railroad routes eventually sprung up in all directions with Manchester at the center, though only one live route remains today.

The South Manchester Trail is a recently extended route constructed atop an abandoned Boston & Maine Railroad alignment. Though previously only one paved mile was available - alongside Nutts Pond and through a residential neighborhood, the new for 2024 extension doubles its length with a new asphalt paved trail from Gold Street to the outer perimeter of Manchester Airport.

green icon

Asphalt,

Rough,

Live Rail,

No Access, ⬤ Parking Expand ↓ Map

3★ South Manchester Rail Trail 1.6 mi each way, easy.
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

North of Beech Street we have identified the trail as rough, but in reality it's an undeveloped, trash-strewn path that is frequently overgrown and approaching Elm Street is also a muddy mess. This section is not something we'd recommend at this time, but we hope that a future further trail extension comes to pass and will provide an important link to Manchester and to other nearby rail trails like the Piscataquog-Goffstown Rail Trails and Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail.

There are also plans to create a new bicycle trail link around the perimeter of the airport that visits the aviation museum and connects with the Londonderry Rail Trail. We have identified the start of these neighboring rail trails on our map if you're interested in exploring them and link to reviews of those trails below.

Trail Conditions: 1.9 miles of smooth asphalt heading north from airport. North of S Beech St is very rough and not recommended.

a first-person view from a cyclist riding on a paved trail. The cyclist’s hands are visible, one wearing an orange glove, holding onto the handlebars of the bicycle. The trail is lined with bare trees on both sides, indicating it might be autumn or winter. There are fallen leaves scattered on the path, and the sky is clear with few clouds

New asphalt extension close to the airport.

A paved path runs along the left side, bordered by bare trees and brush. To the right, there is a body of water with gentle ripples. In the middle ground, an individual is seated, fishing from a portable chair. The background features more trees and buildings in the far distance across the water.

Fishing on the banks of Manchester's Nutt Pond.

a paved rail trail leading through an underpass. The path is flanked by rocky slopes with leafless trees. The sky is visible with few clouds, and there are some leaves on the path.

Crossing under the interstate.

Tangents:
• Public Map at AllTrails: South Manchester Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Goffstown & Piscataquog Rail Trails (8 mi) · 4★ Rockingham Portsmouth Branch Rail Trail (28 mi) · 4★ Londonderry-Derry-Windham Rail Trails (5 mi) · Show on Map

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