New Boston Rail Trail NH
• 4-star trail
• 4.8 miles each way
• Medium difficulty | Easy elevation
• New Boston, NH | Merrimack Region
• Driving Directions: Marked ⬤ on map
New Boston, New Hampshire.
Trailspotting Rail Trail Map
NH's first complete rail trail map. With links to our reviews, photos & detailed route maps.
NH's first complete rail trail map. With links to our reviews, photos & detailed route maps.
With an October 2021 grand opening, the extended New Boston rail trail celebrated a new lease of life for the former railroad route, offering 3.9 miles of compacted gravel trail suitable for two legs, two wheels or even four hooves. Beyond the official route, we’ve also mapped the old railroad alignment to its historical terminus at the old passenger depot.
West of Manchester and built as a spur off the New Hampshire Central Railroad in 1893, the New Boston Railroad served two stations over five miles, tracing its way up the gentle slope of the South Branch Piscataquog River valley to the attractive town of New Boston itself.
Although the trail follows the river, including passing by the site of the former Willson-Dicker lumber mill, virtually the whole journey is under shade of forest. Intermittent views of the river can be spotted from time to time, but for the best river valley views you’d have to take your chance on the adjacent auto road.
Hardpack, 
Historic New Boston Rail Trail 4★4.8 mi ea way, Medium, Elevation nominal.
Trailspotting Map: AllTrails
Trailspotting Map: GPX Download
Trailspotting Map: Google Earth KMZ
There are still several things to see along the way, including dense evergreen forest at the North end, a new rustic footbridge resting on abutments that once served the prior rail bridge, the Lang Station building and then there's the 4H fairgrounds that were once the base of the Pinball Hill ski area.
Continue beyond the Southern limits of the rail trail for another 0.9 miles to the New Boston passenger depot – now a private residence – and grab some well-earned refreshment at the café in town, or from the old Dodge’s Country Store. This extended route crosses the 4H fairgrounds and along a wide gravel paved road, but is a legitimate right of way that traces the old railroad alignment.
Trail Conditions:
Hardpack trail throughout with dirt road and gravel segment closest to New Boston. Take care at the two road crossings which aren't ideal or well marked for road users.
Hardpack trail throughout with dirt road and gravel segment closest to New Boston. Take care at the two road crossings which aren't ideal or well marked for road users.
Following the banks of the South Branch Piscataquog River.
Enjoying the fall foliage and occasional river views from the trail.
Newly refurbished Lang Station.
The old New Boston passenger depot, now a private residence.
Tangents:
• External Links: Official, Public Map at AllTrails
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
Nearby Trails:
• Show on map: All nearby trails
New Boston RT
The New Boston Rail Trail Committee needs your support to maintain and improve the rail trail.
The New Boston Rail Trail Committee needs your support to maintain and improve the rail trail.
Our Bicycles
We get questions about the folding bikes that we commonly ride. Check out this article for more information about the self-propelled and electric bikes that we regularly use on the rail trails.
We get questions about the folding bikes that we commonly ride. Check out this article for more information about the self-propelled and electric bikes that we regularly use on the rail trails.
