New Boston Rail Trail, NH

• 4-star trail
• 5 miles each way
• Moderate | Low Gradient
• New Boston, NH | Merrimack Region
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The image shows a small stone building in a wooded area. The building has a sign with the word 'LANG' on it. There is a decorative compass rose on the side of the building, indicating the cardinal directions (N, E, S, W). Additionally, there are several smaller signs and notices posted on the side of the building.

Refurbished Lang Station Passenger Shelter.

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 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.

⬤ Hardpack ⬤ No Access ⬤ Parking

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ New Boston Rail Trail 4.8 miles each way, moderate, low gradient
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

Although the trail follows the river, including passing by the site of the former Wilson Dicker lumber mill, virtually the whole journey is under the shade of forest. Intermittent views of the river can be spotted from time to time, but for the best river valley views, you would have to take your chance on the adjacent auto road.

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 the 4H fairgrounds that were once the base of the Pinball Hill ski area.

A wooden footbridge with a metal railing spans a stream, surrounded by lush autumn trees with yellow and green leaves under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Picturesque trail bridge over Middle Branch Piscataquog River.

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 cafe in town, or from the old Dodges Country Store. This extended route crosses the 4H fairgrounds and runs along a wide gravel paved road, but remains a legitimate right of way that traces the old railroad alignment.

⚠ Trail Conditions:
Hardpack surface throughout, with a dirt road and gravel segment closest to New Boston. Take care at the two road crossings, which are not ideal or well marked for passing motorists.

A person riding a bicycle on a dirt path through a forested area. The path is surrounded by tall trees, some of which have leaves that are changing color, indicating it is likely autumn. To the right of the path, there is a river or stream reflecting the blue sky and the colorful foliage.

Cycling through fall foliage and occasional river views.

The image shows a picturesque house with a unique architectural design, featuring a round turret with a conical roof, a stone chimney, and a mix of stone and wood exterior. The house is surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with a dirt road running alongside it. The setting appears to be rural and serene, with a clear blue sky overhead.

The old New Boston passenger depot, now a private residence.

An aerial view of the town of New Boston, New Hampshire, showing historic buildings, roads, and green spaces surrounded by dense autumn forests under a cloudy blue sky.

A bird's-eye view of New Boston in fall.

A hand-painted wooden sign for the New Boston Rail Trail sits among fallen autumn leaves, featuring the text 'Can you see it?', a painting of a future pedestrian tunnel at Parker Road, and a call for donations.

Looking for donations for a Parker Road pedestrian tunnel.

External links:
New Boston Rail Trail website

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Goffstown & Piscataquog Rail Trails (6 mi)
4★ Frog Rock (1 mi)
4★ Purgatory Falls (1-5 mi)
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