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The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail carries its users for 19.2 miles along the scenic river that shares its name and is itself a destination for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes and several small historic mill towns that are ideal for sightseeing, shopping, or relaxing. The trail draws ATV riders, hikers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers—and also permits dogsledding—but cyclists should note that parts are very rough and challenging, and would be best handled on fat tires.
The northern end of the trail is in the town of Littleton, which is the birthplace of author Eleanor H. Porter, who introduced the world to the inspiringly optimistic Pollyanna. A statue in front of the library at 92 Main Street, only a mile from the trailheads' parking area, and an umbrella-draped gateway arch across the street honor the character. After leaving Littleton on the former railbed of the Boston and Maine Railroad, you’ll alternate between shady deciduous forest, wetlands, fields, and farmland before reaching Lisbon in 9.5 miles. A refurbished 1868 railroad station serves as the town’s Historical Society Museum and rest area. Rich in history, Lisbon was chartered in the mid-1700s (at the time, wigwams were visible from the town’s center) and has been home to the world’s largest piano sounding board manufacturer, peg mills, and the state’s first ski rope tow. Refreshments are available near the trail. Nearly 4 miles past Lisbon you will cross the Ammonoosuc River over a former railroad trestle bridge. Just 2 miles later you’ll arrive in Bath, which is known for its three covered bridges. The longest, built in 1832 and 375 feet long, spans the trail and an adjacent waterfall in the river. You may see people fishing and tubing here. Just to the south of the covered bridge is an opportunity to exit the trail, cross the covered bridge to The Brick Store, America's Oldest General Store. The trail crosses the river again and offers views of forest and farmland on its final 4-mile leg to the Woodsville community in the town of Haverhill. There’s no parking at the trail’s endpoint in Woodsville for OHRV's during NON OHRV season. In OHRV season this trail connects to Augies Scenic Trail and continues on to Haverhill and Augies-Take-a Break which is a covered pavilion with a charcoal grill(bring your own) and picnic tables. View our trail map here |
Parking and Trail Access
Littleton trailhead from I-93, take Exit 42 onto US 302/Meadow St. toward Littleton. Head east 0.5 mile, turn right onto Industrial Park Road, and then go 0.3 mile to the dirt parking lot on the left. The trailhead is across the street. GPS: 167 Industrial Park Road, Littleton NH 03561 Woodsville Parking: Just South of 431 Rum Hill Road (Route 302) Across from the Jehovah Witness Building 431 Rum Hill road (Route 302) GPS: 431 Rum Hill road, Bath NH 03740 Lisbon Parking: Route 302 to Landaff Road take a left on to Moore Street. GPS: Moore Street, Lisbon NH 03585 **The trail has gates that measure at 67" wide** Places to eat along the trailLisbon Village Pizza- Lisbon
Lisbon Du-ez In and Out - Grab and Go The Hub 16- Lisbon *Opening Soon* Riverside Market and Deli- Grab and Go Bath Brick Store - Bath Jamie Lynns Kitchen- Woodsville Dunkin Donuts- Woodsville Woodsville Village Pizza Aldrich General Store - Haverhill Hatchland Dairy Ice Cream - Haverhill |