Off-the-beaten-path trails to hike around Concord NH
The famous trails of the White Mountains can get crowded. If you are like us, looking for less crowded places to hike where you can be one with nature and not bump into lots of hikers, then Concord NH is the right place.
Enjoy this quick guide to three great alternative NH hikes.
The Concord to Lake Sunapee Rail Trail is a new scenic, family-friendly bike and walking trail along the former Concord-Claremont Railroad line, from Concord NH to the southern tip of Lake Sunapee. The old railroad line passes through Concord, Hopkinton, Warner, Sutton, Bradford and Newbury. The Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail goes through wetlands, ponds, woods, farmlands, and for several miles travels along the Contoocook River. Several portions of the trail are open today, and local supporters of the trail are working together to open the rest. Passenger service on the line ceased in 1955, and the last freight train ran in 1962. Today, concrete signal bases, rail rests and mile markers still mark the former line.
Lehtinen Park is the home of the Jim Hill River Walk. A forest and river edge system of trails follows parts of the Contoocook River. The trail is about 2.5 miles. Most trails are relatively flat and offer nice views along the Contoocook River. Daisy Beach is a great picnic spot. The Jim Hill River Walk is dedicated to James Clark Hill’s passion for preserving the natural environment and scenic natural places for the enjoyment of future generations. Jim Hill was born in Concord and grew up not far from the trails.
The Mast Yard Trail is a loop crossing Dolf Brook, going right onto the old railroad line, and returning over Dolf Brook. The trail is about five miles are flat and easy for hiking, mountain biking, and even cross-country skiing with the kids. The New Hampshire Heroes Recreational Crossing bridges the Contoocook River and connects the Mast Yard State Forest with Lehtinen Park (above).
The famous trails of the White Mountains can get crowded. If you are like us, looking for less crowded places to hike where you can be one with nature and not bump into lots of hikers, then Concord NH is the right place.
Enjoy this quick guide to three great alternative NH hikes.
