Bristol, NH Walking Trails and Maps

599 Reviews

Looking for the best Walking trails around Bristol?

Find the top rated walking trails in Bristol, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

  • Relevance
  • Name
  • Length
  • Most Popular
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type
52 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Franconia Notch Recreation Path

8.7 mi
State: NH
Asphalt

Goffstown Rail Trail

5.5 mi
State: NH
Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand

Guinea Pond and Flat Mountain Trails

11.5 mi
State: NH
Ballast, Dirt, Grass

Harrisville Rail Trail

1.6 mi
State: NH
Dirt

Head's Pond Trail

1.75 mi
State: NH
Gravel

Heritage Trail (NH)

0.9 mi
State: NH
Asphalt

Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail

1.58 mi
State: NH
Asphalt

Laverack Nature Trail at Hawkins Brook

0.6 mi
State: NH
Boardwalk, Crushed Stone

Lincoln Woods Trail

2.7 mi
State: NH
Ballast

Londonderry Rail Trail

4.6 mi
State: NH
Asphalt

Mascoma River Greenway

2.78 mi
State: NH
Asphalt, Gravel

Mountain Division Trail

9.59 mi
State: ME
Asphalt, Gravel

Northern Rail Trail

57.8 mi
State: NH
Cinder, Crushed Stone

Old Railroad Trail

2.7 mi
State: NH
Dirt

Piscataquog Trail

2.1 mi
State: NH
Asphalt

Sawyer River Trail / Sawyer River Road

7.5 mi
State: NH
Ballast, Dirt, Grass, Sand

Blackmount Rail Trail

5 mi
State: NH
Cinder, Gravel, Woodchips

Bobby Woodman Rail Trail

1.7 mi
State: NH
Dirt, Gravel

Cheshire Rail Trail (Cheshire Branch Rail Trail)

42.4 mi
State: NH
Asphalt, Ballast, Cinder, Dirt, Gravel, Sand

Common Pathway

5.5 mi
State: NH
Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Accordion

Conway Branch

21 mi
State: NH
Ballast, Gravel

Cotton Valley Rail Trail

12 mi
State: NH
Gravel

Cross Vermont Trail (Montpelier & Wells River Trail)

22.9 mi
State: VT
Ballast, Dirt, Gravel, Sand

Dover Community Trail

4.2 mi
State: NH
Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt

New Boston Rail Trail

3.9 mi
State: NH
Dirt

Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Portsmouth Branch)

28 mi
State: NH
Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand

South Manchester Rail Trail

1.5 mi
State: NH
Asphalt

Stevens Rail Trail

1.65 mi
State: NH
Crushed Stone, Gravel

Sugar River Trail

9.5 mi
State: NH
Ballast, Gravel, Sand

Toonerville Rail-Trail

3.2 mi
State: VT
Asphalt

WOW Trail

2.7 mi
State: NH
Asphalt

Winnipesaukee River Trail

4.94 mi
State: NH
Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel

Ammonoosuc Rail Trail

23.46 mi
State: NH
Ballast, Dirt, Gravel, Sand

Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail

5.65 mi
State: NH
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel

Cross Vermont Trail

87.4 mi
State: VT
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel

Farmington Recreational Rail-Trail

6 mi
State: NH
Ballast, Cinder, Dirt, Gravel, Sand

Hillsborough Recreational Rail Trail

7.8 mi
State: NH
Crushed Stone, Dirt

Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail

5.9 mi
State: ME
Gravel

Village Spur Rail Trail

2.1 mi
State: NH
Asphalt, Dirt, Grass

Trestle Trail

1 mi
State: NH
Dirt

Black Pond Trail

0.8 mi
State: NH
Dirt

Franconia Brook Trail

7.2 mi
State: NH
Ballast

Henniker & Hopkinton Rail Trails

6.7 mi
State: NH
Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand

Littleton Riverwalk

0.5 mi
State: NH
Asphalt

Merrimack River Greenway Trail

0.33 mi
State: NH
Asphalt

Nanamocomuck Trail

12 mi
State: NH
Ballast

North Conway Recreation Path

2.9 mi
State: NH
Asphalt, Boardwalk

Oliverian Brook Trail

3.5 mi
State: NH
Dirt

Profile Recreational Rail Trail

2.3 mi
State: NH
Cinder, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand

Rocky Branch Trail (NH)

9 mi
State: NH
Dirt, Gravel

Warner Rail Trail and Bagley Rail Trail

1 mi
State: NH
Crushed Stone, Gravel
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
Note: Fees are charged at Flume Gorge, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and Echo Lake Beach. Bike rentals and shuttles are available at the Tramway. Overview The Franconia Notch Recreation Path...
NH 8.7 mi Asphalt
The year 2017 marks 20 years since a rails-to-trails project was first mentioned in the Goffstown Master Plan, and thanks to work by the Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail and support throughout the...
NH 5.5 mi Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand
These connecting trails follow the bed of the old Beebe River Railroad up to Flat Mountain Pond, a large, remote pool high in the Sandwich Range Wilderness. This is a great trip for advanced mountain...
NH 11.5 mi Ballast, Dirt, Grass
The Harrisville Rail Trail runs for just under two miles between the outskirts of Harrisville and Hancock in rural New Hampshire. The former railroad bed is located on lands conserved by the Harris...
NH 1.6 mi Dirt
The Head’s Pond Trail (formerly known as Hooksett Rail Trail) is a 1.9-mile rail-trail that visits two scenic ponds, including the eponymous Head’s Pond, in a woodsy area of Hooksett. The trail’s...
NH 1.75 mi Gravel
The Heritage Trail is managed by the state of New Hampshire to provide access to recreational and historical attractions across the state. Eventually, the north-south route along the former Boston and...
NH 0.9 mi Asphalt
Overview Lake Winnisquam is New Hampshire’s fourth largest lake, and taking the Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail is one of the best ways to experience it. Meaning “pleasant waters,” Lake Winnisquam...
NH 1.58 mi Asphalt
The Laverack Nature Trail at Hawkins Brook is an ADA compliant nature trail that offers views of wetlands, forests, and wildlife. Located in the Town of Meredith, this trail connects the village...
NH 0.6 mi Boardwalk, Crushed Stone
The Lincoln Woods Trail runs for 2.6 miles along the east branch of the Pemigewasset River. You can combine the trail with other trails that run through the forest in the White Mountains of New...
NH 2.7 mi Ballast
Overview  The Londonderry Rail Trail runs for 4.6 miles between Harvey and Rockingham Road. The smooth paved trail offers a pleasant and tranquil adventure for trail users along an old Manchester...
NH 4.6 mi Asphalt
The Mascoma River Greenway is a planned 4-mile rail-trail through the heart of Lebanon. The paved, multiuse trail is currently 2.78 miles, offering a pleasant opportunity for both recreation and...
NH 2.78 mi Asphalt, Gravel
Overview The Mountain Division Trail exists as two separate segments of what will eventually be a more than 50-mile-long trail from Fryeburg to Portland. The northern section runs for nearly 4...
ME 9.59 mi Asphalt, Gravel
Overview Spanning nearly 58 miles from Lebanon to Boscawen, the Northern Rail Trail is New Hampshire’s longest rail-trail conversion. It weaves through Grafton and Merrimack counties and is less...
NH 57.8 mi Cinder, Crushed Stone
The Old Railroad, as its name suggests, is a multi-use trail that occupies a former Boston & Maine Railroad corridor. The trail picks up at the northern trailhead of the Common Pathway, a paved...
NH 2.7 mi Dirt
The Piscataquog Trail, though only about 2 miles long, provides a vital off-road link between the communities on the western side of the Merrimack River (the West Side of Manchester) to several parks...
NH 2.1 mi Asphalt
The Sawyer River Trail/Sawyer River Road lies deep in the forested heart of the 1,200-square-mile White Mountain National Forest. The 7.5-mile route traces an old logging railroad that’s now part...
NH 7.5 mi Ballast, Dirt, Grass, Sand
In Woodsville the trail starts across from the Subway Restaurant across from the the Oceans Job Lot Store and next to the Woodsville Machine Shop and YES Yankee Electrical Supply up and down a short...
NH 5 mi Cinder, Gravel, Woodchips
The Bobby Woodman Rail Trail, a hard-packed dirt and gravel pathway, begins off a quiet street at the southern end of Claremont and quickly dives under pleasant tree cover. After about a half mile,...
NH 1.7 mi Dirt, Gravel
Overview The Cheshire Rail Trail connects Fitzwilliam, Troy, Keene, Westmoreland and Walpole. The 42.4-mile trail has a mostly gravel and dirt surface. The rail-trail plays host to a variety of...
NH 42.4 mi Asphalt, Ballast, Cinder, Dirt, Gravel, Sand
The Common Pathway travels 5.5 miles from the outskirts of Peterborough south to downtown’s Noone Falls area, paralleling US 202 and the Contoocook River for most of its journey. The small town of...
NH 5.5 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Accordion
The Conway Branch trail runs for 21 miles along an old rail corridor between State Route 113 in Conway and Polly's Crossing in Ossipee. The trail is popular with snowmobiles and rail car clubs; the...
NH 21 mi Ballast, Gravel
Overview The Cotton Valley Rail Trail connects the small town of Wakefield, near the Maine border, and the quintessentially quaint New England vacation town of Wolfeboro. In 2017 the towns held a...
NH 12 mi Gravel
Locals lovingly describe the Cross Vermont Trail as a patchwork quilt that will ultimately form a 90-mile trail from Lake Champlain in the west to the Connecticut River in the east. A component of the...
VT 22.9 mi Ballast, Dirt, Gravel, Sand
Overview The Dover Community Trail snakes its way through the heart of the Garrison City—so nicknamed for the fortified log houses, or garrisons, built by 17th-century settlers—-offering a variety...
NH 4.2 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt
The New Boston Rail Trail follows the former railroad corridor of the same name for 3.9 miles through densely wooded areas in the town of New Boston. The railroad was in operation from 1893 to 1931,...
NH 3.9 mi Dirt
Overview  The Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail brings at least two superlatives to mind: it’s one of New Hampshire’s longest rail trails at just more than 28 miles, and it runs from Manchester,...
NH 28 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand
The South Manchester Rail Trail is a developing bike/pedestrian path that currently runs through the City of Manchester's southeast neighborhoods to the border with the Town of Londonderry. The...
NH 1.5 mi Asphalt
The Stevens Rail Trail is part of the Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail, which follows the historic Concord-Claremont Railroad corridor. Located about a dozen miles west of Concord, the Stevens Rail...
NH 1.65 mi Crushed Stone, Gravel
Overview  The Sugar River Trail runs for 9.5 miles between Claremont and Newport along the old Sugar River Railroad corridor. The 9.5-mile trail crosses its namesake river seven times—twice on...
NH 9.5 mi Ballast, Gravel, Sand
The Toonerville Rail-Trail shadows the Black River for most of its 3.2-mile length in eastern Springfield to the border with New Hampshire across the Connecticut River. The route originally carried an...
VT 3.2 mi Asphalt
Overview The WOW Trail is named after the three bodies of water that can be seen from this rail trail: Lake Winnipesaukee, Opechee Bay, and Lake Winnisquam. This picturesque 2.7-mile trail shares a...
NH 2.7 mi Asphalt
Many rail-trails start at a vintage depot, an old caboose, or a rusty locomotive acquired by the local historical society. The Warren to East Haverhill Railroad Grade Trail, however, starts at the...
NH 10.8 mi Dirt
Overview The Winnipesaukee River Trail runs for nearly 5 miles between the towns of Franklin and Tilton, nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. About the Route The Winnipesaukee...
NH 4.94 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
Overview The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail carries its users for 23.46 miles along the scenic river that shares the trail's name. The river itself is a destination for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The...
NH 23.46 mi Ballast, Dirt, Gravel, Sand
Following the historic Concord-Claremont Railroad corridor, the Concord–Lake Sunapee Rail Trail will eventually connect communities from Concord to the southern point of Lake Sunapee via a multiuse...
NH 5.65 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
The Cross Vermont Trail (CVT) is a statewide route that links a number of Vermont trails and includes on-road sections. As of January 2016, 87 miles of trail are built and scattered across the state....
VT 87.4 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel
The Farmington Recreational Rail-Trail runs for 6 miles between the towns of Rochester and Farmington. The trail parallels the Cocheco River and State Route 11 through a wooded corridor. The trail is...
NH 6 mi Ballast, Cinder, Dirt, Gravel, Sand
Hillsborough Recreational Rail Trail connects three communities in south-central New Hampshire: Hillsborough, Deering, and Bennington. The unpaved trail winds along the Contoocook River through rural...
NH 7.8 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt
Overview  The Sanford-Springvale Rail Trail runs for 5.9 miles between Sanford and Springvale. The gravel trail traverses the woods on either side of Sanford’s scenic Springvale community as it...
ME 5.9 mi Gravel
The Village Spur Rail Trail begins in downtown Belmont, and stretches from behind the Belmont Mill to the Tioga River on the west side of South Road. Out and back for the entire trail is about four...
NH 2.1 mi Asphalt, Dirt, Grass
The trestle trail is part of a network of rail-trails converted from and old logging railroad in the White Mountains. It is close to the Zealand Trail, the Sugarloaf Trail, and the Hale Brook...
NH 1 mi Dirt
The Black Pond Trail itself is short but it can be linked with other trails that run through the forest in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, just northeast of Lincoln. Specifically, the Black Pond...
NH 0.8 mi Dirt
The Franconia Brook Trail runs from just north of the confluence of the east branch of the Pemigewasset River and Franconia Branch. Note that bicycling is not permitted along the route. You can...
NH 7.2 mi Ballast
The Henniker Rail Trail is an unpaved single-track path that follows a former rail corridor for 2.3 miles. The rail-trail picks up east of the former passenger station. Situated south of the Town of...
NH 6.7 mi Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand
If you find yourself exploring the town of Littleton, New Hampshire, do yourself a favor and hit the riverwalk. Though only half a mile long, the riverside walkway is beloved by tourists coming to see...
NH 0.5 mi Asphalt
The Merrimack River Greenway Trail (MRGT) will stretch from Boscawen southward through Concord to Pembroke, offering scenic views of the Merrimack River, the city and the surrounding landscapes. The...
NH 0.33 mi Asphalt
The Upper and Lower Nanamocomuck Trails in White Mountain National Forest are accessible from Kancamagus Highway (SR 112) west of Conway. The trails are open for hiking in summer and cross-country...
NH 12 mi Ballast
The North Conway Recreation Path (aka the Mt Washington Valley Recreational Path or MWV Rec Path) opened in July 2023.  Extending 2.9 miles between Cranmore Mountain Resort and Hemlock Lane in the...
NH 2.9 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
The Oliverian Brook Trail follows the course of Oliverian Brook through the dense forest of White Mountain National Forest. The trail, open to cross-country skiing in winter, heads toward Passaconaway...
NH 3.5 mi Dirt
Open for a variety of recreational activities, the Profile Trail is a 1.5-mile multi-use natural surface path in the Town of Bethlehem. Running between US Route 3 and US Route 302, the trail runs...
NH 2.3 mi Cinder, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Sand
Bicycles are permitted only on the first 2.3 miles of the trail, up to the wilderness boundary (marked with signs). Hiking and cross-country skiing only are allowed past this point.
NH 9 mi Dirt, Gravel
The Warner Rail Trail and the Bagley Field Rail Trail are part of the Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail, an eventual 34-mile rail-trail connecting Lake Sunapee and Concord, New Hampshire's state...
NH 1 mi Crushed Stone, Gravel

Recent Trail Reviews

Franconia Notch Recreation Path

Riders beware

September, 2024 by dibergie

I started this ride at the northernmost end (Skookumchuck) and rode all the way to The Flume. Unfortunately, my time there was limited, and I would have loved to stop at the many available sites along the way. Many places to stop for a bite, see nature, read about history, and use bathrooms. But be aware that this is a very hilly ride. You will have hills to climb, and you will descend very quickly. There are also a few sharp turns. Be on the lookout for walkers, other bikers, and pet walkers. The trail, while asphalt, is also bumpy due to tree roots growing underneath.

Franconia Notch Recreation Path

woodsy ride

September, 2024 by daniellefort

Started at the very north end just before the interstate starts and went to the parking lot of The Flume. It was 10.1 miles. Had some very steep hills, some picnic tables scattered along the trail and some nice scenic spots. Not my favorite trail due to the hills as I ride on a trike with a passenger seat for my daughter and struggled getting up the hills but it is very scenic.

Cotton Valley Rail Trail

cotton valley trail

September, 2024 by frbauer_tl

So this trail has a hidden risk. Going from trail on the side of the rails to inside the rails can be tricky. My wife fell twice and skinned her knee pretty good. Also trail is narrow and has lots of walkers with dogs. Views are good near wolfboro but after that it’s a tree tunnel. Don’t need to do it again.

Accordion

Winnipesaukee River Trail

well maintained with beautiful views of the river

August, 2024 by brenda.viglienzoni

This trail was lovely. I did the entire trail both ways in a couple of hours. Mostly flat and well maintained. Began in Tilton on Rt 140 and road to the end in Franklin. Many nice places to stop along the way. Took some great pictures. It was a bit confusing when the trail ends and you are routed down Main Street in Tilton. I almost turned around at this point. Honestly It’s really not that far through town. Just be careful of cars backing out of parking spots. The vistas are worth it, keep going. Looking forward to checking out another trail.

Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail (Portsmouth Branch)

bike day

August, 2024 by mflayhan

Great trail we loved it would recommend it for sure enjoy

Northern Rail Trail

great trail

August, 2024 by mflayhan

One of the best biking trails smooth great steady cruiser trail loved it

Franconia Notch Recreation Path

Gorgeous bike ride

August, 2024 by smgohman

We only had an hour before sunset but went from the flume visitor center to the basin. We loved it!

Cotton Valley Rail Trail

Good trail

August, 2024 by carlbrunning99

I rode the full trail starting in Wakefield at the Turntable park ( which had a good sized parking lot) to Wolfeboro and back. Smooth surface with packed gravel and stone dust. Watch yourself on the crossing when going over the rails so you don’t catch a wheel and go for a header. Good day of biking.

Mountain Division Trail

Also called Sebago to the Sea Trail Section 4

August, 2024 by barbworks1

A lovely and fairly easy asphalt paved bike ride. I started in South Windham off Route 202 south of Rt 302. This app shows the parking at the Post Office but there is public parking south of the Post Office. There are signs on Rt 202 to show the Public Parking. Apparently, in 2023 the local Boy Scouts did some work to mark the parking and trail. Look for the little white signs “Sebago to the Sea Trail”. Park in the lot across from the Windham Fire Rescue South Station. Find the trail by looking at the Fire Station, look left and walk between the two buildings to a little grad & gravel trail. If you turn left, walk or ride behind the building about 100 yards to cross ice a 202 to the start of the asphalt path. If you turn right, the grass and gravel travel continues.

Farmington Recreational Rail-Trail

Needs some serious work.

July, 2024 by bstnh1

Tried riding this trail with a regular (skinny tire) bike. That's close to impossible. It's pretty obvious the trail has not been and is not maintained. It's rutted, has tree roots across it , has wet, muddy areas and worst of all, it has sections of very soft sand that make biking on it nearly impossible. It crosses NH Rte.11, a major two lane 55MPH highway, so be prepared. It is definitely not handicapped accessible. There are no facilities of any kind along or adjacent to the trail. Overall, a huge disappointment.

Cotton Valley Rail Trail

Nine riders went in. Only 4 came out without injury. Dangerous crossings over rails. Zigzag back and forth across tracks. Why not stay on just one side???? Needs maintenance to make it safer.

July, 2024 by dewmara_tl

Nine riders went in. Only 4 came out without injury. Dangerous crossings over rails. Zigzag back and forth across tracks. Why not stay on just one side???? Needs maintenance to make it safer.

Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail

so much to do

June, 2024 by carmen347

I have been waiting to try this route for several years. Always hearing that it wasn’t close to being finished. I was very disappointed to see firsthand that virtually nothing has been done for those years. The first mile from Concord is covered with packed cinder, but beyond that the trail is still raw and rough with exposed rocks and roots. Not sure why this project has stalled but I will not be riding it or supporting it until domething more is done to show progress. tiding it ir supporting it until I see something

Find Nearby City trails

Register for free!

Register for free with TrailLink today!

We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your own favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Leave reviews for trails
  • Add new and edit existing trails

Get the Free TrailLink App

The trail is always better with TrailLink

Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone

Explore by City

Explore by City

Explore by Activity

Explore by Activity

Log in to your account to:

  • View trail paths on the map
  • Save trails to your account
  • Add trails, edit descriptions
  • Share photos
  • Add reviews

Log in with Google

Log in with Apple

OR

Register for free!

Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more!

Register with Google

Register with Apple

OR

Your account has been deleted.