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Print Friendly MapThe 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 smooth stone dust surface is well suited to bikes, but the short length and out-and-back configuration of the path isn’t. As a result, you’ll mostly find local joggers and walkers (often with a four-legged friend) using the trail. Fishermen also use the trail to catch largemouth bass or chain pickerel in the ponds. History and outdoors buffs will enjoy the interpretive signs that inform about Hooksett and the local flora and fauna.
A trailhead with ample parking on US 3 is the best place to begin. A steep and rocky access path leads downhill from the parking lot, but once you’re on the trail, it’s flat over its entire length. The trail follows a former Portsmouth & Concord Railroad alignment that linked the two cities briefly in the 1850s before operations ceased on this section and the track was removed in 1861.
From the trailhead, the Head’s Pond Trail goes northwest under US 3 and ends in 0.25 mile on Pleasant Street. Most visitors continue southeast on the trail to the ponds. Pines, maples, and birches envelop the trail and provide shade in summer months. In about 0.5 mile, you can relax on a bench and enjoy a view of Head’s Pond.
A nearby path connects to an adjacent neighborhood. The remainder of the trail continues as before, although the canopy opens up a bit to allow more sun as you approach the southern endpoint.
The trail ends abruptly at a gated dirt road that leads to a sand and gravel pit. You’ll want to stop here anyway, as you have reached the second pond, where yet another bench welcomes you to rest and enjoy the view. (A word of caution, though: heavy rains can overflow the pond and submerge the bench legs, leading to wet feet for those who insist on sitting regardless.) Head back the way you came for a double dose of scenery.
Although there aren’t any services along the trail, you can find refreshments in historic Hooksett on the Merrimack River. One option is the café at Robie’s Country Store, visited every four years by candidates vying for New Hampshire’s presidential primary. The store, located at 9 Riverside Street, is a historic landmark that dates to 1822.
To reach the trailhead and parking in Hooksett from I-93, take Exit 11. From the toll plaza, turn left onto Hackett Hill Road, go 0.2 mile, and turn left onto W. River Road/SR 3A. Go 0.6 mile, and turn right onto Main St. In 0.4 mile stay straight onto College Park Dr. Go 0.5 mile, and turn left onto US 3/SR 28/Hooksett Road. Go 1.1 miles, and look for parking on the right.
Great parking lot off rt3 in Hooksett. Packed gravel trail for the most part. Absolutely beautiful wetlands and woods. A wildlife paradise.
did walk today with meet-up group - it was a small group but had great time on this trail for the firs time. Pleasant, well maintained and educational posters along the way.
Great easy trail. Lot's of nature and educated signs. Only downfall "(I don't understand)" Dog owners leave their bags of poop all along the trail. Enjoy your walk....
My wife and I decided to venture to Hooksett and walk the rail trail. The weather was quite nice, and the path was very level. There is plenty to see and periodically, there would be a posting of things to see and a bit of history and a bench to sit. You can either walk or bike the trail. It seemed to be very popular as a number of people were walking and biking alone the trail. There are places that you could walk closer to the shore have lunch on the shore.
The Hooksett Kiwanis obtained a State of NH trail grant in 2010 to improve the surface of the trail. The trail now has 4" of compacted stone dust on the section from the trail head on Rte 3 to the end of the Town owned trail, about 1/4 mile before the pond on the south side. Hopefully the section of the trail from where the stone dust ends to the pond by the painted rock will become Town property soon and will be upgraded to stone dust surface, too. The section of the trail between Rte 3 and Pleasant St will have stone dust placed the summer of 2011.
For those who want a walk that does not double back 100%, park at the Rte 3 trail head and take the side trail to the west that goes up to Northview Terrace (the side road off Post Rd where there is parking, too). The side trail does go up a hill but that adds to the exercise effort/gain. Walk or ride back to along Post Rd (a sidewalk is there) north to the parking lot at Rte 3.
Enjoy!
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