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Fort Hill Recreational Rail Trail

This re-purposed rail trail is perfect for adventurers looking for views of the Connecticut River and the remains of the industrial age.
Trail Activity
Horseback riding Hiking Bicycling Snowmobiling
Length
7.00 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Moderate
Town
Hinsdale (NH)
Surface
Gravel/Crushed Stone/Cinder, Sand, Packed Earth/Dirt
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

Seven miles of level terrain and varying surfaces from ballast, to cinder, to dirt make this trail a scenic adventure for hikers and snowmobilers. The trail parallels the east bank of the Connecticut River and ends at a railroad bridge across to Brattleboro, Vermont. The bridge is an interesting relic of the industrial age in New England, but is not maintained and has no decking, so it is unsafe to cross. The trail's maintenance is primarily suited to snowmobilers, so while it is open to hikers, it is not a brushed hiking trail and some of it is overgrown in the summer. Because the trail is not maintained for biking and the surface is highly variable, biking is not recommended except perhaps for expert bikers. 
 
At its southern end, the trail meets the southern end of the Ashuelot Recreational Rail Trail, so the two are easy to combine into one trip.

Other Information

Trail conditions change often due to weather or maintenance schedules. Before you head out, click here for up-to-date conditions and closure information. 

Trail Manager

This trail is managed by the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation Bureau of Rail and Transit. For more information, please visit New Hampshire's Recreational Rail Trails online, or contact:

NH Bureau of Trails

NH Bureau of Trails
172 Pembroke Road
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-3254
nhtrails@dncr.nh.gov
View website

NH DOT - Bureau of Rail and Transit

NH DOT - Bureau of Rail and Transit
Room G25
JOM Building
PO Box 483 | 7 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03302-0483
Phone: (603) 271-2468
Bureau66@dot.nh.gov
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Use common sense. If it seems like a bad idea, it probably is.
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Trailhead Information

Southern Parking: From Hinsdale, drive south on NH-63 South/Northfield Road and continue for 2.1 miles. Pull into the parking area on the left side of the road. The trailhead is on the western side of the parking area. 

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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