You can download a printable version of this FAQ here.
Rail trails are multi-purpose public paths created from former railroad corridors. They are typically flat or follow a gentle grade. Ideal for many uses, rail trails are extremely popular as recreation and alternative transportation corridors. Rail trails also serve as conservation corridors, linking isolated parks and natural areas, and creating greenways through developed areas. They are often used to help preserve historic landmarks.
The trail follows the former Boston & Maine railroad right of way from the Piscataquog River near the Main Street bridge in Goffstown village, through Grasmere and the county complex, to the Manchester city line near Sarette Field in Pinardville. It runs roughly parallel to Mast Road and the Piscataquog River. It will connect to Manchester's Piscataquog Trail, which is expected to cross the Piscataquog River and reach Goffstown in 2011.
The town of Goffstown. The land was purchased in 2004. A grant from the Federal Transportation Enhancement Program provided 80% of the money and the town residents approved a warrant article in the March 2001 election, which provided the other 20%.
It is about 5.5 miles from the western end in Goffstown village to the Manchester city line. This will be extended another two miles by Manchester's Piscataquog Trail. The 1/4 mile from Goffstown town line to the West Side Ice Arena is expected to be done in 2011. The rest of the Piscataquog Trail from the Ice Arena to the Hands Across the Merrimack bridge is fully completed.
Yes! Two trail segments were constructed in the fall of 2008. The remainder of the trail has not yet been developed, but Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail volunteers continue to make improvements in these other areas. Most of the trail is useable on foot or bicycle. The surface is rough or eroded in some places, so road bikes are not recommended. During this development phase, take extra care to respect private property along the trail.
Walking, running, bicycling, skiing, and snowshoeing are allowed. Pets are required to be leashed while on the trail. (Please pick up after them.)
Town ordinance forbids motorized vehicles (including OHRVs and snowmobiles), inline skating, scooters, horses, hunting, dumping or littering, and alcoholic beverages on the trail.
Though the trail is still being developed, there are some existing parking areas that can be used for rail trail access. See this page for more information.
A good place to start is to become a member of the FGRT. Come lend a hand at monthly trail work sessions. Help out with other volunteer opportunities, such as promotional events, contributing to publications, and participating on special teams and committees. Watch the FGRT home page for announcements and information on how you can participate, or join the FGRT .
The town has completed a survey of the trail corridor, and a preliminary engineering design. Two trail segments and a small bridge were constructed in the fall of 2008. Two more projects are expected to be completed this year, and a much larger set of projects next year. Additional trail segments and facilities will be constructed as additional funding can be obtained.
The majority of trail funding so far has come from federal and state grants, with additional assistance from corporate grants and private donations. Federal and state grants typically require a 20% match. That match may be partially or completely covered with in-kind materials and labor provided by the town, or by donors and volunteers. (Please us if you would like to help.) Grants from corporate and other organizations may have varying matching requirements.
Construction costs can vary significantly, depending on design decisions that are made. Through the 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 Recreation Trails Program grants and the 2010 Transportation Enhancement grant, a total of $536,000 has been spent or allocated to develop 1.75 miles of the trail. The remaining 3.75 miles is estimated to require $345,000 if the remaining sections were to be completed under a single contract in the near future. However, if construction were to be stretched out over 12 to 14 years, the future dollar value might total $490,000. There may be additional costs if further enhancements are desired beyond the initial completion.
Town trail standards call for a ten-foot wide "nitpack" gravel surface. A paved asphalt surface would support a wider range of users, have reduced long-term maintenance requirements, and be less attractive to illegal OHRV use, but it has a higher initial cost. The trail could be paved at a later stage as future funding permits.
Yes! Public involvement is important to the success of the rail trail development. There have been meetings and hearings at various steps in the process for gathering feedback from the public, and more will follow. The town's Rail Trail Steering Committee meetings are open to the public. (See the town website for more information.) You can also become involved with the FGRT. (Please us.)
As the owner of the rail trail, the town is ultimately responsible for its management and maintenance. Volunteers and community groups often assist in clean up and trail maintenance. You are encouraged to volunteer and help out too. See the FGRT website for more information, or us.
The vast majority of trail users are law-abiding citizens not interested in trespassing. Straying onto private property is usually accidental, and is reduced where there is a clear trail boundary. Trail signs remind users to respect private property. If you experience trespassing problems, call the police.
According to a National Park Service study, most adjacent owners experience a minimal loss of privacy from the establishment of a rail trail. Rail trails often already have established trees and shrubs along much of their edges. In some cases, adjacent landowners have already taken steps to ensure their privacy from trains, their crews, and other former corridor users. Trail design specifications call for additional vegetative screening to be added to the trail corridor in a number of areas to protect privacy. Fencing is expensive and not usually necessary, although some landowners do erect fences, often with a gate so they can access the trail. The design process of the trail has included meetings with adjacent property owners and residents to address their concerns.
There is no evidence that developed rail trails cause an increase in crime. In fact, trail development may actually decrease the risk of crime in comparison to an abandoned and undeveloped rail corridor. Several studies show that most people prefer living along a rail trail rather than an abandoned corridor. Typically, lawful trail users serve as eyes and ears for the community, discouraging unlawful activity. Police patrols are also conducted on the trail to discourage illegal activities and uses.
From studies of existing trails reported by the National Trail Conservancy, 64% of adjacent landowners believe that the trail has no effect on the resale value, with 28% believing that the land value increased as a result of the trail. 71% of realtors and appraisers believe that the trail has no effect on adjacent residential property with 19% believing that the property value increases. On well-used rail trails, it is common to find property "for sale" signs not just in front of a property, but also facing the trail, in order to catch the attention of trail users who highly value having immediate access to a trail system.