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 in the early stages of development.
It is about 5.5 miles from the western end in Goffstown village to the Manchester city line.
Even though the trail has not yet been developed, much of it is already passable. The surface is rough or eroded in some places, so road bikes are not recommended. During this pre-development phase, take extra care to respect private property along the trail, as the boundary is unclear in places.
Walking, running, bicycling, skiing, snowshoeing, and leading domestic animals on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed. (Please pick up after your pet.)
Motorized vehicles (including OHRVs, snowmobiles), hunting, dumping, littering, alcoholic beverages.
At this pre-development stage, there are not any designated parking areas yet. It is possible to park at the Parks & Rec facility, the Villa Augustina ballfields, and near the practice field at the county complex.
Most of the money to develop the trail is expected to come from federal and state grants. Typically, the grants pay for 80%, leaving the town to cover the remaining 20%. The town’s share can be partially or completely covered with in-kind materials and labor provided by the town or by donors and volunteers. Smaller grants are available from other organizations with varying matching requirements.
Some examples: A grant award was received from the NH Recreational Trails Program for $30,000. (See press release.) This plus about $8,000 in donations and volunteer labor will be used to build Phase 1 of the "First Mile" project. Also, Pro Landscape Supply has offered to build a portion of the trail across their property as a donation to the town.
The costs can vary significantly, depending on design decisions that are made. Based on the amount estimated in the recent Recreational Trails grant, an absolute bare minimum gravel trail would require around $300,000. The actual number would likely be higher due to additional expenses such as road crossings and bridges. Paving would significantly increase the initial cost, but last longer.
The trail will at least initially be gravel. A paved asphalt surface supports the widest range of users, has reduced long-term maintenance requirements, and is 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, spreading out the cost.
The town has completed a trail corridor survey and preliminary engineering study. The first major trail construction project will begin this fall. The Pro Landscape Supply donation project will also be built this year. In the mean time, much of the trail is already usable by walkers, runners, and mountain bikes.
Public involvement will be critical to the success and acceptance of the trail development project. The trail development process will include meetings for gathering ideas and feedback from the public.
As the owner of the trail, the town is formally responsible for the management and maintenance of the trail. Volunteers and community groups often assist in clean up and trail maintenance days.
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. Often, trail design specifications will call for additional vegetative screening to be added to the trail corridor 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 will include meeting 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.