Take a Unique Adventure On New Hampshire’s Best Rail Trail

Are you looking for a new way to explore the New Hampshire seacoast area? A scenic hike is always an option, but unless you are an expert adventurer, this outdoor activity only allows you to cover a short distance of the region at a fairly slow pace. I much prefer embarking on a peaceful bike trail where I can take in miles of scenery without having to burn a ton of energy. Luckily, there are lots of beautiful biking routes in the Granite State, including a brand new path called the Seacoast Greenway Rail Trail. And this picturesque rail trail in New Hampshire is getting better and better by the day.

Where This Bike Path Is and What Makes It Unique

If you have never heard of the New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway Rail Trail, it is probably because it just opened less than two years ago. Parts of the trail are still in the works, but when it is complete, the Greenway Trail, which was created on the site of an abandoned railroad corridor, will run 14.5 miles and connect seven local communities from Portsmouth to Seabrook. But that is just a small part of the bigger picture. The New Hampshire seacoast section of the trail will actually just be a portion of the much longer East Coast Greenway Trail, a 3,000-mile coastal route that starts in Calais, Maine, and runs all the way to Key West, Florida. Now that is an epic bike ride!

Currently, eight of the 14.5 miles of the trail are open for visitors to enjoy year-round. Along with bikers, pedestrians, runners, horseback riders, and class 1 and class 2 e-bike riders can frequent the stone dust path. When the trail is snow-covered, cross-country skiers may also join in the fun. The bike path is easy and flat, and is ideal for bikers of all abilities.

What You’ll See Along the Way

Pedal under bridges, pass through scenic wooded areas, quiet neighborhoods, and a golf course. If you enjoy skateboarding, you may wish to check out Portsmouth Skate Park, a 20,000-square-foot outdoor recreational area (also a greenway access point). There are also several places on the trail to grab a bite to eat, including the Freight House and the Airfield Cafe.

Tips for Visiting

If you are ready to do some biking on one of the newest scenic bike trails in New Hampshire, head up the coast and hit the greenway. Please note that there are currently two separate trailhead parking areas at both the North Hampton Trailhead and the Portsmouth Skate Park. FYI - the latter parking area has a restroom. Several additional access points are located along the route.  

If you would like to find additional maps, trail information, and the latest updates on the expansion project, visit the New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway website and the New Hampshire Seacoast Greenway Facebook page. And while you are in Portsmouth, be sure to stop and explore some of the historical sights, delicious restaurants, and unique shops located throughout this quaint town. But if you decide that you prefer hitting the hiking trails, be sure to check out these epic waterfall paths in New Hampshire.