In the 19th century, the railroad boom in New England connected communities like never before. Goods and people could be moved much easier and further than previously thought. The later rise of air and auto travel negated some of the use for passenger rail services and many rail lines went extinct. But they didn’t die out completely. Many have been repurposed into multi-use recreational trails that once again tie communities together. There are a wide variety of New Hampshire rail trails, and one of the newest is restoring a connection between the Capital City and the Lake Sunapee region.

When complete, the Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail will span 34 miles through Concord, Hopkinton, Warner, Sutton, Bradford, and Newbury.
Concord – Lake Sunapee Rail Trail
The trail is being constructed on the right-of-way of the former Concord and Claremont Railroad. This historic rail line dates back to 1848.
Concord – Lake Sunapee Rail Trail
One of the first major sections to open is a 2.5-mile stretch from Fisherville Road to Carter Hill Road in Concord.
Concord – Lake Sunapee Rail Trail/Facebook

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Rail trails have been proven to have significant benefits for the communities they pass through and for the residents within those communities.
Concord – Lake Sunapee Rail Trail
Rail trails allow for safe, scenic, and family-friendly recreation away from busy roads. These are spaces that anyone of any ability can enjoy.
Concord – Lake Sunapee Rail Trail
Rail trails take time to build, but development and construction of the Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail continues. While some sections are complete, others are in the process of being converted.
Concord – Lake Sunapee Rail Trail/Facebook
Many historic artifacts from the original rail line can still be spotted along the route, including the original granite mileposts that have since been restored.
Eric Bissonnette/All Trails

Cyclists, walkers, runners, and skiers will want to keep an eye on the progress of this newest New Hampshire rail trail. For the latest updates and news as construction continues, visit the Concord – Lake Sunapee Rail Trail website and follow Concord – Lake Sunapee Rail Trail on Facebook. Need gear before you head out for a trail ride? REI can set you up right.

Converting former railroads to multi-use outdoor corridors is nothing new in New Hampshire. A stunning example is this 83-mile trail corridor that connects ten northern towns.

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Concord - Lake Sunapee Rail Trail, Concord, NH 03301, USA