The Granite State is overflowing with beautiful trails, each winding (or climbing) up, around, and through our state’s sweetest and most iconic landmarks. But while there are countless hikes in the Whites that are gloriously challenging and well worth an entry on your New Hampshire bucket list, sometimes a quiet and scenic stroll is just as spectacular… especially when the promise of a post-hike reward is waiting for you trail-side! For a perfect day trip up north, you can’t go wrong with a journey along the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail and a visit to the positively charming Little Grille at the Depot. Check it out!
Nestled at the northern edge of the White Mountains, Littleton is just one of the charming small towns that makes New Hampshire so special.
Back in the 1860s, when railroad fever was at its height, Littleton was a stop on the historic Boston and Maine railroad. Today, the majority of this line has been converted for rails-to-trails use, but Littleton continues to be a beautiful place to shop, adventure, and explore.
The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail, once part of the B&M Railroad, stretches nearly 20 miles between Woodsville and Littleton, meandering along vibrant farmscapes, the scenic Ammonoosuc River, over gorgeous covered bridges, through magnificent wooded areas, and more.
There are multiple access points to this multi-use trail, making it an easy add-on to your year-round explorations. It's also part of the larger Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail as well, which stretches all the way to Bethel, Maine.
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Whether you make Littleton the basecamp for your rail trail adventure or the endpoint, this scenic path is delightfully diverse and (thankfully!) home to a number of fantastic eats for mid-trail refuels.
Tucked away in one of the cutest historic depots you've ever seen, the Little Grille at the Depot serves up a full menu of delicious fare, featuring a tantalizing combination of Brazilian, Mexican, and classic American eats that are sure to add some delicious hype to your outdoor adventures.
Here you'll find perfectly crispy fries and hand-cut onion rings, mind-blowing shrimp tostadas, tender steak tips, and delicious adult beverages (including the Little Grille's own private label beer).
But of all the tasty items to choose from at the Little Grille, one item continues to keep locals and visitors alike coming back for more: the massive Sticky Vermonter Burger.
Thick-cut, cooked-to-order beef patties piled high with maple bacon and drizzled with maple aioli boast an incredible combination of sweet, smoky, and savory that is absolutely out of this world. How's that for a post-hike reward?
A word of caution: this epic dish lives up to its "sticky" moniker - so don't forget to grab extra napkins!
For a mid-week meal with or without the hike, "Burger Wednesdays" turn up the heat and offer even more delicious choices and opportunities to feed your wild side. Try the Swiss Alps Burger, Brazilian Burger, or the Dirty Burger…just to start!
Still hungry? Then you won't want to miss the Little Grille's other claim to fame: rodizio Brazilian-Portugese style churrasco - a rare find in the Northeast! Tender barbeque meats are skewer-grilled over an open flame until juicy and served table-side by the Grille's incredible staff. You'll definitely want to bring some friends to share the experience with the next time you visit!
You'll also find other Brazilian items on the menu to round out the Brazilian offerings, like the refreshing and unexpected Moqueca - an incredible Brazilian fish stew with soothing coconut milk and a dash of fresh lime juice.
Diners absolutely rave about Brazilian nights here at the Little Grille, almost as often as they swoon for the Vermonter!
Burgers, Brazilian BBQ, perfectly-crispy seafood… truly, it's hard to pick a favorite dish here. Add in the incredible location, and we say keep visiting until you've tried it all!
For most, the reward on a hike is the view at the end of a grueling uphill battle. For others, the real reward is the delicious meal that awaits at the end of the trail – a cozy place to rest weary limbs and have both thirst and appetite satiated. The Little Grille at the Depot is the perfect place to stop and dig in if you’re traveling, snowmobiling, or biking along the Ammonoosuc!
What’s your favorite local restaurant for a delicious post-hike meal?
On the hunt for another hearty option in the area? This poutine haven is an absolute must-visit.
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