Mission:
Improve, promote, and maintain the Northern Rail Trail as a four season, multi-use trail through Merrimack County.  The Northern Rail Trail goes through the towns of Danbury, Wilmot, Andover, Franklin, and Boscawen in Merrimack County

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Coming Events:
The next meeting will be on Wed. May 21, 2008. Monthly meetings are held at Andover Elementary & Middle School Science Room, 7-9 pm.

May 7 Book Signing Party to Celebrate New Hampshire Rail Trails

On Wednesday, May 7th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. New London author Charles Martin will sign copies of his new book, New Hampshire Rail Trails at the Highland Lake Inn, 32 Maple Street, East Andover NH (603.735.6426.) Published by railroad history specialists Branch Line Press, New Hampshire Rail Trails, which will be on sale May 7th and personally inscribed by Mr. Martin for each purchaser, is the definitive guide to New Hampshire rail trails, including 300 pages describing 37 existing and 5 proposed rail trails, 181 pictures and 95 maps.

The rail trails are rated for scenery and surface, and each entry has information about where it starts, here it ends, the mileage, scenery and trail surface, permitted uses, who owns the rail trail and who maintains it. There is also historical information about the railroad that built the original rail bed.

Mr. Martin, a Harvard- and Berkeley-educated mathematician, spent two years researching and photographing New Hampshire rail trails, mostly by bicycle. He says, "I think New Hampshire is incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful network of rail trails. It's one of the least known attractions in the state. That's one of the reasons I thought the book was needed."

The book signing party is open to all and refreshments will be served. The Highland Lake Inn, the Welcome Center for the Northern Rail Trail, overlooks the latest segment of hard-pack-covered rail trail built by the Friends of the Northern Rail Trail in Merrimack County (FNRT-MC), of which Mr. Martin is the Treasurer.

The price of New Hampshire Rail Trails is $19.95.

For further information, call Myra Mayman (603)735-5071. For directions, visit the Highland Lake Inn's website: www.highlandlakeinn.com.

Friends of the Northern Rail Trail in Merrimack County celebrates Walk NH Week 2008, June 1st event set to get people from all walks of life walking.

(East Andover) -- On Sunday, June 1st the Friends of the Northern Rail Trail in Merrimack County in conjunction with the Caring Community Network of the Twin Rivers will celebrate Walk NH Week 2008 with a 3 mile walk staring at The Highland Lake Inn in East Andover.  The Friends of the Northern Rail Trail in Merrimack County will join other groups throughout New Hampshire in recognizing Walk NH Week 2008 by holding a community walk during the first week of June.

Walk NH Week is an event designed to encourage people of all ages to get out, get moving and   participate in a one to three mile community walk.  Governor John Lynch has proclaimed June 1st through June 7th Walk NH Week as a way to promote walking and help keep New Hampshire residents on a healthy path.  The goal of Walk NH Week is to inspire participants to continue walking as part of a healthy lifestyle long after the June events end.

The trail walk will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 1st.  Participants should gather at the tent located at The Highland Lake Inn located at 32 Maple St. East Andover before the walk to allow time to register. There will be a limited supply of Walk NH merchandise such as water bottles along with a snack and drink station at the turn around point on the trail.  All are welcome to participate in this easy walk that promises to be some healthy fun.  Be sure to let your friends, family and co-workers know about this special event.

For more information, contact Michael Loomis (603) 934-0177 ext 102.  Also visit Walk NH's website at www.WalkNH.org for more details about this walk and the Walk NH program.

Come join us in celebrating national trails day on Saturday, June 7, 2008 as we walk the Northern Rail Trail in Andover, NH.

If you would like to do more than just enjoy the trail, there will also be a group formed to maintain the trail by clearing brush, raking leaves off the trail, rubbish pick-up, etc. on a voluntary basis.  More information regarding the walk will be available in May.

News: See why people are talking about the Northern Rail Trail!
Ethney McMahon produced a short video that shows the trail, how people are using it, and scenic views. Don't forget to turn on your speakers, it has audio!
Please be patient, the video takes a few seconds to load
even with High Speed access.
Top Photos courtesty of Peter Southworth and Charles Martin

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