There will be intermittent closures during the Andover bridge construction.

For regular updates, please visit our Facebook Page.

Surface

From Danbury’s north town line to the southern terminus, the trail has been leveled with a road grader, compacted, and then covered with an engineered mixture of stone dust. This has left a smooth, hard surface that makes a fine, natural-looking trail and one that can self-heal from most damage. North of the Danbury town line, the surface is a mix of original railroad cinder and engineered stone dust, easily traversed on a hybrid bike.

Trail Use

Walking and Jogging
Bicycling
Horseback Riding
Wheelchair Users

Cross Country Skiing
Snowshoeing
Dog Sledding
Snowmobiles

Trail Etiquette

GENERAL

  • Motorized vehicles are NOT permitted other than pedal-assist bikes and snowmobiles in winter.

  • Announce your presence early, especially when passing, in a friendly, neighborly way.

  • Keep your pets under voice control or leashed at all times.

  • Announce yourself early when passing and use a friendly voice; do not wait until you are directly next to the party you are passing.

DOGS

  • When approaching or passing someone with a dog, ask permission if you want to approach.

  • If you have a dog, ask before letting your dog approach the other dog.

  • Announce if your dog needs a wide berth when someone is passing.

  • Pick up after your dog and do not leave bagged waste behind (even if you plan to pick it up on your return trip).

  • Dogs must be leashed and under control when approaching horses.

HORSES

  • When approaching from behind, whether on foot or on a bike, announce yourself and do not pass until the rider acknowledges you and indicates it is clear to pass.

  • When approaching from the front on foot, greet the rider and give them space while passing. 

  • When approaching from the front on a bike, slow or stop until the rider passes or indicates it is okay for you to proceed.

  • Do not approach horses without the rider’s permission.

  • Remain clearly in view of the riders and the horses. Do not step off trail or stand behind trees or bushes.

BIKING

  • Stay to the RIGHT

  • Slow down to PASS

E-Bikes

PERMITTED (Class 1 and Class 2)

  • Class 1: Pedal-assist only, where the pedal assist cuts off at 20 MPH, and the user must pedal to go faster.

  • Class 2: Throttled on demand, which operates by a throttle, by pedal-assist or by both. The throttle cuts off at 20 MPH, and the user must go faster.

NOT PERMITTED (Class 3)

Where Can I Charge my e-Bike?

Friends of the Northern Rail Trail has added e-bike charging stations at three locations along the rail trail. Outdoor 120 volt outlets are now well signed and available to rail trail users to top off e-bike batteries at the following locations:

  • Homestead Inn’s garage (188 King St., Boscawen), which faces Depot Street and is a short distance from the trailhead at Jamie Welch Park.

  • Highland Lake Inn and event venue, up the hill a short distance to 32 Maple St., Andover, from the red-roofed firehouse and picnic area located on the rail trail.

  • The south side of the Danbury Country Store at 705 Route 4 across the street from the rail trail in the center of Danbury.

E-Bike Charging Stations