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 pedal to 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