Rockingham Rail Trail – Fremont, NH

For a scenic and quiet walk, bike ride, or outing on horseback, try the Rockingham Rail Trail in southern NH. The Windham to Epping portion runs 18 miles. We chose the stretch beginning in Route 107 in Fremont (Map) because it runs through conservation land and ATVs and dirt bikes are not allowed on this portion of the trail, providing a serene alternative to the portion of the trail running south from 107 toward Windham.

Park in the large parking area on Route 107 across from the Fremont Public Library and a house that was once a rail depot. ATVs will take the path beginning at the end of the lot. We crossed the street, walked past the depot and headed into the woods for a lovely treat. You will find the going easy because of the level grade and fairly hard ground. A long stretch of dry weather preceded our visit here, so I can’t say how muddy it may get.

Shady pine woods, deciduous woods, a huge area of wetlands and smaller swamps alternate along the way for varying scenery. Looking down the path, you gaze through a tunnel of green in the spring through late summer. Though the tracks were pulled up years ago, artifacts of the era remain, including piles of railroad ties and vestiges of cinders. One can easily imagine a locomotive chugging along through the woods.

The path crosses North Rd. about 3 miles from the parking area; we continued a bit further before reluctantly turning around. The portion ahead toward Epping looked worthwhile to explore too.

I imagine this path is lovely in the fall, with its hardwoods and marshlands. This would also be a fantastic place for snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter.