Harrisville Rail Trail - Hancock, NH
Harrisville Rail Trail, nestled in Hancock, NH, is a charming dog park and hiking trail perfect for pet owners looking for an engaging outdoor experience. This 2.75-mile trail, part of the historic Manchester and Keene Railroad, offers a variety of terrains and picturesque landscapes, making it a delightful destination for dog-friendly hiking and exploring nature with your furry companion. The trail is pet-friendly, allowing dogs to roam alongside their owners, and is great for families with kids, making it an ideal spot for a day out.
The trail encompasses diverse features including wooded sections near Juggernaut Pond, elevated embankments, beaver ponds, old stone walls, and fun stream crossings. While the path presents some rugged terrain that challenges bikers and runners, it remains accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels. The natural beauty combined with pet-friendly amenities makes Harrisville Rail Trail a sought-after dog park in Hancock, NH for those seeking scenic, pet-friendly trails and dog-friendly hiking.
Whether you’re looking for a place to hike with your dog, enjoy nature, or bring the kids along, Harrisville Rail Trail offers a remote and quiet escape from the hustle and bustle. The trail’s unique blend of railroad history, rugged landscape, and pet-friendly environment ensures a memorable outdoor adventure for dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
FAQ for Harrisville Rail Trail in Hancock New Hampshire:
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed on the Harrisville Rail Trail.
- Is the park kid-friendly? Yes, the Harrisville Rail Trail is good for kids and kid-friendly hikes are available.
- Are there hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the Harrisville Rail Trail offers hiking activities along diverse landscapes including beaver ponds, road cuts, stone walls, and stream crossings.
- Is the trail suitable for biking? The trail is lovely for bikers except the last half mile which has challenging terrain with roots and rotting ties.
- Is the trail terrain difficult? The East end has the hardest terrain with an elevated embankment and tree roots; beginners should consider starting at the West end.
- Is the trail often muddy? The trail can be muddy in places but is usually passable on the edges.
Reviews
Trail was muddy in places, but passable on the edges. The first 100 yards of the trail are slightly overgrown with grass, but the path is still easy to follow.
Definitely one of the more rugged rail trails I have ran on which makes it feel less like a rail trail and more like true trail running.
This trail is perfect for hikers and lovely for bikers – at least until the last 1/2 mile where roots and rotting ties make riding a little difficult, the surroundings are lovely with beaver ponds in all stages, road cuts and elevated sections, old stone walls and fun stream crossings.
5 stars
This is a nice remote rail trail. The juggernaut pond section is very wooded. Sometimes the path barely thin enough for you. Was a very beautiful day to be here!
At 2.75 miles in length, the Harrisville Rail Trail is only a fraction of the 1878 Manchester and Keene Railroad’s original length, yet it offers a variety of sights and spans some diverse landscape.
The East end of the Jacquith trail has the hardest terrain to cover – an elevated embankment scattered with trees, roots, and with a number of railroad ties still in place. We found it best to walk short sections of this area that got a little too bumpy when going uphill on our hybrid bicycles. If this worries you, then begin at the West end and turn around if at any point you’re not comfortable with the terrain.
We have a map detailing the trailheads and other features over at Trailspotting.com.