West Hopkinton Rail Trail - Hopkinton, NH
West Hopkinton Rail Trail: A Dog-Friendly Trail in Hopkinton, New Hampshire
Discover the scenic beauty of the West Hopkinton Rail Trail, a favorite destination for dog owners seeking dog-friendly hiking near Hopkinton, New Hampshire. Starting near the Rowell Covered Bridge and tracing the north bank of the picturesque Contoocook River, this pet-friendly rail trail is perfect for outdoor-loving pups and their owners. While walking under the shaded forest canopy or alongside serene river views, you’ll enjoy a peaceful local getaway on a well-maintained path.
The trail is especially popular among hikers, dog walkers, and those with hybrid or mountain bikes. Convenient roadside parking is available at the Rowell Covered Bridge. Please note, most of the trail is shared with snowmobilers and some spots may be sandy, so plan accordingly. The West Hopkinton Rail Trail offers a great balance of accessibility and rustic charm, making it a must-visit for those searching for a unique dog park in Hopkinton, NH.
FAQ – West Hopkinton Rail Trail
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the main feature is the scenic hiking/biking/snowmobile rail trail itself.
- Where is the best place to park? Roadside parking is available near the Rowell Covered Bridge at the trail’s western end.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the trail appears to be regularly maintained, especially by the snowmobile community.
Reviews
Pick up the trail by Rowell Covered Bridge just North of Hopkinton Dam. The West Hopkinton Rail Trail traces a Westerly route along the Northern banks of the Contoocook River and then proceeds through an impressive cutting and embankment, before a long straight shot towards the town of Contoocook. Unfortunately private property stops you before you get that far, and there’s a link trail to Pine Street at the Eastern end of the trail. Much of the trail is under cover of forest, though the views where the trail run alongside the river are very pleasant.
This trail appears to be maintained and used mostly by snowmobilers, but can be used by hikers or hybrid, gravel and mountain bikes. There’s a very sandy 0.2 mile section about half the way along the route, which may have you walking your bike. We parked by the roadside at Rowell covered bridge. There are no apparent parking opportunities at the East side of this trail.
More on this and other New Hampshire rail trails at Trailspotting.com.
Pick up the trail by Rowell Covered Bridge just North of Hopkinton Dam. The West Hopkinton Rail Trail traces a Westerly route along the Northern banks of the Contoocook River and then proceeds through an impressive cutting and embankment, before a long straight shot towards the town of Contoocook. Unfortunately private property stops you before you get that far, and there’s a link trail to Pine Street at the Eastern end of the trail. Much of the trail is under cover of forest, though the views where the trail run alongside the river are very pleasant.
This trail appears to be maintained and used mostly by snowmobilers, but can be used by hikers or hybrid, gravel and mountain bikes. There’s a very sandy 0.2 mile section about half the way along the route, which may have you walking your bike. We parked by the roadside at Rowell covered bridge. There are no apparent parking opportunities at the East side of this trail.
More on this and other New Hampshire rail trails at Trailspotting.com.
Pick up the trail by Rowell Covered Bridge just North of Hopkinton Dam. The West Hopkinton Rail Trail traces a Westerly route along the Northern banks of the Contoocook River and then proceeds through an impressive cutting and embankment, before a long straight shot towards the town of Contoocook. Unfortunately private property stops you before you get that far, and there’s a link trail to Pine Street at the Eastern end of the trail. Much of the trail is under cover of forest, though the views where the trail run alongside the river are very pleasant.
This trail appears to be maintained and used mostly by snowmobilers, but can be used by hikers or hybrid, gravel and mountain bikes. There’s a very sandy 0.2 mile section about half the way along the route, which may have you walking your bike. We parked by the roadside at Rowell covered bridge. There are no apparent parking opportunities at the East side of this trail.
More on this and other New Hampshire rail trails at Trailspotting.com.