Rockingham Rail Trail - Manchester, NH
Rockingham Rail Trail – Pet-Friendly Trails in Manchester, New Hampshire
The Rockingham Rail Trail is a popular dog-friendly hiking spot in Manchester, New Hampshire. This scenic rail trail features packed dirt and gravel paths that are flat and suitable for walking, running, biking, and even skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. The trail winds through the beautiful woods north of Massabesic Lake, offering peaceful natural views, spots to observe local wildlife, and easy access for pets and their owners.
While not a traditional fenced dog park, the Rockingham Rail Trail is well-known among pet owners for its leashed, pet-friendly environment. Visitors will find benches at the entrance, a trash bin for convenient waste disposal, and parking available at multiple locations. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it a great outdoor adventure for the whole family, including pets. The surrounding lake and ponds add to the trail’s charm, though swimming is not allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at the Rockingham Rail Trail? Yes, dogs are welcome, but owners must clean up after them and keep them leashed.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is not a fenced-in area for dogs at this trail.
- Are there benches or seating available? Yes, there are benches at the entrance of the trail.
- Is parking available? Yes, there are dirt and paved parking lots near the trail access points.
- Is the trail wheelchair accessible? Yes, the trail is reported to be wheelchair and stroller accessible due to its flat, packed gravel surface.
- Are there trash bins or waste stations? Yes, there is a trash bin at the trail entrance for disposing of waste.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, you can visit the Rockingham Rail Trail throughout the year, with activities suitable for each season.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the Rockingham Rail Trail itself is a long trail network extending between towns, with several connected walking and hiking paths.
- Are there restrooms available? No, there are no restrooms available except for natural wooded areas.
Reviews
Beautiful, clean, easy to walk and ride. Benches at entrance. Lake is beautiful but no swimming allowed. Boats welcome and there is a boat launch nearby. Pets welcome just be respectful and clean up after them please, also there is a trash at entrance too 🙏 it’s our job to keep our planet clean. If we dont do it no one else will.
Beautiful, clean, easy to walk and ride. Benches at entrance. Lake is beautiful but no swimming allowed. Boats welcome and there is a boat launch nearby. Pets welcome just be respectful and clean up after them please, also there is a trash at entrance too 🙏 it’s our job to keep our planet clean. If we dont do it no one else will.
Beautiful, clean, easy to walk and ride. Benches at entrance. Lake is beautiful but no swimming allowed. Boats welcome and there is a boat launch nearby. Pets welcome just be respectful and clean up after them please, also there is a trash at entrance too 🙏 it’s our job to keep our planet clean. If we dont do it no one else will.
The Rockingham Rail Trail is a basic dirt and gravel trail cutting through the woods north of Massabesic Lake. Like most rail trails, it’s flat and fairly easy to follow. I parked in the dirt lot across from the lake, although I think you can park in either location for the trail. It could use more crosswalks to handle the road crossings, some of which are extremely busy. I looked for interesting historical features but didn’t find any on the section I hiked through.
The Rockingham Rail Trail is a basic dirt and gravel trail cutting through the woods north of Massabesic Lake. Like most rail trails, it’s flat and fairly easy to follow. I parked in the dirt lot across from the lake, although I think you can park in either location for the trail. It could use more crosswalks to handle the road crossings, some of which are extremely busy. I looked for interesting historical features but didn’t find any on the section I hiked through.
The Rockingham Rail Trail is a basic dirt and gravel trail cutting through the woods north of Massabesic Lake. Like most rail trails, it’s flat and fairly easy to follow. I parked in the dirt lot across from the lake, although I think you can park in either location for the trail. It could use more crosswalks to handle the road crossings, some of which are extremely busy. I looked for interesting historical features but didn’t find any on the section I hiked through.
New to the area, I was really pleased to find this local gem. Rode 30 miles (round trip) the first day on the trail. Many more miles to come!
New to the area, I was really pleased to find this local gem. Rode 30 miles (round trip) the first day on the trail. Many more miles to come!
New to the area, I was really pleased to find this local gem. Rode 30 miles (round trip) the first day on the trail. Many more miles to come!
Google Maps took us to the Massabesic Lake parking 🅿️ lot. There is access to the Rockingham Rail Trail here and it has its own listing on Google Maps.
This section of the rail trail takes you next to Massabesic Lake and several ponds not named Amy. It is packed dirt mixed with gravel. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
You can snowmobile and ski 🎿 in the winter ❄️, bike 🚲 the rest of the seasons and walk or run throughout the year.
You may spot aquatic 🪿 fowls, mainly 🦆 ducks and there are access to trails along the way.
I recommend a visit! My kids liked it.