Portsmouth Branch Rail-Trail

Rockingham

Hiking Trail Bicycle Trail Cross-Country Skiing Snowmobiling Horse Trail

 Bureau of Trails
Division of Parks & Recreation

NH Dept. of Resources & Econ. Dev.
PO Box 1856, Concord, NH 03302-1856
Phone 603-271-3254 - FAX 603-271-2629
 
Local coordination provided by:
Rockingham Recreational Trail Association,
Chair, Eathan Howard,
C/O Manchester Water Works,
1581 Lake Shore Rd, Manchester NH 03109
Phone: 603-624-6482

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Portsmouth Branch Trail running west from Rockingham Depot. Digital picture by Kenyon F. Karl on August 5, 1998.

The trail turns sharply north at the southwest corner of the unused Rockingham Depot and passes along the west side of the building and ends at the small unsigned parking area on the north side of the Depot.

Operation Lifesaver The railroad track that passes the east side of the Rockingham Depot is the Guilford (B&M) main line between the Boston area and Portland, ME. The track currently carries heavy freight trains running at moderate speeds, but the entire line has been upgraded for 60 mph or 80 mph speeds for the new Amtrak passenger service between Boston and Portland. Trail users must note that crossing this main line track to reach the town road running south from the Depot or the end of River Road running east and north is a dangerous act of trespass! Trail users must also note that the track running east from the highway underpasses is the still active Guilford (B&M) branch to Portsmouth, Kittery Naval Shipyard and Hampton. Crossing this track (except at public road crossings) or any other usage of this railroad property is likewise an act of trespass.

Parking area at Rockingham Depot. Digital picture by Kenyon F. Karl on August 5, 1998.

Bicycle Route The Seacoast Region map of the Regional Bicycle Route System shows that a Statewide Bike Route turns the sharp corner just north of the Rockingham Depot. Note however that the only safe and legal means of reaching the Regional Bike Route on River Street east of the trailhead, or traveling south on the Statewide Bike Route, involves usage of the narrow and extremely busy Route 108 railroad overpass adjacent to the trailhead!  

Parking Limited parking is available on the north side of the Rockingham Depot building, with overflow parking on the dead end portion of the town road. Motorists on Route 108 should turn off next to the Rockingham Country Club just north of the railroad overpass then drive downhill to the south a short distance to the Depot.

ToiletsDrinking Water Toilets and water are presumably available at the nearby Rockingham Country Club during clubhouse operating hours.

Bus Stop COAST (#7) bus passes near the trailhead on Route 108 between Newmarket and Newfields one trip per day on weekdays only. Bike racks will be installed on the new busses when they are received - in the meantime this bus does not accommodate bikes or skis. Since the stop is not shown on the current bus timetable, potential bus passengers are encouraged to inquire in advance if the bus will stop at the Rockingham Country Club.

Bus Stop Wildcat Transit (#5) operates a city bus service between Durham and downtown Newmarket on a daily basis when UNH is in session, with limited service on weekdays only at other times. Other routes operate from Durham to Dover and Durham to Portsmouth. Wildcat busses now have bike racks, however the bus does not accommodate skis. Note that the Statewide Bicycle Route System appears to offer a circuitous route to the nearest bus stop at Packers Falls Rd @ Rte 152 near downtown Newmarket. 

Amtrak's Downeaster trains will pass Rockingham Junction four times daily without stopping beginning in the Summer of 2001. The nearest passenger stations are at:

Tent campingRV campinggasoline The privately operated Great Bay Campground is located on Route 108 a short distance south of the railroad overpass. A gas station serves as the entrance to the campground. The COAST (#7) bus also passes the campground entrance. Note however that the only safe and legal means of reaching the campground involves usage of the narrow and extremely busy Route 108 railroad overpass adjacent to the trailhead!  

Hiking Trail George F. Smith Woodlot  is a 79 acre tract of land that is protected by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests with an entrance next to the Guilford (B&M) railroad bridge on Route 85 in Newfields. The rear of this property is apparently very close to the Rail-trail, but it is not clear whether property can be entered from the Rail-trail. Note also that because of pavement and traffic conditions on Route 108, it may not be feasible for trail users to reach the front entrance to the property!  Bikes are not allowed within this property. [adapted from SPNHF Lands Map & Guide, 3rd edition 8/98, #21]  


There has been a problem with flooding lately at Rockingham Jct. there is a pond near by and when I rode there last month the area and trail was under about a foot of water. this area also leads into a area where the trail passes through a blown out rock. Here the water collects and stands for months on end.
Ian MacMillan <[email protected]> August 06, 1998 9:53 AM

Hedding

The location of the Hedding Station has not been confirmed. However, it is assumed that it is located in East Epping at the switch for a spur into the grounds of the Hedding Camp Meeting Association as shown in the Town & City Atlas of New Hampshire that was published in 1892.


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No trail facilities were observed in this vicinity!


Littlefield

The location of the Littlefield Station has not been confirmed. However it is assumed to be at the railroad crossing closest to the location of Littlefield provided by the Mapblast Web Site!


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No trail facilities were observed in this vicinity!


Sign images are from the Manual of Traffic Signs, by Richard C. Moeur.

Updated on May 15, 2001 by Kenyon F. Karl <[email protected]>.
Unintentional errors are likely!

Click for Newmarket, New Hampshire Forecast

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