|
|
 Brought to you by MapBlast! (Click on map to navigate)
|
Local coordination is provided by:
Friends of Pisgah|
|
| Brought to you by MapBlast! (Click on map to navigate)
|
The precise location of the Dolittle Station has not been determined.
USGS
Topographic map of Dolittle
A spot-check performed on July 6, 1998 shows that the NH Department of Transportation has removed the railroad overpass over Route 63 just north of Dolittle, presumably to improve highway safety. Unfortunately, the agency did not make any provision for the Rail-trail in regrading the embankment on the north (east) side of Route 63. Thus, the potential trail is obviously broken at the Route 63 overpass. The spot-check also shows that the trail does not have any official signs but shows signs of light usage north of the missing Route 63 overpass.
A narrow access lane does lead from the southeast corner of the missing overpass though a locked gate onto the right-of-way that runs southwest from that point. Despite this access lane, the right-of-way beyond this point is totally choked with weeds and brush.
Another spot check performed on May 19, 1998 suggests the existence of another long-forgotten access road that runs past past a tiny auto repair shop to the railroad right-of-way. This access road may have served the small number of rail passengers that presumably used the Dolittle station. Note also that the road appears to be private property at this time. Again the right-of-way is choked with weeds and brush all the way to the river. There is also disturbing evidence of an equally long forgotten effort to remove a portion of the embankment near the river.
Just because of the great value of public access to the Connecticut River, an extension of the Rail-trail to the edge of the river must be carefully considered both as an attraction for rail-trail users as well as a recreational facility for the residents of the area, especially if the State happens to own the land required for such a modest facility!
Abandoned Connecticut River crossing at Dolittle. Digital photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on May 19, 1998.
Sign images are from the Manual of Traffic Signs by Richard C. Moeur.
Updated on February 26, 2001 by Kenyon F. Karl <[email protected]>.