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USGS
Topographic map of Rochester
The Rail-trail begins a short distance north of the Old Dover Road Railroad Overpass and continues north behind the houses that line the east side of that street. It then continues alongside Columbus Avenue to South Main Street. The trail has been broken by the parking lot and landscaping for the new Walgreen Drug Store, but the new sidewalk can be used as a bypass. The trail resumes north of the Drug Store for the short distance to its northern end behind a brick building at Portland Street.
At its south end, the trail connects to a rough trail that descends steeply down the side of the embankment and runs east through the woods. The trail is blocked south of that point by rotting railroad ties. Furthermore, the Old Dover Road Overpass is hazardous for all trail users because of the lack of a deck for trail users. In addition, there is no trail exit to Old Dover Road at or near the railroad overpass.
Note that the presence of the Spaulding Turnpike blocks any inexpensive connection of the Rochester and Gonic sections.
North end of Trail at Columbus & Portland Streets. Digital photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on May 16, 2000
A restaurant at the corner of Columbus & Portland Streets offers
toilets and drinking water upon request. The restaurant is open 6am to 7pm Mon
through Sat, and 7am to 2pm Sundays. The telephone is outside the restaurant and
is thus available at all times.
Municipal parking is available behind City Hall and Opera House with an entrance
from Columbus Avenue just north of the beginning of the rail-trail.
COAST Route
2 (Rochester - Somersworth - Dover - Portsmouth) bus apparently crosses the
trail on S. Main St., but potential users must inquire as to the location of the
nearest bus stops. Note that the current fleet of busses will not
accommodate bicycles or skis, but bike racks will be installed on the new busses
when they finally arrive.
Sign images are from the Manual of Traffic Signs by Richard C. Moeur.
Updated on March 02, 2001 by Kenyon F.
Karl <[email protected]>.
Unintentional errors are likely!
