Cotton Valley Rail Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Starting from the old rail station in Wolfeboro, NH this rail trail makes its way to Cotton Valley Road. If you're looking for a little more adventure, and are willing to hike on unmaintained singletrack, the tracks do continue all the way to Route 16 in Wakefield, NH.

From Depot Street in Wolfeboro, the trail heads northeast along Back Bay to the north, and Foss Field to the east. There are benches perfect for watching the many water ski competitions that take place on this body of water.

Beyond Back Bay, the trail crosses Route 28 (caution!) and then the Crescent Lake Causeway and worth Causeways. These are certainly two of the rail trail's highlights and provide amazing views of the lakes and beyond.

From the Lake Wentworth Causeway, the trail passes Albee Beach, a local favorite, and eventually reaches Fernald Crossing. Be wary crossing the street here as this is a busy road. From Fernald Crossing the trail feels deeply set in the woods, and is nicely shaded (in Summer) throughout.

From here, the trail is pretty straightforward. It passes a few nice water features, notably a pond at mile 5.85 that has some great fishing... From here it's a straight shot all the way to Cotton Valley Road.

This longer, contiguous trail was completed in 2014. Keep an ear to the ground with regards to future expansions.

History:
This is one of only three trails under Dept. of Resources and Economic Development (DRED) management that have rails intact and are used recreationally by local rail car clubs, so don't be alarmed when you hear a train coming!

Flora: White Birch, Cattail, Mullein, Willow, Birch Polypore, White Pine, Eastern Hemlock, Oak, Wintergreen, Sugar Maple, Beech, False Turkey Tail, Trailing Arbutus, Juniper, Privet, Northern White Cedar, Staghorn Sumac, Bittersweet, Pussy Willow, Sweetfern, Burning-Bush, Multiflora Rose, Leatherleaf, Staggerbush, Huckleberry, Partridgeberry, Wild Raisin (Viburnum), Red Osier Dogwood, Rhodora, Blueberry, Japanese Barberry, Clover, Evening-Primrose, Fertile Fern, Sphagnum Moss, Rock Polypody, Rock Tripe.

Fauna: Geese, Merganser, Redwing Blackbirds, Woodpecker, Mussels, Gray Squirrel, Robins, Chipmunk, Mallards, Crow, Beaver (dam, gnaw-marks), Chickadee, Titmouse, Deer (tracks), Coyote (scat).