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Grater Woods

4.8 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Running trail in Merrimack, New Hampshire · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Grater Woods yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

HillyTrailhead parking

What runners say about Grater Woods

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (16 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

This is a great trail system with a pick your own adventure feel. You can do a short hike or go out for a bit longer. The elevation gain isn't bad, just enough to remind you that you're hiking.

★★★★★ — Amy , Aug 2019

Wild and Woody with colonial home sites sprinkled in the forest. Great for rock people, better for birders, but perfect for hiking. Mountain bikers can find some fun and cool off if it gets too hot. Snowshoeing is good during our snowy season. Don't get locked in.

★★★★★ — Papajoe , Feb 2018

Listed as hunting area, I hope not! The hiking trails that weave through this area are very nice, well marked, and not busy. No too challenging, went 4.5 miles and only a 512 foot elevation gain. Many trails have much less climb.

★★★★★ — Sue , Sep 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 16 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“The elevation gain isn't bad, just enough to remind you that you're hiking.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Plan your run at Grater Woods

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websitemerrimackoutdoors.org
  • Phone+1 603-424-3531

Where to find Grater Woods

Old Grater Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054

Get directions

Running trails near Merrimack

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Gateway Trail

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Horse Hill Nature Preserve

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Over 560 acres of elevated terrain & wetlands with trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding.

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Wildcat Conservation Area

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Family-friendly hiking spot offering well-maintained trails and views of waterfalls.

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Pond Parish

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LoopBoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

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B&M Trail

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Watson Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 132 reviews

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LoopShadedLitDog-friendly

City park with picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, a grassy field, and a trail, plus swimming.

2.7 miles away

All running trails in Merrimack, NH →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.