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Rockingham Recreational Trail Portsmouth Branch
4.7 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Running trail in Newmarket, New Hampshire · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Rockingham Recreational Trail Portsmouth Branch's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
What runners say about Rockingham Recreational Trail Portsmouth Branch
This is currently my favorite NH rail trail. I've now cycled from Ash Swamp Rd in Newmarket to Epping and on to Raymond. The trail is clean, level and only occasionally a bit rocky. Even on a busy day like today, once you're out on the trail, the miles spread everybody out so that it's nice and quiet.
Amazing ride especially from New Fields. Super smooth surface about 10 miles in. A few roads to cross so make sure to stop and look before you do it. A few spots with loose gravel and sand, but not too bad.
I am working on hiking this trail in sections. Doing around 3 miles out and back. Usually to the next parking area on the trail. Then I come back and pick up where I've left off.
It was different scenery. I really enjoyed the views. The path was level.
Trail conditions & character
“Usually to the next parking area on the trail.”
“A few spots with loose gravel and sand, but not too bad.”
“The trail is clean, level and only occasionally a bit rocky.”
“The trail is clean, level and only occasionally a bit rocky.”
Plan your run at Rockingham Recreational Trail Portsmouth Branch
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitetrailspotting.com
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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