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Winnipesaukee River Trail - Northfield
4.3 ★★★★☆ 93 Google reviews · Running trail in Northfield, 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 Winnipesaukee River Trail - Northfield'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.
Paved and unpaved trail following a former railway line and known for its bikeable sections.
What runners say about Winnipesaukee River Trail - Northfield
“It mostly follows the river which is scenic as seen through the trees but which also masks the noise from the surrounding communities.”
“Nice easy hike and well maintained trail.”
Very nice fairly quiet rail trail. I've been 3 times mid afternoon mid week. This section is about 3 miles each way. Surface is mostly hard packed dirt. Good for hybrid biking. Fairly level and smooth. Runs between the Depot and Town.
I biked with my kids between Tilton and Franklin centers and back. Small kids should have no problem. As it's a rail trail it's fairly flat and level except for a small hill in Franklin on the return trip. There's a couple little ponds where the kids can look for fish and turtles, and some old mill building ruins.
Enjoyed a day off while in NH. Spent some time in Tilton and Franklin via the trail. 👍
Nice trail for walking, running or biking especially from Cross Mill Road north. The views of the river and the foliage are stunningly beautiful in the fall.
Trail conditions & character
“As it's a rail trail it's fairly flat and level except for a small hill in Franklin on the return trip.”
“It mostly follows the river which is scenic as seen through the trees but which also masks the noise from the surrounding communities.”
“I just about always meet someone else walking, usually with their dog properly leashed (thank you!”
“The section near town becomes somewhat steep at the end for perhaps the last 3rd mile, and it's paved.”
“As it's a rail trail it's fairly flat and level except for a small hill in Franklin on the return trip.”
“Surface is mostly hard packed dirt.”
Plan your run at Winnipesaukee River Trail - Northfield
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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewinnirivertrail.org
- Social Instagram · 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 |
Running trails near Northfield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Winnipesaukee River Trail
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Village Spur Rail Trail
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Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail
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Two-mile trail for walking and cycling, with views of Lake Winnisquam.
Laconia Sledding Hill
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Public park with a large hill for sledding that's suitable for children.
Ahern State Park
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Peaceful park along the shores of Lake Winnisquam with a sandy beach & trails through woodlands.