Cheshire South-Stone Arch Bridge


Cheshire North-Trail & View
 


 General Update
Over the last year or two, there has been controversy over whether New Hampshire could allow ATV and motorized trail bikes to use rail trails funded with federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) funds.  Under the federal statutes, TE-funded trails can only be used for non-motorized travel, with the one exception that snowmobiles were allowed in the winter when the trails are covered with snow.  The New Hampshire Bureau of Trails has classified Off-Highway Recreational Vehicles (ATVs and trail bikes) as “snow machines,” and has allowed them in the winter on many of these trails.

On March 5, 2008 (after the book went to press), the Federal Highway Administration came out with a ruling that ATVs and trail bikes cannot be considered to be snowmobiles.  As a result, permitted uses on the following trails has changed to eliminate OHRVs, even in winter:

SW1. Ashuelot Trail
SW2. Fort Hill Trail
SW3. Cheshire South Trail
SW4. Cheshire North Trail
SW5. Monadnock Trail
SE2. Londonderry Rail Trail
SE4. Windham Rail Trail
CW2. Northern Rail Trail in Grafton County
CW3. Northern Rail Trail in Merrimack County
CE1. Farmington Recreational Trail

 Mason-Greenville Rail Trail   (pages 70-73)
-ATVs Not Allowed in the Town of Mason
The book says ATVs and motorized trail bikes (OHRVs) are allowed in winter when snow-covered and north of Pratt Pond all year.  This is incorrect.  Snowmobiles are the only motorized vehicles allowed anywhere within the borders of the town of Mason.

Confusion on this matter has been caused by two factors: (1) The town tried briefly to allow OHRVs north of Pratt Pond that were owned by people living in Mason.  However, Trails Bureau informed them that New Hampshire law does not allow such discrimination of use by residence.  Hence the prohibition was made universal.  (2) Vandals have taken down the signs posting the trail as off limits to OHRVs.  This is the kind of disturbing behavior of a few individuals that give ATVs a bad reputation.  The answer may be better self-policing by the OHRV clubs, similar to the approach of the snowmobile clubs.

 Monadnock Recreational Trail (page 66)
-Bridge Over the Stream to Robbins Pond
According to Louise Malcomb, the spot where the book shows Jim Sindelar "walking the plank" now has a sturdy bridge.  This will allow exploration of these scenic wetlands south of the Massachusetts border.

 Hands Across the Merrimack Bridge (pages 131-132)
The bridge was completed and opened with a ceremony on Friday, April 11.  It has immediately become a popular place for people to walk with a view of the river.  It will become even more popular when the Piscataquog and South Manchester trails connect to the bridge.

Helen Closson cutting the ribbon on the bridge opening ceremony.  Senator John Sununu and Mayor Frank Guinta ar on her right; her husband is holding the ribbon to her left.                     Photo:  Lowell Von Ruden.

 Manchester & Lawrence Railroad-Proposed Continuation of South Manchester Trailway (page 136)

A major washout was reported between Gold Street and the Cohas Brook trestle.
 
Portsmouth & Concord Railroad (page 162)-Hooksett Rail Trail

The local Kiwanas Club, led by Frank Kotowski, has arranged for a really nice trail in Hooksett on the right of way of the Portsmouth & Concord between Candia and Suncook.  This was the section abandoned in 1862, but amazingly the right of way is still intact for this attractive 1½-mile section.  There is a large parking lot on Route 3 which provides access to the trail that goes along Browns Brook, Heads Pond, and several quarry ponds.  Scenery is 5-star, but the trail condition is only 3-star, because of the large gravel used for the trail surface.  The group is extending the trail now to go to Pleasant Street after passing through a culvert under Route 3.  Manchester Sand & Gravel, who provided the right of way to the town.  Agreements with the company limit permitted use to non-motorized travel (no snowmobiles, no ATVs).



 Cochecho Railroad (page 230)-Alton Park

Marty Cornelissen of the Alton Historical Society reported that a new park in downtown Alton includes a short (750 feet) section trail on the Cochecho right of way.  It leads to a wetlands path.  The park includes a renovated freight house and a caboose that was manufactured in Laconia.  The town may develop another 1500 feet of railroad grade as trail.
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