Franklin Falls Dam Mountain Bike Trails

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Multi-use trail network near a dam with an emphasis on mountain biking.
Trail Activity
Walking Hiking Mountain biking
Length
9.50 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate, Advanced
Town
Franklin (NH)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Gravel/Crushed Stone/Cinder, Sand
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No
Other Activities
Snowshoeing Snowmobiling Ungroomed cross-country skiing

Description

HIGH USE TRAIL:

This is a busy trail system, especially on weekends between 9AM-4PM. Consider visiting outside of peak periods. Use Trail Finder to identify other nearby trails. If the parking lot is full when you arrive, please choose another trail.

Learn more about high use trail systems.

The Franklin Falls Dam mountain bike trails offer a network of multi-use trails maintained by the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA). The area has unusually few rocks for New England, leading to relatively smooth riding. These trails tend to be less muddy than others in the area, often making them rideable earlier in the spring than other trails. Be sure to check out the Mighty Chicken trail, which runs down a natural half-pipe.

The trails are open year-round. Users should use caution in winter months. Some trails are being groomed for fat bike use. 

The US Army Corps of Engineers posts site conditions and closures on their Facebook page

Other Information

The Franklin Falls Dam Mountain Bike Trails are located within the 3,900 acre Franklin Falls Dam flood risk management area managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Numerous activities such as boating, fishing, snowmobiling, and hiking are permitted within the area. Be aware that during hunting season, deer, pheasant, and small game hunting is permitted. Numerous other access points into this area exist along the Pemigewasset river. Only day use is permitted; overnight camping is not allowed. Pets must remain leashed.

Trail Manager

Please visit the Army Corps of Engineers website for more information and a printable map of of this trail system. 

US Army Corps of Engineers - Franklin Office
46 Granite Street
Franklin, NH 03235
Phone: 603-934-2116

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Avoid hypothermia, even in warm weather, by limiting your sweat and exposure to cold water. Bring warm and dry clothes in case the shivers set in.

Trailhead Information

From I-93, take Exit 22 onto NH-127 South. Travel 3.3 miles, then turn right at the sign for Franklin Falls Dam onto Granite Drive/Federal Dam Access Road. There is a parking area immediately on the right. There is another parking area with toilets 0.2 miles further along Granite Drive/Federal Dam Access Road, though vehicle access may be gated.

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