The Goffstown Park & Recreation Department's public rail trail has become a popular walking and bike path starting at Goffstown center (on the west end), passing through areas of Grasmere and Pinardville before continuing as the Piscataquog Trail at the Manchester boundary (on the east end). Six road crossings have paved public parking available. While portions are urban in the sense that the path is relatively close to homes, businesses, and government buildings, a majority of the path passes though secluded wooded areas with frequent scenic views of Glen Lake and Namaske Lake.
The two crossings of busy NH-114 (Mast Road) are protected by button-activated pedestrian hybrid beacons. This traffic control system halts traffic by presenting drivers the usual yellow followed by solid red overhead lights; however, the lights stay solid red for only 7 seconds, whereupon the lights are flashing red for 15 seconds. During flashing red, drivers may proceed if their travel lane is clear.
Mileage markers are installed every one-half mile starting with 0.0 at the Manchester boundary line and ending with 5.5 at the granite abutment of the former rail bridge over the Piscataquog River.
The trail is accessible with a 5+ foot wide compacted gravel surface.
The rail trail is managed by the Goffstown Park and Recreation Department. The non-profit organization, Friends of the Goffstown Rail Trail provides the Park Department with volunteer services related to arranging the design, funding, construction, and maintenance of the trail. For more information, visit the trail manager websites or contact:
Friends of the Goffstown Rail TrailFor access to the western end of the trail: Starting from the Goffstown Town Hall (16 Main St), travel west along NH-114 and 100 yards after crossing the bridge over Piscataquog River turn left onto Factory Street. Proceed just 100 yards to reach the trail crossing. Mileage marker 5.5 and western end of the trail is 100 yds to the left. The trail to the right (heading east) is towards Manchester. There is designated handicapped parking at this location, as well as at the four additional mid-trail parking areas designated on the map. Access from these parking areas to the trail is barrier free.
For access to the eastern end of the trail: Vehicle access to the eastern end of the trail is not possible; however, pedestrian/bicycle access is possible from the parking lot for Goffstown Sarette Park at 36 Laurier St, (Goffstown) Manchester. If proceeding west along NH-114A from Manchester, 0.2 miles after passing the Manchester/Goffstown boundary, bear right onto Laurier St. Proceed another 0.2 miles and turn right into the parking lot, keeping to the left. The bike/ped passageway through the fence is next to the locked vehicle gate. It is one-quarter mile along the park service road to reach the rail trail. On the trail, Goffstown village is 5.4 miles to the left (heading west) and the Manchester Fisher Cats Northeast Delta Dental Stadium is 2.2 miles to the right (heading east). There is no accessible parking at this location.
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