Northern Rail Trail Franklin, New Hampshire # 41

August 26, 2020

We finished our ride on the Franconia Notch Trail had lunch (PBJ of course) and decided to put in some more miles. We only needed a few more miles to reach our 100 mile goal. Tomorrow, Thursday, there is a chance of rain and Friday we have planned a trip to Mt Washington. Saturday is supposed to be a wash out.

We had hoped to ride Lincoln Woods Trail which is close to our condo. It’s a short trail but right on the Pemigewasset River. We arrived at the trailhead to find it packed. Parking lot was full. The trail must have been really busy.

There are many miles of the Northern Rail Trail yet to ride so we headed for the trailhead at Lake Webster in Franklin.

What, walk my bike?

The wind was really blowing and there were white caps on Webster Lake – named for 19th- century statesman Daniel Webster. We rode in fairly dense forest on a rail bed raised high above the forest floor.

Remnants of retaining wall along trail.

We both enjoyed this picturesque trail. Always love the views of forest from raised rail bed.

Area of rock cut away for railway.

There was a more noticeable uphill grade in this area then what we rode yesterday. Our return was fun. We both felt like we could ride that all day – slight downhill and wind at our back.

Another view of rock that was cut away.

Retaining wall made from large rocks.
Interesting sign along trail.
Awww…the Red, White and, Blue!
Boscawen – end of trail to Franklin our 1st ride. Franklin to Andover our 2nd ride.

August of 2019 we road 58 miles of trails in New Hampshire. Landen was along for the ride in tow behind Lenny’s bike. Many of the trails transitioned seamlessly into one anotber.

Trails with Landen from August 2019. Derry R/T, Winham R/T, Salem Pathway. Londonderry R/T. WOW Trail, Lake Winnisquam Trail. Franconia Notch Trail

Mural on bathhouse on WOW Trail. August 2019

We’ve ridden 48 miles the past 2 days to complete our New Hampshire 100. Yay! 41 done and now there are 7! We celebrated with carryout from local Thai restaurant.