Let’s take a ride on the B & M Railroad. Well, actually this abandoned rail line has been turned into The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail. It is now a multi-use rail trail that runs about 20 miles between Woodsville and Littleton along the Ammonoosuc River. We'll ride from Littleton to Sugar Hill for about 16 miles out and back, on this almost flat route which wends it's way through woods and farm lands by the Ammonoosuc River. A month ago I rode the Lisbon to Bath section of the trail and it was a delight. However we'll be discovering this section out of Littleton together. Not to fear! At the beginning of this month I checked in with Dave Harkless at The Littleton Bike Shop and he assured me that the trail is in fine shape. There may be some ATV or dirt bike riders that will be on the trail with us, although I don't expect there will be many of these vehicles on a week day.
So why go to Littleton? Because it's a neat little town. After we ride we can visit Bishops Homemade Ice Cream Shop. Yankee Magazine rated it one of the top five ice cream stands in New England. Need I say more? Also there's Chuttters which boasts the "worlds longest candy counter". Even if your not a big candy fan it is quite a sight and worth a visit. Then there's Miller's Cafe and Bakery, their pastries look yummy.
Once you satisfy your sweet tooth you can feed your brain at the Village Book Store with "the largest selection in the north country". Or you could visit the historic Thayers Inn which was built in 1850. Common areas and a couple of rooms are open for viewing. Five Presidents and countless celebrities and national politicians have been guests at Thayers Inn. Then there's the Littleton Grist Mill which is a restored 1798 working mill and museum. All of these attractions are in the bustling downtown area and are a short walk from our cars which will be parked behind the Littleton Bike shop in their parking lot.
Directions: Take route 302 northwest to Bethlehem and get on route 93 north. At exit 41 head north on 302 toward downtown Littleton. In about .75 mi. The Littleton Bike Shop will be on the left. It is 23 Cottage Street (route 302). Take the driveway/road just before the bike shop building and park in back.
Carpooling: Meet in the Attitash parking lot at 8:10.
Be ready to ride at 9:30 in Littleton
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