Scenic Ammonoosuc

The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail from Littleton to Lisbon was one of the favorite rides we did last year. It is a multi-use rail trail that runs about 20 miles between Woodsville and Littleton along the Ammonoosuc River. Tomorrow July 20th we'll ride on half of the trail from Littleton to Lisbon for about 22 miles out and back, on this almost flat route which wends its way through bucolic woods and farm lands by the Ammonoosuc River. We’ll save the other half of the ride for a later date this year. 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. If you are so inclined you can cool off in the Ammonoosuc after the ride at the very scenic swimming hole next to the lot where we’ll park our cars.

Littleton is 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 "world’s longest candy counter". Even if you’re not a big candy fan it is quite a sight and worth a visit. Other historic points of interest include 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. And 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.

Bring: plenty of water, sunscreen, and lunch

Directions: Take route 302 northwest to Bethlehem and get on route 93 northbound. At exit 41 head north on route 302 towards downtown Littleton. In about ¾ of a mile 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 8:15.

To view a map of the whole trail click here: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/nh/littleton/431124924892788898:

Be ready to ride at 9:30 in Littleton