Presidential Range Rail Trail

GORHAM TO RANDOLPH

It's going to be sunny and hot tomorrow so a gentle trail with shade would be a good fit.  The Presidential rail trail will be mostly downhill for the second half of the ride and that's when it will be hottest.

This gentle rail trail, on the old B&M rail bed, follows the Moose River through lovely woods with beaver ponds and meadows and some beautiful mountain views. From the Route 2 trail head we'll ride the old rail bed to the intersection of Pinkham B Road. Then we'll switch to Durand Road and take that to the rail trail's height of land at the Castle Trail in Bowman (Randolph).  The ride back from Bowman on the rail trail is a blast as it is ever so slightly downhill. In all we'll cover about 20 miles. The surface of the trail is mostly dirt with some ballast and an occasional sandy spot.

Directions: Go north on Route 16 to Gorham. When route 16 meets route 2 at the T intersection turn left. Go through Gorham on Routes 16 and 2 until Route 2 diverges to the left at the traffic light . You'll see the trail head parking lot on the right about .8 mile after you turn left on Route 2.

Carpooling: Meet at the Old Jackson Town Hall at 8:20. We should start the ride in Gorham by 9:00am to take advantage of the cooler morning air.  

Bring sunscreen (?), plenty of water and a snack (or lunch).  Please contact me Monday if you plan to ride so that we don't start the ride without you.  Thanks.