Where To Park for the Rail Trail?
In response to frequent questions, here are some suggested locations that can be used for parking when using the Goffstown Rail Trail. They are listed from west to east. They are also marked on the printable map of the trail.
- Goffstown Parks and Recreation Center
(Google map link):
The trail is located directly in front of the Parks and Recreation Center building. You can head east or west along the trail. Most of the trail west from Parks & Rec to East Union Street (about 0.5 mile) has not been improved yet, but is easily passable. Heading east from Parks & Rec, the trail is finished for a short distance, and then picks up a few lumps and bumps as it approaches the Mast Road trailhead (about 0.5 mile). - Mast Road Trailhead
(Google map link):
A new parking lot was constructed as part of the 2010 Transportation Enhancement project. On the opposite side of the road are the Villa ball fields, where there is usually a portable toilet during the summer months. Heading east from the parking lot, there is a new road crossing with a PHB signal. The trail surface beyond the crossing is partially improved to Tatro Drive (about 0.3 mile), where there is currently a break in the trail. Heading west from the lot, the trail has a few lumps and bumps before it reaches a finished section leading to Parks & Rec (about 0.5 mile). - Hillsborough County Offices (Google map link):
There is a public parking lot at the Hillsborough County Offices complex on Mast Road. The rail trail runs behind the buildings and parking lot, look for the Goffstown Rail Trail sign. Heading east from here, the trail is unimproved but passable, with some soft and uneven areas until you get to Danis Park Road (about 0.4 mile). Continuing from Danis Park to Lynchville Park Road (about 0.3 mile), the trail is finished. Heading west, the trail is unimproved. There is a new RRFB lighted crossing of Henry Bridge Road, part of the 2010 Transportation Enhancement project. - Danis Park Road
(Google map link):
There is a small paved parking area on the west side of the road. Heading east from here, the trail is finished to Lynchville Park Road (about 0.3 mile). Heading west, the trail is unimproved but passable, with some soft and uneven areas until you get to the Hillsborough County parking lot (about 0.4 mile). Continuing west, the trail is unimproved, and there is a new RRFB lighted crossing of Henry Bridge Road. - Moose Club Park Road Trailhead
(Google map link):
There is a small paved parking area on the east side of the road. Look for the Goffstown Rail Trail kiosk. Heading east from here, the trail is finished to the Manchester city line (about 0.6 mile). A little further on, a new trail bridge over the Piscataquog River connects to downtown Manchester. Heading west, the trail is not improved until you reach Lynchville Park Road (about 0.7 mile), but is easily passable with a couple of bumps. Continuing from Lynchville Park to Danis Park Road (about 0.3 mile), the trail is finished. - Sarette Recreation Complex
(Google map link):
This parking lot can be used to access the rail trail, which lies on the north side of the complex. There is a zig-zag gate that allows pedestrian and bike access to the gravel service road that runs through the complex. Follow the road to the second zig-zag gate, which exits onto the rail trail (about 0.2 mile). Heading west from here, the trail is finished to Moose Club Park Road (about 0.6 mile). Heading east leads to Manchester's Piscataquog Trail, with a new trail bridge over the Piscataquog River.