Autumn is by far my favorite time of year. The cool mornings, warm afternoons, crisp air, and all the amazing colors of the leaves changing. The changing foliage makes every hike, bike ride, or drive a whole new experience each day. Peak color arrives at slightly different times each year but typically within a two week period. We’re just about hiking peak right now in the Monadnock Region. However you like to enjoy the outdoors, get out there and experience it anew this weekend. Revisit your favorite hike. Find a rail trail to walk or bike on. Bike some quiet country roads. Go apple picking. Take a driving tour of all the covered bridges in the area. All the experiences are even more pleasant at this time of year.
Tag: covered bridges
Adventure of the Week – Bike the Sugar River Recreational Rail Trail
The Sugar River Rail Trail runs 9 miles from Newport, NH, to Claremont, NH, and passes through two railroad covered bridges. Start downtown historic Newport in the municipal parking lot. In less than a mile you are out of downtown and riding through rural areas. There are a couple fairly quiet road crossings on the first half of the trail and then you cross under route 11/103. Soon after, you come to the first of two taller than normal covered bridges designed for trains to pass through. The second bridge is less then a mile further down. The trail continues for a couple more miles into Claremont but it may be temporarily closed due to construction near the second bridge. Return the way you came for an 18 mile ride. The trail surface, in some areas, is softer dirt than many other trails making it best for bikes with wider tires. You can find a trial map at http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/bureau-of-trails/sugar-river-recreational-trail.aspx.