Friends of the Northern Rail Trail in Merrimack County (FNRT) are very busy completing the turning of the old rail bed into a four-season recreational trail. Work on the last couple of miles of unfinished rail trail in Boscawen is scheduled to start on Monday, August 4. Preliminary clearing has already begun.
In mid-August, stone dust will also be laid down on the rail trail where the cinder surface is rough, starting just north of Danbury’s town center and extending to the Grafton County border.
Project manager Chris Norris and his neighbor Howard Jelleme, both from Andover, have wrestled the last railroad ties to the side of the last third of a mile of rail trail in Boscawen in preparation for the grading, laying of stone dust, more grading, and rolling to come.
Recent storm damage brought a good number of trees down in Andover and Danbury. They were summarily cut and removed by rail trail volunteers Ed Hiller, Ricker Miller, and Steve Robinson. FNRT wishes to thank all the chain saw-wielding maintenance crew for their speedy help.
Along the Franklin section of the rail trail, Steve Rayno just completed cleaning up the old turntable by burying the remnants of an illegal bonfire and rebuilding the stonework at the historic site. Thank you, Steve.
FNRT is now offering white ball caps for sale that have the rail trail logo on them. Watch for these popular items in the FNRT information booths at public events such as the Andover Historical Society’s Old Time Fair on Sunday, August 3, in Potter Place; Boscawen’s Old Home Day on Saturday, August 23; and the Rail Trail Run and Ride for the New Hampshire Special Olympics at Carr Field in Andover on Saturday, September 27.
Plans are being made for a grand Finish Line Celebration to be held from 10 AM to noon on Saturday, October 4 (rain date Sunday, Oct. 5) at Jamie Welch Park on Depot Street off of King Street in Boscawen. Chief Supervisor of the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails Chris Gamache will be the keynote speaker, and many other dignitaries will be on hand. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss this special event!
Planned activities that day include hay wagon rides on the rail trail, railroad-themed music by the Kearsarge and Hopkinton Community Bands, and a cider and cookies reception.
Walkers who wish to check out the newest section of the trail are encouraged to do so. Please bring doggie bags if you will have dog friends along.
For more information, downloadable maps, membership, and giving opportunities, please visit FNRT.org and FNRTNH on Facebook.