Handicapped Accessible Trails in Northern NH: Where to enjoy NH's northern great outdoors if you have a mobility handicap.

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Gorham

Mt. Washington, infamous for its erratic and dangerous weather, has the highest peak in the Northern United States. The summit, from which one can see a wide array of snowy peaks, is accessible by a very rigorous and difficult hike recommended only to experienced, fit, and able hikers But one can also reach it by the Mt. Washington Auto Road.

It takes about half an hour of steep, roundabout driving to reach the top of Mt. Washington in a car. Access to the road costs $28 per vehicle and driver plus an additional $8 per passenger. Due to the likelihood, it is always recommended to call ahead to ensure that the road is operational. Find more information here.

Lebanon

Beginning in Lebanon and running 61 miles south to Boscawen is the Northern Rail Trail, a very flat retired rail-road bed composed of packed stone dust. Although this trail is newer near Merrimack County, the supervisor of these trails feels handicapped people could enjoy that whole trail with few problems. The recommended entrance is at Taylor St. in Lebanon, where there is easy access to the trail and plenty of parking. The trail runs through the towns of Grafton, Enfield, and Andover often parallel to the Mascoma River.

Lincoln

Finding itself in the heart of the White Mountains and the White Mountain National Forest, Lincoln hosts many popular hiking destinations.

As the name suggests, the Oliverian Brook Trail is a 3.5-mile long trail that runs along the Oliverian Brook. It is a completely traversable and highly forested trail that leads to the (non-accessible) trails to the top of Mt. Passaconaway. The trailhead and parking are up the Kangamangus highway (SR 112) slightly east of Lincoln center on the right.

Another possibility in Lincoln is the 2.9-mile long Lincoln Woods Trail, one of the most widely used recreational trails in New Hampshire. This trail was once also a railroad bed and has now been converted into a relatively flat and packed down trail which features a 160' suspended bridge across the Pemigewasset River.

The parking lot and visitor's center for the Lincoln Woods Trail is 5 miles east of exit 32 off of Interstate 93.

The Forest Discovery Trail is more than just hiking. This 1.3 mile loop located on the Kangamangus highway 7 miles east of the town center teaches users all about forest ecology and sustainable timber management while providing them with accessible restrooms and great mountain views. This trail is part of the White Mountain National Forest so related fees apply. A very detailed brochure of this attraction can be found here.

North Conway

A .6-mile, fully accessible trail takes hikers to the amazing and natural waterfall system called Diana's Baths in the White Mountain National Forest.

Parking is available off of West Side Road. Like all sites in the national forest, a $3 donation is expected from each vehicle. The day-pass acquired by this donation is valid for visiting multiple sites.

CAUTION: These falls, fed by the thaw of Attitash Mountain, can often overflow in spring creating untraversable and/or threatening conditions on the trail.

Waterville Valley

Livermore Road was once used by loggers but now acts as a recreational trail. It is a 5-mile long gravel road through the woods that mainly serves as access to different trails. Parking and accessible bathrooms are located on Livermore Road off the Southern end of Tripoli Road. This trail is part of the White Mountain National Forest so related fees apply. For more information on the trail, click here.

For those more extreme hikers, Northeast Passage, a UNH related non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their recreational and athletic goals, rents out all-terrain wheel chairs and walkers that lend greater hiking abilities to those in need. They also organize assisted hiking and other outdoor excursions for the physically handicapped.