Windham Rail Trail

I am training for a half marathon and when I need to do fartleks or just run really fast, I go here (provided it is during the week). This is the flattest 12-​plus mile course in the area. If you need a challenge, this is where to go!

For walking 4 stars, it is very good, but nothing else than natural view of lakes, stones and trees. but i recommend it for Walking or biking. 10 000 steps forth and back according to my phone meter

This is one of my favorite outdoor spots in New England period and I’m lucky to have moved a block away from it. Combined with the Derry Rail Trail there are 8 miles of paved trail to ride on the abandoned railroad bed. It is maintained by the non profit group, the Windham Rail Trail Alliance. It’s become a haven for bikers like myself, walkers, joggers, and horse riders. In the winter, snowmobiling is allowed. It’s incredibly picturesque with several great places with benches to stop along the way and take in the view, be it the lakes, marshes or still forest.
There is abundant wildlife here, especially after it rains. It would be a birdwatchers paradise. To date, I’ve seen numerous snakes and turtles, all sorts of birds including egrets and blue heron who will stand and fish right by the trail and seem to not fear humans (pic included to see how close they get) I’ve nearly had one fly into me on my bike as well. Squirrels, chipmunks, frogs, possums, raccoons, rabbits are all here and it’s the only place in the wild I briefly saw a fisher. There are foxes and deer in the more wooded parts and several smaller trails offshoot the main one, just be aware of the No Trespassing signs.
Halfway between Salem and Derry there is a small Mobil mart and the Windham Junction store and kitchen if you’re looking for lunch and the Derry end is in downtown where there are several places to eat and hydrate. The Salem end is a cigar bar and bike shop so bring water with you if starting from here.
There’s not a better place to bike ride in the area and I’m on it almost every day in the good weather. Please stop by and take advantage of the trail so many in the area love already.

Today was my first time riding the beautiful Windham Rail Trail. It starts at 5 Range Road in Salem NH and ends in Derry, NH. Riding from the start to the end and back again was 15.4 miles over 1 hour and 40 minutes at a casual speed on my mountain bike. The entrance is next to Spokes Bike Shop in Salem and the first few minutes is a dirt path. After that it’s paved. There are a few spots that cross a street and you could potentially enter the trail at those spots since some have parking. Overall it’s quite scenic with forest lining both sides as well as lakes along the way. Also for walkers, there are several benches along the way. I didn’t encounter any bugs either as I do in most other trails. It was a sunny Saturday in July and the temperature was great with the breeze in your face and not too many people. Mostly bikers and a few walkers with the occasional leashed dog. Also when you reach the end in Derry, it’s at the town center so if you bring your bike lock there are several places to grab a bite before making the ride back. Will certainly continue to visit here more often now that we have discovered it!

One of the best biking rail trail in the area! All paved, plenty of birds and wildife. Definitely will be back soon.

This is country walking, running, biking at its best! Ponds, wildlife, crisp air and just so so relaxing! There is also the Windham Kitchen right there for food and soft drinks… really New England at its finest!

Favorite place to take my 6 yr old for walks, biking and rollerblading! Beautiful scenery… quiet, safe! Free parking and dogs allowed… I see people walking their 4 legged friends all the time… Overall, just a great place to enjoy the outdoors!

The Windham Rail Trail is a great place for a walk, run, or bike ride.
The path is paved and it has mile markers on both sides. I’m sure this place is a beauty in the fall, there are lots of trees. From some parts of the trail, you can see the backs of houses, but otherwise you’re in the woods.
The parking lot at the beginning of the trail has plenty of space.
Check this trail out, you’ll be glad you did.

This is a wonderful newly paved 4.1 Mile old rail road bed which is now a recreational trail for walking, running, roller blading, etc. The section starts from the intersection of Routes 111 and 28 in Salem continuing to a point on North Lowell Road, Windham. Talks are in place to continue the tail down into Salem all the way to Methuen, MA. I love to roller blade with my dog and I always see people walking, on bikes, and even on horses. The trail is owned by the NH Dept of transportation and managed by the Windham Rail Trail Alliance.
The trail is all wooded and goes through fields, marshland, and its a great place to excape for a few hours. I have seen deer, a blue heron, and more animals.