The Turnpike Trails trail network is built across nearly 200 acres of conservation land in beautiful Francestown, NH. The majority of the trails have been built on 100 acres of privately owned conservation land, containing a discontinued portion of the Second New Hampshire Turnpike (hence the name Turnpike Trails). This conservation land includes many historical features and sites in addition to this old toll road, including beautiful old stone walls, three cellar holes and a large boulder called "Signature Rock" in reference to the historical etchings that were made on it in previous centuries.
This private land is directly adjacent to the 40 acre Fisher Hill Town Forest managed by the Francestown Conservaton Commission, and a 36 acre conservation property along Fisher Hill Road, owned by the Francestown Land Trust, a non-profit land conservation organization. Since 2018, these property owners/managers have worked together to support the construction of a dedicated trail system built with mountain biking in mind. Please review the policies that apply at Turnpike Trails before your visit.
These conserved properties form part of a much larger "green corridor" that stretches across Francestown which includes the Crotched Mountain Town Forest, the Shattuck Pond Town Forest, and the Dinsmore Brook Conservation Area. Longer term plans include providing for trail connectivity along this green corridor, providing linkage to other trail networks in Francestown, Greenfield, Weare, and Deering. This corridor also provides important landscape for wildlife transit. These conserved properties all have frontage on Route 47 and thus help to preserve the visual appeal of open space in Francestown and contribute to ecosystem health and water quality.
Most Trails at Turnpike Trails are named after car or transportation songs or themes. Put the playlist on your device to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Here is the playlist:
When you visit Turnpike Trail, please support our local businesses: