Merrimack County Four-Season Northern Rail Trail - New Hampshire

This project involved resurfacing of the entire 34 miles of the Northern Rail Trail in Merrimack County.

The previous surface of railroad ballast rock made a trail that could only be used in the winter by snowmobilers and cross-country skiers, because it was so difficult to walk, ride a bike or use wheelchairs on the rocks.

A citizens' action group, The Friends of the Northern Rail Trail in Merrimack County, worked from 2005 to change the trail surface to become a hardpack treadway. This work was accomplished using one Transportation Enhancement grant and nine RTP grants between 2005 through 2013. A final RTP project in 2014 will finish the remaining three miles. The new surface is sufficiently smooth and hard for use by individuals in wheelchairs.

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More winners of this award

2023: Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail- Cromwell Drive Connector

2021: Chautauqua Bottoms Accessibility Upgrades

2020: Boardwalks and Observation Deck Rehab/Replacement

2019: Sassafras Mountain – South Carolina

2018: Camp Creek Greenway - Georgia

2017: Talisi Riverwalk Trail Extension - Alabama

2016: Graber Pond Accessible Trail - Wisconsin

2015: Rotary Park Accessible Trail (Phase 2) - Tennessee

2013: Beaman Park Accessible and Interpretive Trail - Tennessee

2012: The Children’s Center’s Life Trails and Therapeutic Park - Oklahoma

2011: Potts Memorial Park Trail Project - Missouri

2010: Laurel Fork Trail at Holly River State Park - West Virginia

2009: Southwest Key Trail - Texas

2008: Johnny Henderson Park Trail - Alabama

2008: Trails Accessibility Program - Florida

2007: Penny Lake Trail/Boothbay Harbor - Maine

2006: Springs Valley Trail - Indiana

2005: Trail Access Information for Northern Nevada

2004: Camp ASCCA Environmental Trail - Alabama

2003: Upper Roaring Brook Accessible Walkway and Fishing Pier - Rhode Island