Bikes and Brews- Ashuelot Rail Trail

Rail trails are increasingly popular, and I love exploring new ones, like the Ashuelot Rail Trail in NH. Even as someone who typically rides on the road, there are so many reasons to embrace and love rail trails, including:

• No vehicle traffic- It’s nice to have a break from constantly watching for cars and/or worrying about whether cars behind me are paying attention to the road.
• They’re flat- This makes for a nice, easy ride that’s great for a recovery ride, or you can take advantage of the long, straight trail for interval training.
• Community improvement- Since rail trails make use of rail beds no longer in use, they turn what is often an eyesore into a place where anyone in the community can enjoy outdoor space. They connect local towns and encourage travel between towns/cities via biking or walking instead of driving.

For these reasons, I’m starting a Bikes and Brews Rail Trail series that highlights several rail trails and serves as a guide for a day trip or long weekend enjoying the rail trails and surrounding communities. I’m starting in NH, in the city of Keene. I’ve also written a guide to the popular and scenic Cape Cod Rail Trail that you can check out if you haven’t already.

Ashuelot Rail Trail

Keene is nestled in the Monadnock region in southwestern NH. It’s home to Keene State College, so it has lively downtown, while still maintaining quaint, New England charm. While the White Mountains in northern NH get most of the fame, the Monadnock area is has plenty of its own rolling hills, country roads and mountains. If you’re up for a hike after your ride, Mt. Monadnock offers views of all six New England states on a clear day and is one of the most hiked mountains in the world.

But let’s stick with cycling for now. The Ashuelot Rail Trail is approximately 21 miles and runs from Keene to Hinsdale along the- you guessed it- Ashuelot River. On it, you’ll find a train trestle with a beautiful view of the Ashuelot River, covered bridges and if you ride all the way to Hinsdale you can see the house covered in license plates on Northfield Road.

Rail Trail Parking

You’ll find several parking lots in Keene, and I opted to park downtown because it’s convenient to the cafes and breweries. I parked in the Wells Street lot, just off of Railroad St. There is also a two level parking garage at the same location, with parking available on the second level. To get to the second level enter the garage and drive straight across to the exit on the other side. You’ll see the ramp on the right. For additional parking, try the Commercial Street lot. At both lots you’ll pay by plate and it’s less than a dollar per hour.

If you prefer to park right next to the rail trail, there is a lot next to the Ashuelot River Railroad Bridge, behind the Walmart shopping center on Winchester Street, and another at the Keene State College Athletic Fields on Krif Road.

The Ride

Once you’ve paid for parking downtown, next up is finding the Ashuelot Rail Trail. I suggest starting on the Cheshire Trail, another rail trail that crosses through Keene and joins the Ashuelot Trail. Look for the intersection of Railroad Street and Main Street. Cross Main Street to pick up the paved trail that runs next to Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, heading west towards the skate park. After the skate park, the Cheshire Trail ends, but you’ll see signs pointing you to the start of the Ashuelot Rail Trail. Head down School Street, either on the street or sidewalk, and make a right turn onto Emerald St. where you’ll pick up the Ashuelot Rail Trail.

The rail trail surface is a mix of hard packed dirt and gravel, along with several rougher dirt and gravel sections. A hybrid bike is suitable for the ride, and a gravel bike is ideal, given the rougher sections. The trail is tree lined for much of the ride, but you’ll also see old mills and rail yards. If it’s bridges you want, you’ll find them here. As you leave Keene, you’ll get a soaring view of the Ashuelot River as you cross it on the old train trestle. A second trestle is on the trail between Swanzey and Winchester. In Winchester, the Ashuelot River Bridge, just off the trail. is a beautiful, 169 foot long covered bridge covered in intricate lattice.

If you’d like a map of the entire trail, visit the Trail Link website or download the app. This site is run by the Rails to Trails Conservancy, which does an immense amount of work to build and advocate for rail trails. View the map for free or upgrade to download an offline version and/or create your own itinerary.

Brews

• Brewbakers Cafe– This gem on Emerald St. in Keene might be the perfect spot for cyclists. This combination cafe, coffee shop and art space has organic coffee from Terra Nova and a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Power up with a breakfast sandwich or veggie has bowl and recover after a long ride with the sweet potato and black bean veggie burger or avocado BLT. Wash down your post ride lunch or dinner with one of their craft beer offerings. If you’re stopping in for a quick mid-ride pick-me-up, the chocolate chip cookie is one of the best I’ve ever had. If that’s not enough, they even have a small record store.
• Modest Man Brewing– I’m not sure what it is about tap rooms but they’re always friendly and welcoming. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Modest Man on Main St. in downtown Keene. The storefront has a hand built bicycle, so it’s another place made for cyclists. The Kraftwerk kolsch is perfect for enjoying after a ride, while the C.O.A Mega is a delicious and juicy DIPA that screams tropical sunshine. The brewery doesn’t serve food but often has food trucks on their back patio and allows you to bring your own food.
• The Farm Cafe– I love that vegetarian and vegan restaurants are continuing to make inroads in New England. This cafe and food truck is plant based, and many of their ingredients are organic. I love that their burgers are made in house instead of using one of the popular engineered meats, like Impossible Burger. I’ll take fresh food I can pronounce over all those chemicals any day. Serve me up Amy’s Quesadilla! No need to have chocolate milk for a recovery drink when you can enjoy the cafe’s strawberry chocolate beet smoothie.

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As you can see, Keene and the Ashuelot Rail Trail have all the makings of a perfect day trip. Or make a weekend out of it and stay a night or two to enjoy the rest of the Monadnock Region. I bet it won’t be your last visit.