Tag Archives: Walpole Trail Committee

Rail Trail Reopened

Uncategorized 09/19/2025 1 Comment

From Wendy Grossman:

The New Hampshire Bureau of Trails has completed its bridge repairs on the northern portion of the Cheshire Rail Trail in Walpole. The trail, which had been closed in this area during repairs, has been reopened.

The bridge near Malnati Farm now has a completely new, bicycle-friendly deck. At the bridge nearest to the Boat Launch, some of the gaps between deck planks have been filled to make the bridge surface more level. The repairs at both bridges should improve the safety and enjoyment of Walpole’s rail trail for users, especially bicyclists.  

Many thanks to the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails.

Wendy Grossman

Chair, Walpole Trail Committee

Rail Trail Bridge Repairs Begin Today – 9/11/25

Uncategorized 09/11/2025 Leave a comment

From Wendy Grossman:

RAIL TRAIL BRIDGE REPAIRS

Beginning today, the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails will be making bridge repairs on the northern portion of the Cheshire Rail Trail in Walpole.  During repairs, the rail trail will be closed from the Boat Launch/WMA area to just north of the rail trail bridge at Malnati Farm.  Please heed any signs and follow any instructions from the repair personnel.  It is hoped that the bridge repairs will be completed by the end of next week (9/20).

The Bureau of Trails deserves our appreciation for this work to improve the safety and usability of Walpole’s rail trail.

Wendy Grossman

Chair, Walpole Trail Committee

Final Month of the Summer Hiking Challenge

Uncategorized 08/29/2025 Leave a comment

From France Menk:

Final Month of the Walpole Trail Committee Summer Hiking Challenge. Hike trails & class 6 roads in Walpole for fun and prizes! 12:01 am June 1 to 11:59 pm September 30. Log your miles, trail, weather, etc. www.WalpoleOutdoors.org/news to download log sheets.

Rail Trail News

Uncategorized 08/22/2025 1 Comment

From Wendy Grossman:

This week the Walpole section of the Cheshire Rail Trail was brush hogged again!  The grass and weeds on the trail surface were cut for the benefit of pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians who use the 7+ miles of trail between the CITGO/Jiffy Mart in the north and the Westmoreland border in the south.  

There is trail access and limited parking at many road crossings along the Rail Trail.  Maps are available at walpoleoutdoors.org (the Conservation Commission website) and in Town Hall.

Given the short grass and dry weather, conditions are generally good for exploring the Rail Trail and its many scenic views in Walpole.  However, bicyclists and other users should heed the new NH Bureau of Trails CAUTION signs urging bicyclists to walk over the bridge at Malnati Farm.  Bicyclists should also be cautious at the bridge north of the Boat Launch WMA.

At the Gateway, walkers can take a side trip to the new Gateway River Ramble trail for outstanding views of the Connecticut River.  To reach this trail, walk down from the Gateway kiosk to the boat drop-off area, continue past the cornfield, and bear right to the trail sign.

If you have comments about the Rail Trail, please feel free to contact Wendy Grossman, Chair of the Walpole Trail Committee, at walpoletrailhelpers@gmail.com.

Enjoy the Rail Trail!

Wendy and Will Grossman

Walpole Trail Committee

Rail Trail Brush Hogging Complete

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 06/30/2025 Leave a comment

From Wendy Grossman:

Brush hogging was completed last Friday on the Walpole section of the Cheshire Rail Trail!  With the overgrowth cut back, now is a great time for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians to explore the 7+ miles of State-owned Rail Trail along the west side of Walpole.  The usable trail extends from behind the CITGO/Jiffy Mart in the north to the Westmoreland border in the south. The Cheshire Rail Trail then continues southward to Keene and beyond.

In Walpole, the trail is accessible from Blackjack Crossing Rd., Halls Crossing Rd., River Rd., the Walpole Gateway, Route 123, and the Boat Launch WMA.  There is a dedicated parking area on River Rd, and limited parking at other locations.  Please do not block the gates or the trail when you park.

Please be respectful of the private landowners who abut the trail.  Please follow trail signs, especially through Homestead Farm.  Please practice “leave no trace” principles.  Do not litter. No motorized vehicles are allowed (except for snowmobiles.)

Maps of the Rail Trail are available at walpoleoutdoors.org (the Conservation Commission website) and in Town Hall. 

Many thanks to the Walpole Selectboard, the Walpole Conservation Commission, and the Walpole Trail Committee for supporting this project.  Thanks also to Mike Hubbard of Connecticut Valley Yard Works for brush hogging the trail.

Enjoy the Rail Trail!

Wendy and Will Grossman

Walpole Trail Committee

Conservation Commission & Trail Committee Events – 6/28 & 6/29

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 06/26/2025 Leave a comment

From France Menk:

Old Home Days Nature Outings – 6/28 & 6/29

CONSERVATION COMMISSION, EVENTS 06/20/2025 Leave a comment

From Wendy Grossman:

In connection with Old Home Days, the Walpole Conservation Commission and the Walpole Trail Committee, are offering several nature outings for the community.

Saturday, 6/28, from 8:30 to 10:00 am, Chris Liazos, an Antioch University MS graduate student, will lead a birding walk around town on behalf of the Conservation Commission. To join the walk, please come to the Conservation Commission booth on the Common at 8:30 am.

Sunday, 6/29, the Walpole Trail Committee invites you to visit the Gateway, the town-owned property nestled against the Connecticut River across Route 12 from South Street. At 7 am, Sharyn Tullar will lead a birding outing next to the river. Bring your own binoculars. At 10 am, there will be a guided hike along the Gateway River Ramble, a short new trail with outstanding views of the Connecticut River. The meeting spot for both events is the kiosk at the top of the hill. Dress for an outdoor adventure (comfortable shoes, tick and insect protection, etc.)

On Saturday, the Conservation Commission and the Trail Committee will have side-by-side booths on the west side of the Common opposite the Congregational Church. Please visit us to learn more about conservation and trails in Walpole.

Reminder: Walpole Summer Trail Challenge

Uncategorized 06/04/2025 Leave a comment

Reminder: Help Our Trails Tomorrow – 5/17/25

EVENTS 05/16/2025 Leave a comment

Help Our Trails (HOT)
Saturday, May 17, 2025, 9 am – 12 pm

This is a reminder that the Walpole Trail Committee’s 3rd Annual Help Our Trails (HOT) Day is this Saturday, May 17. Volunteers should meet at Town Hall between 8:30 and 9 am. There will be donuts and coffee. Our Trail Committee members have identified a number of HOT Day projects throughout the Town. Volunteer trail workers will divide into small teams and go out to tackle these maintenance projects on Walpole’s trails.

Please dress for trail work and bring your own water, bug repellent, work gloves, and hand tools (clippers, loppers, hand saws, etc.) if you have them. Metal rakes, shovels and hoes will be needed for some projects. Do not bring chain saws or power tools. Litter bags will be provided. There will be trail work available for anyone who comes to Town Hall Saturday morning.

However, if you haven’t signed up yet and plan to attend, it is recommended that you RSVP to walpoletrailhelpers@gmail.com, so that you will receive any last minute information.

Bring a raincoat so you can work on Saturday if there is occasional light rain. Those who’ve signed up will be notified if HOT Day is postponed to its rain date, which is Sunday, May 18.

We look forward to seeing you on Help Our Trails Day!

Wendy Grossman
Walpole Trail Committee

Help Our Trails (HOT) Day – 5/17/25

EVENTS 05/02/2025 Leave a comment

Help Our Trails (HOT) Day

Saturday, May 17

Attention all prospective Walpole trail work volunteers: The Walpole Trail Committee will host its 3rd Annual Help Our Trails (HOT) Day two weeks from tomorrow, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9 am to 12 pm.  It’s time to sign up now!

On Help Our Trails Day, volunteers come together to help maintain and improve Walpole trails, including those at Mill Pond, Fanny Mason Forest, and the Cheshire Rail Trail.  HOT Day participants should gather at the Walpole Town Hall, 34 Elm Street, before 9 am.  Please dress for trail work and bring your own water, work gloves, and hand tools.  Useful tools include clippers, loppers, hand saws, shovels, and rakes.  Do not bring chain saws or power tools.  No dogs, please.  Working in small teams at various locations, trail workers will help clear fallen branches, trim vegetation, maintain drainage, pick up litter, and undertake other selected trail improvement projects. 

We strongly encourage all Help Our Trails Day volunteers to sign up in advance by sending an email to walpoletrailhelpers@gmail.com.  This will enable us to plan the trail work and to contact you with additional HOT Day details.

Please join us on Help Our Trails Day, Saturday, May 17th, from 9 am to noon.  Rain date is Sunday, May 18th.  

Wendy Grossman

Walpole Trail Committee