Merrimack River Greenway Trail

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The ribbon was cut on phase 2 of the Merrimack River Greenway Trail on September 27,  2024. This 3,500 foot (or 0.7-mi) paved, multi-use pathway is now open to the public. Phase 2 includes a small parking lot, benches, shade trees, and small spur trails that will allow for access to the river’s edge.

Project Description

In March 2011, a feasibility study for the Merrimack River Greenway Trail was prepared, and the City created CIP #543 “Merrimack River Greenway Trail” (MRGT) within the City’s Capital Improvement Program for the purposes of facilitating the extension of a 12.7-mile multi-use trail through Concord. For many years, the community has desired to create this trail through Concord connecting to the Northern Rail Trail at the Boscawen town line to the north, and the future Pembroke Rail Trail at the southerly City line. These connections would facilitate a continuous regional trail (the Granite State Rail Trail) from Salem to Lebanon. To date, the City, working with the Friends of the Merrimack River Greenway Trail (FMRGT), has secured several grants to design and construct portions of the trail. 

Completed Sections:

  • Phase 1 Terrill Park (Old Turnpike Road) - 0.5 miles, completed in 2020 
  • Phase 2 Gully Hill Fields (4 Loudon Road) - 1 mile, completed in Fall 2024 

Trails are not maintained during the winter months and may be snow covered or icy. Trails are use at your own risk from sunrise to sunset.

Future Phases:  

  • Boardwalk connection - approx. 0.5 mile to connect the Gully Hill fields trail and Terrill Park trail segments. Status: Conceptual design, actively seeking grant funding.
  • Loudon Road bridge connection - the City is hoping to connect to Loudon Road through the parking lot at 6 Loudon Road. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the next couple years, and will include a 14' wide multiuse pathway. Status: Draft easement for 6 Loudon Road pending final property owner and City agreement. Bridge in engineering design and permitting phase.
  • Manchester Street to Garvins Falls - the City is working with a private property owner to extend the trail south of Manchester Street as part of a future development project.  Status: The project is still in the Planning Board review stage.
  • Rail Trail - 5.2 miles between Horseshoe Pond Lane and the Boscawen town line. Status: City is working with NHDOT and CSX to acquire the abandoned rail corridor.