Downtowns & Trails

Multiple vendor tents set up in a grassy area
The Graniteer Festival and the Value of Making Time to Be Together
During the final weekend of September, just as the maple trees were starting to turn red up north, hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts gathered in Francon... Learn More
Gazebo in park
The Right Connection
Downtowns and Trails program helps communities utilize the natural and built world
Extension state specialist and professor Shannon Rogers and Extension field specialist Jada Lindblom have worked with the City of Keene on developing ... Learn More
Bikers on trail
Building Trails and Finding Connections with DIRT
Developing Interconnections for Regional Trails
Almost every community in New Hampshire has some type of trail, whether it be a rail trail, riverwalk, hiking loop or path through a community forest.... Learn More
Extension table at the Hopkinton Farmers Market
Community Engagement at Contoocook Farmers Market
The Town of Hopkinton is the fourth community to take part in UNH Extension’s Downtowns & Trails program. As part of the program, a dedicated group of... Learn More
Group of volunteers standing near the Contoocook River
Collecting Data on Community Capital While Building Social Capital
The Benefits of a Capacity Building Approach to Nature-Based Economic Development
On a recent sunny Saturday morning, a group of dedicated community volunteers gathered in the Village of Contoocook, in the Town of Hopkinton, NH, to ... Learn More
room full of roundtable attendees
Supporting Outdoor Recreation Conversations and Connections
The First Central New Hampshire Trails Roundtable
From rail trails and snowmobile routes to mountain bike singletracks, Central New Hampshire is fortunate to have a growing number of established publi... Learn More
Bridge with leaves in fall
Keene Undertakes Study to Better Connect Trails with Downtown
UNH Extension’s Downtowns & Trails program helps communities utilize the natural and built world
NH Extension Community and Economic Development staff are available to help communities understand areas of improvement through the Downtowns & Trails... Learn More
Researching the Economic Impact of Rail Trails During the Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have taken advantage of spending time outside of the office and have looked towards the outdoors to find way... Learn More
Photo collage of person snowhoeing with dog, bicycle and person pouring beer
Day Trip Idea: Explore Littleton and Franconia Using Trailside Services
Trailside Services connects trail users with local businesses and attractions
Trailside Services connects trail users with local businesses and attractions Learn More
Person biking, people sitting on bench, stroller and dog on a trail by water
On the Trail and Looking for a Nearby Gear Shop, Brewery or Museum? There's a Website for That.
Trail Finder website launches new feature to help stimulate local economies in New Hampshire and Vermont
Trail Finder website launches new feature to help stimulate local economies in New Hampshire and Vermont Learn More