Home / Crime and Justice / NH Rail Trail Reopens: Temporary Truce in Land Dispute
NH Rail Trail Reopens: Temporary Truce in Land Dispute
11 Jul
Summary
- Northern Rail Trail access is restored after a temporary settlement.
- A lawsuit concerns ownership of the trail and abutter access rights.
- The state seeks damages for alleged historical railroad tie damage.
A temporary settlement has reopened a section of New Hampshire's Northern Rail Trail in Andover, which had been closed following a dispute with an abutter. The agreement, reached in Merrimack County Superior Court, allows Leonard Caron limited use of a portion of the trail for his gravel pit business.
This arrangement will remain in effect until the court decides on the state's claim of ownership and Caron's right to block access. The state issued a cease-and-desist order in March and is pursuing damages, alleging Caron used heavy machinery that damaged historical railroad ties. Caron had previously placed concrete barriers across the trail after losing access to his gravel pit via a historic covered bridge.
State officials confirmed the trail was to be open by 6 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2026. This reopening is significant as the 58-mile Northern Rail Trail is the state's longest and a popular recreational resource, especially during the summer tourism season. Governor Kelly Ayotte and the Executive Council had urged for its reopening to prevent trail users from detouring onto busy Route 4.
