Dover Community Trail

The trail has multiple access points. For the northern, more natural sections, you might find parking near Bellamy Park or the Dover Cassily Community Garden. The 'in-town' section is accessible from downtown Dover, with parking options available in the city center. The Voyage Mark II Solar System Exhibit starts at the Fisher Street Trailhead, which is another good access point.

Yes, the trail is considered dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is leashed and you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, especially along the river sections. Summer is also great, with the tree canopy providing shade. Even in winter, it can be suitable for cross-country skiing, though conditions may vary.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and enjoy the Dover Community Trail.

The Dover Community Trail is generally considered easy to moderate. The 'in-town' paved sections are mostly flat and easy. The northern, more natural sections along the rivers are also relatively flat but can have varied surfaces like crushed stone, dirt, and some tree roots, making them slightly more moderate in places.

The trail offers a diverse range of surfaces. You'll encounter asphalt in the urban 'in-town' sections, transitioning to crushed stone, dirt, and packed earth in the more natural, rural extensions. Some parts may also have grass or uneven surfaces with rocks and sewer caps.

The Dover Community Trail is primarily an out-and-back multi-use pathway. While the full length is approximately 4.2 miles (one way), or 6.4 miles round trip, you can choose to hike shorter segments depending on your preference.

A notable feature is the Voyage Mark II Solar System Exhibit, a 1 to 10-billion scale model of the Solar System starting at the Fisher Street Trailhead. You'll also cross the Cochecho River via a historic trestle bridge, offering picturesque views. The trail passes by Beckwith Park and the Dover Cassily Community Garden.

Yes, especially in the northern sections, the trail follows the Cochecho and Bellamy Rivers, providing breathtaking views of the waterways and wooded areas. These river segments are excellent for bird watching and offer public access to protected greenways.

Absolutely! As a multi-use rail-trail, it's suitable for various activities beyond hiking, including biking, inline skating, and walking. The varied surfaces mean some sections are better suited for certain activities than others.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Dover Community Trail (95% and 88% of the route covered by two segments of this trail name), and also passes through smaller sections of the Dover Community Trail (15%, 15%, and 14% of the route covered by three other segments of this trail name).