Hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, jogging, biking, horseback riding, strollers, snowmobiling. EASY.

I love trains. I love history. I love hiking. How perfect is Elmwood Junction in Hancock, NH. Checks all those boxes, and along the water too.

There are wonderful historic markers throughout the area. Stop and check the list as you drive into the ample parking. We are so lucky that the Harris Center and the town of Hancock made it possible for us to enjoy and learn about Elmwood Junction.

Ahead of you will be a beautifully located house which had been the station master’s house. It is privately owned. Please respect their privacy.

  • Ample parking.
  • View up Elmwood toward 202

Were the bridge not out, one could travel South, all the way to Peterborough, NH. That section will be another blog.

But, the bridge is out, and a lovely place to pause and watch, was it a beaver, or an otter? It never resurfaced to let me know.

  • Or perhaps the snapping turtle that laid her eggs nearby?

There are great vintage photos with detailed descriptions. Such a hub of activity. From here you could head North. Or West to Hancock. Check out; HARRIS. CENTER: Jacquith rail trail.

Do take time and read these as they are very well done and interesting.

Our area was quite the tourist destination. Still is, but now visitors drive, instead of riding the rails. A shame.

Head north from the parking lot. The trail is easy going, except for the mud hole I managed to step into.

Leaves are pretty though.
  • Station house.
  • Well and pump house.
  • 6-8 are the siding for loading coal.
  • Shed
  • Station and platforms
  • Tool shed.
  • Ball signal
  • Scale
  • Sunken coal track

From here to stay historic, you turn West. There is a snowmobile sign. We are going North first and will come back this way for more history and an exit to the road. Remember to turn right as you head back to parking or you will miss the crumpled sign.

The trail continues along Powdermill pond to a still remaining track.

  • Not sure what this is.
  • A railroad tie mover?
  • This wasn’t labelled, some sort of loading dock?

Shortly you come upon existing rails. A dog person met along the trail highly recommended continuing along the side of them as it leads to more beautiful spots. NH does have its share. To be explored, and added at a later date.

  • This was on the East side of the bridge. Not sure it’s purpose.

There were a couple of people with their dog who must have come in from 202. They were walking along the tracks. I heard them as I stopped to photograph the drain. Not knowing there were tracks above it.

We headed back due to time constraints and took the last leg of the historic trail.

  • Tree smushed the sign.
  • Top
  • Bottom

Upon returning to the parking lot, head toward the pond, I would classify it as a lake personally, there you will see the water tank foundation, and the remains of the pump house.

  • tread carefully around the pipes, hidden by leaves.

A special Thank you to Meade Cadot, who led me on my discovery of Elmwood junction.

And, for those of you who remember. I just had to add this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRhi8Tk9nNE

You can hum it as you explore this great piece of NH history. Sorry, just could NOT resist.

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