Franklin, NH (USA)

After yesterday’s experience, I decided to log some miles on the (flat) Northern Rail Trail as a sort of “cool down.”  Even though the weather was iffy (possible rain showers), I was expecting temps in the 70s - this meant I could pack light.  I headed south on I-89 (left home at around 0930) and then used NH-11, US-4 and NH-127 to reach Franklin, where I found a small parking lot on the west side of the Merrimack River.  I first walked towards White River Junction, trying to find the turnaround spot from when I last walked the trail.  I found it very quickly and then headed towards Boston.  The NRT paralleled US-3 (to the west) and the Merrimack (to the east) most of the way - the former meant it was quite loud (due to motorcycles) all day.  I didn’t really see a lot of people, though, and was alone for most of the hike.  Exceptions included when a few cyclists passed me and when I met a birder with a big camera (I ended up talking to him about the local area for over 15 minutes).  There was a lot of history along the trail - most of it was early colonial, with a little Daniel Webster bio too.  It was also an interesting walk, wildlife-wise: I saw a porcupine, a groundhog, a white-tailed deer and a bald eagle who swooped down on the trail right in front of me.  I crossed the Boscowen-Franklin Town Line, meaning that I’ve walked through every town on the NRT.  Only about 5 miles left!  Turned around just after that (at a pull-out spot across from the State Forest Nursery).  Huge clouds started forming as I walked back so I skipped a stop at the Webster family cemetery and made good time to my car.  Ended up walking over 8 miles in less than 3.5 hours (breaks included) and felt fine when I was done (1400).  Drove home (via US-4, NH-11 and I-89) and arrived by 1730.  Glad I could get another day outside before the rain hit!