With the detail design for Phase II of the WOW Trail gearing up along with many beautification initiatives taking place on Phase I of the trail, there are many new opportunities available for anyone who is interested in working on the WOW Trail.
The WOW Trail organization currently has many volunteer activities available, including a secretary position for the Board of Directors, volunteer coordinator, grant writing, membership, fundraising, and work out on the trail including planting, watering, weeding and other beautification efforts. In addition, volunteers are needed for the upcoming WOWFest event on September 18th at the Laconia Athletic & Swim Club.
Interested parties are invited to email
and express their area of interest. WOW Trail supporters who cannot give their time are invited to donate money by joining as a “Friend of the WOW Trail” (on-line at www.wowtrial.org).
The 2nd Annual WOW Fest will take place on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at the Laconia Athletic & Swim Club, 827 North Main Street, Laconia, NH.
WOW Fest is a fun-filled event for the whole family featuring two bicycle challenges, 10K road race (new!), fun walk, BBQ lunch, live music & kids activities. You won't want to miss it!
Take the Trail Fun Walk (2.5m, 11:30 am start, $20)
***All events include BBQ & Festival***
Check out our Team Challenges: WOW What a Team! Awarded to the team with the most pre-registered participants. WOW You Look Good! Awarded to the "Best Dressed" team. WOW Green ($$$) Team! Awarded to the team that brings in the most pledge money. WOW Cup! Awarded to the team with the fastest 10K participants (First 3 race times totaled per time, lowest total wins. Winning team must have a minimum of 3 finishing runners).
Register by September 6th and receive an event shirt.
All proceeds benefit the WOW Trail. Sign up now and bring the whole family for the BBQ lunch and a lot of fun.
Festival (12:00 - 3:00):
Not participating in one of our events?....Come enjoy an afternoon of family fun and great food!
BBQ Lunch, Live Music, Kids Activities: $10 Teens & Adults; $5 Children 12 and under (donations and festival entrance fees payable at the door)
Questions?: Please contact Jennifer Beetle at
or (603) 630-4468.
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The WOW Trail is a proposed multi-use, non-motorized recreational pathway in the City of Laconia. The proposed pathway is just over 9 miles long, stretching the length of the City to the Meredith and Belmont town lines. The WOW Trail will be constructed adjacent to the railroad tracks used by the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.
The trail will be 10 feet wide and paved.
The first 1.3 miles is complete! The Grand Opening was held on May 15th, 2010. Phase 1 begins adjacent to the Lake Opechee Inn & Spa in Lakeport and ends downtown at Main Street, adjacent to the Library. A portion of the first phase, located between Bisson Avenue and Lyford Street, is adjacent to Messer Street. In this area, the sidewalk was widened and bike lanes added to the roadway. Laconia DPW was extremely helpful in accommodating the trail design and construction on Messer Street.
Phase 2 of the WOW Trail will run from Downtown Laconia at North Main Street to the Belmont town line. A short section of bike trail already exists at the Belmont town line and Route 3. The NH DOT built this short section of trail in anticipation of connecting the Laconia WOW Trail and the Town of Belmont's own BRATT trail.
Using the Railroad Right of Way
Snowmobilers will access and use the railroad tracks in the winter months as always. All others are to remain off of the tracks and on the trail. It is dangerous and trespassing to be on the tracks.
Design and Safety
A four foot high continuous fence will run between the trail and the active railroad tracks. The fence will be elevated six inches above the ground to accomodate the movement of small animals. The fence is required by the NH DOT Bureau of Railroads.
Trails next to active railroads are increasingly common in the United States, with over 100 rail-with-trails in existence to date.
The Laconia Police Department conducts bike patrols of the WOW Trail.
To promote, design, build and maintain a paved multi-use recreational trail through the city of Laconia, alongside the active railroad bed. The WOW Trail will connect the Laconia communities of Weirs Beach and Lakeport with the Downtown via a safe and convenient passageway, while providing outstanding scenic and recreation opportunities.
WOW Trail Use, Maps & Guides
The WOW Trail is open to non-motorized activity. Electric wheelchairs are welcome. In the warmer months the trail is open for walking, running, biking, and in-line skating. The trail will be open for walking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, etc in winter.
The trail is carry-in, carry-out. Leashed pets are welcome but please pick up all pet waste! Bags and receptacles will be provided at three locations along the trail.
DIRECTIONS: Route 3/11 to Route 106 North into downtown Laconia. The Trail begins in the RR corridor adjacent to Laconia Public Library. From there, the trail follows the RR corridor for .2 miles, then crosses and follows Messer Street to Bisson Avenue as a widened sidewalk. At Messer Street and Bisson Avenue the trail re-enters the RR corridor for .7 miles. Trail ends once it reaches Elm Street in Lakeport.
Street parking is available in downtown Laconia. Parking in the Elm Street end is street parking or at the Lake Opechee Inn & Spa.
The design map of Phase 1 can be viewed by clicking here.
NOTE THAT ALL USERS OF THE TRAIL ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY! THE WOW TRAIL IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY INJURIES OR DAMAGES INCURRED THROUGH USE OF THE TRAIL.
An overview map of the proposed route for the WOW Trail Proposed trail appears in red
To promote, design, build and maintain a paved multi-use recreational trail through the city of Laconia, alongside the active railroad bed. The WOW Trail will connect the Laconia communities of Weirs Beach and Lakeport with the Downtown via a safe and convenient passageway, while providing outstanding scenic and recreation opportunities.
