About 80 residents gathered to formally dedicate the new Head’s Pond Trail in Hooksett on Saturday, Oct. 20. The rain cleared just in time for the morning sun to reveal the spectacular foliage along the trail.

The trail was built on the site of the former Concord to Portsmouth railroad bed and donated to the town by Manchester, Sand, Gravel and Cement Company (MSG&C).  Speakers at the ceremony included Hooksett Heritage Commission Chairman Kathie Northrup, Hooksett Kiwanis representative Frank Kotowski, Town Council Chairman Paul Loiselle and MSG&C representative David Campbell.

Northrup spoke about the history of the railroad and unveiled a beautiful historic marker which was also donated by MSG&C.  

Loiselle accepted the trail on behalf of the Town and remarked that he looks forward to additional trail segments to connect the Head’s Pond trail to Hooksett Village and ultimately to Manchester, Candia and other locations.

Campbell said MSG&C is pleased to donate this trail and to continue  working with Kiwanis and the town to expand the trail system.

On behalf of Hooksett Kiwanis, Frank Kotowski expressed gratitude to MSG&C for its donation, to the Town Council for providing Hooksett Kiwanis the opportunity to maintain the trail system and explore its expansion, and to the many other groups that have preceded Kiwanis in moving forward the dream of a trail network. He also encouraged others to become involved with Kiwanis in maintaining and expanding the trail system.

The next segment to be explored will be to link the trail to Pleasant Street and the Head School and Cemetery.

At the conclusion of the brief ceremony, many attendees walked the trail for the first time. People marveled at the quality of the trail and the beauty of the unspoiled nature along the walk to Head’s Pond. Others are invited to walk the 2.5-mile round trip this fall. The trailhead is located across the road from Green’s Marine on Route 3.