City Of Concord Acquires Northern Railroad Property From CSX

CONCORD, NH — The city of Concord acquired an 81.73-acre segment of the Northern Railroad on Wednesday.

This 5.73-mile corridor, located between Horseshoe Pond Lane and the Contoocook River, was purchased from Boston & Maine Corporation (CSX Transportation) for $535,000. This acquisition is intended for the development of the rail-trail portion of the Merrimack River Greenway Trail.

The purchase and subsequent development of this rail trail aim to provide intermodal connectivity. This connectivity will link downtown Concord, Penacook Village, and the Heights, while also expanding recreational opportunities.

Concord has received a $1.7 million NH DOT Transportation Alternative Program Grant, which will allow the city to proceed with the design phase of the MRGT section near Second Street and Sewalls Falls Road this summer. The city also recently applied for additional funding through the US DOT Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development program. This application seeks to cover design and construction costs for the trail segment between Horseshoe Pond Lane and Second Street.

This acquisition, along with the development of the 5.73-mile MRGT section, is expected to enhance Concord's standing, officials said. The city hopes to become one of the premier communities in New England for living, working, and recreation. Economic and community development benefits are associated with this project, officials said.

Tangible benefits may include tax base expansion from potential property value growth in parcels and neighborhoods with convenient trail access. Potential limited commercial enterprises, such as cafes or trail-focused cottage industries, like bicycle or cross-country ski rental shops, might develop near key intersections or trailheads along the MRGT. Such activity could lead to job creation and increased community vitality. The rail trail is also expected to generate less tangible but important economic and community development benefits by providing quality-of-life amenities, which are often cited as beneficial for employers seeking to attract or retain employees.

It is unknown what will happen with Scenic RailRiders, the seasonal — and popular, rail bike tourist attraction off Sewalls Falls Road. LeBlanc and his family established Scenic RailRiders in 2019. They had hoped the state would intervene in the purchase to preserve their business, but officials declined to do so in November 2025. More than 70,000 people have visited Concord due to Scenic Railriders since its opening.

Stefanie Breton, the city's public information officer, said officials would reach out to Gary LeBlanc to discuss the future.