KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Efforts to expand and improve the Monadnock Region’s growing network of rail trails took center stage Tuesday morning, as Mike Kowalczyk joined the “Good Morning with Dan Mitchell” program on WKBK Radio.

Kowalczyk, a leading voice behind regional trail development, discussed how a once-local effort has evolved into a coordinated, multi-community initiative focused on connecting and maintaining former rail corridors throughout southwestern New Hampshire.

The organization he represents now works across a broad footprint, including well-known routes such as the Cheshire, Ashuelot, and Monadnock rail trails, as well as key connections linking towns from Keene to the Massachusetts border and beyond.

During the interview, Kowalczyk emphasized the collaborative nature of the work, noting partnerships with county officials, local planners, and snowmobile clubs. Those relationships, he said, are essential not only for funding but also for year-round trail upkeep. Snowmobile organizations, in particular, play a major role by accessing state grant programs tied to winter trail use.

Kowalczyk also traced the origins of the rail corridors themselves, many of which date back to the mid-1800s before being abandoned decades later. State agencies ultimately acquired hundreds of miles of these former rail beds in the 1990s, preserving them for recreational use and future connectivity.

He provided listeners with a tour of current trail conditions, describing recently improved sections near Keene and Swanzey, rugged granite cuts in Surry, and scenic stretches overlooking the Connecticut River Valley in Westmoreland and Walpole. Other areas, particularly farther south, remain passable but in need of upgrades such as resurfacing and drainage work.

Flood damage from 2023 remains a challenge along portions of the Ashuelot Rail Trail, where several washouts are still awaiting repair. Plans are in place to address those areas over the next few years through a combination of infrastructure projects and state-supported funding.

Looking ahead, Kowalczyk said 2026 will be a pivotal year. Planned work includes completing a long-awaited improved stretch of trail in Fitzwilliam, installing new signage and kiosks across the region, and purchasing specialized maintenance equipment to support both summer and winter trail use.

He also pointed to ongoing efforts to enhance bridges and key connections, including a long-term vision of reopening a large trestle bridge into Brattleboro, Vermont. If completed, that project could link the regional trail network to passenger rail service, creating a car-free travel loop attractive to visitors.

Throughout the discussion, Kowalczyk and callers alike highlighted the broader economic impact of the trails. Restaurants, inns, and small businesses along the routes are already benefiting from increased foot and bike traffic, with many viewing the network as a growing tourism asset for the region.

Kowalczyk noted that digital tools such as Google Maps and other cycling apps are making the trails more accessible, while local initiatives like the regional rail trail challenge are encouraging exploration and supporting participating businesses.

For Kowalczyk, the long-term goal is clear: a fully connected, well-maintained system that serves residents and visitors year-round.

“This is about more than recreation,” he said. “It’s about building something that strengthens the entire region.”

Listen to the full interview: