Scenic Railriders' Future Uncertain as City Eyes Tracks for Greenway

Scenic Railriders' unique tours draw visitors from across the US and Europe. Now, the city's greenway plans threaten the business' survival.

, and Administrator

2025 October 23 . 8:04 PM

1 min read

In this image we can see bicycle which is of green color and in the background there is fencing,... — In this image we can see bicycle which is of green color and in the background there is fencing, traffic cone, there is road, platform and railway track.

Scenic Railriders' Future Uncertain as City Eyes Tracks for Greenway

Scenic Railriders, a popular tourist attraction in Concord, New Hampshire, faces an uncertain future. The business, launched by Gary and Carolyn LeBlanc in 2019, offers pedal-powered rail bike tours along historic tracks. However, the city's plans to purchase the tracks for a greenway trail could force the attraction to close by the end of the year.

Gary LeBlanc has proposed compromises, including financial contributions for a shared-use plan, but the city has not accepted any offers. The city council, meanwhile, aims to buy the tracks from CSX Transportation to create the Merrimack River Greenway Trail, a bike and walking path. The section of track used by Scenic Railriders is considered a crucial 'missing link' in a statewide trail network.

The state of New Hampshire holds the first right of refusal on the property and is currently reviewing an offer from CSX Transportation. If the state does not intervene, Scenic Railriders could be out of business. The attraction has drawn over 73,000 visitors from all 50 states and Europe since its opening, providing a unique way to explore the area's farmland, cow pastures, and the Merrimack River.

Scenic Railriders' future hangs in the balance as the city and state consider the tracks' fate. The business has offered compromises but has not yet found common ground with the city. If the state does not step in, the popular attraction may cease operations by the end of the year.