Piscataquog River Park – George W. Smith Entrance
Open fields and rail-trail access on Manchester's West Side
About this park
An unfenced, multi-use park on the West Side with ball fields, river access, and wooded trails connecting to the Piscataquog Rail Trail and Kelly's Falls. Foot traffic is light, the open fields are well kept, and there's enough room for ball-throwing on the maintained sections. Reviews repeatedly warn that the deeper trails attract trash, encampments, and broken glass, so an on-leash visit works best if you stick to the open areas.
Amenities
What visitors say
Synthesized from 142 Google reviewsWhen the fields are empty, the open green space is a rare amount of room for off-leash recall practice in the city. Rail-trail access plowed in winter is a real perk for cold-weather walks.
Best for
Before you go
Stay near the ball fields and main rail-trail spur. Reviewers consistently flag glass, trash, and homeless camps along the deeper trails toward Kelly's Falls. Bring your own waste bags; there are no dispensers on site.
