NH Attorney General Steps In: Injunction Issued to Reopen Andover Rail Trail

Well, it seems the ongoing saga over public access to the much-loved Northern Rail Trail in Andover has taken a pretty significant turn. New Hampshire's Attorney General has officially stepped in, securing a court injunction to ensure that a disputed section of the trail, which has been blocked off, is reopened to the public.

For quite some time now, Edward and Susan K. Hiller, who own property along the trail's path, have been placing various... let's call them 'deterrents' – things like logs, large boulders, and even gates – right across a section of the trail that runs through their land. They've maintained that this particular stretch belongs to them, not the public, leading to no end of frustration for hikers, bikers, and snowmobilers who use the trail regularly.

The Attorney General's office, however, is having none of it. They're pretty clear on this: that particular stretch of trail isn't private property in the way the Hillers might claim. Instead, it's public land, part of the corridor that the state acquired back in 1999 from the old Boston & Maine Railroad. So, from the state's perspective, there's a clear public right-of-way that needs to be maintained, no questions asked.

So, what's the big deal now? The AG has just secured an injunction, essentially a court order, telling the Hillers to stop blocking the trail immediately. It's a pretty firm demand: they've got just 72 hours to get all those obstacles — logs, boulders, whatever else — cleared away. And, you know, there's a serious warning attached: ignoring this could lead to some hefty civil penalties, which nobody wants, really.

This isn't just about one little stretch of land, really. The Northern Rail Trail is a lifeline for so many people in New Hampshire. It's a fantastic spot for hikers, cyclists, snowmobilers, cross-country skiers – you name it. It connects towns, offers incredible outdoor recreation, and honestly, it’s a big part of what makes our state so special. These kinds of public trails are invaluable community assets, and keeping them open and accessible is paramount.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time the Hillers and the state have found themselves in court over this issue; there's a history here, including previous lawsuits initiated by the property owners. Ultimately, this injunction sends a very clear message: public access to these invaluable resources, once established, is something the state intends to protect vigorously. It looks like, at least for now, the Northern Rail Trail in Andover will soon be clear for everyone to enjoy once more.