New Hampton Nature-Fitness Trail
New pedestrian trail...Take a nice stroll
(more information about the new pedestrial trail here...)
Click here for Trail Guidelines
Click here for the double-sided flyer with bried description, layout & stations, guidelines, etc.
Cautions:
- Some areas are not ADA compliant. There are level and sloping areas,the steepest being in the area of Stations #15 - #17.
- This trail area is open to hunting during season - Be safe and wear bright colors during hunting season
- Carry In & Carry Out
- Please pick up after you dog
Donations needed for continued maintenance
Donate by sending your Tax Deductible Donations in the form of a check made out to:
“Nature and Fitness Trail Fund ”
c/o New Hampton Trustees of Trust Funds, 6 Pinnacle Hill Rd, New Hampton, NH 03256
Facebook page and facebook page disclaimer
Click here to a link to the Union Leader article "Nature-Fitness Trail a popular new spot"
Also see the AllTrails.com website and search: "New Hampton Nature Fitness Trail"
Kelley-Drake Farm Conservation Area
…among New Hampton’s earliest settled sites.
Directions: From route 104 take Sinclair Hill Road. Turn left on Kelley Pond Road and follow it to the parking area where you will see a kiosk. To access the trails, follow the road uphill and look for signs. On a short loop just off the Farm Road Trail is a historic cemetery and old cellar holes. The Lake Trail, as the name implies, leads to the shore of Lake Pemigewasset where there is a bench. There are a few short inclines on the ridge trail, but overall the trail is very gentle up and down. Follow blazes carefully – a double blaze indicates a turn in the trail. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle. Hiking sticks are optional. Watch for signs of wildlife. ENJOY!
Brief HIstory
In 1775 Samuel Kelley brought his family and possessions, and built a log cabin adjacent to “Kelley Pond” (now Pemigewasset Lake). Over time he acquired large tracts of land in town and moved his family to the summit of “the Pinnacle”. The Kelleys also built the old Tavern and stage stop on Sinclair Hill Road, and New Hampton’s Town House. The Kelleys were followed by the Drake family who spent generations working the fields, tending livestock and establishing an orchard. Unfortunately, the farmhouse burned in 1950. The cellar holes and some perennials are all that remain of the original 18th century farmhouse.
This land is now a conservation area owned by the Town of New Hampton. Regular trail maintenance is needed to keep the trails clear. Interested individuals or groups could volunteer to “adopt a trail.” If you are interested, contact the Conservation Commission.
Click here for an overview map showing trails.
Click here for an article written by Gordon DuBois titled "Volunteers Help to Shape the Future of the Kelley Drake Conservation Area - A Special Place in New Hampton".
Also see information on websites: AllTrails.com & TrailsNH.com and for birdwatchers go to the BirdingHotspots.org or ebird.org website. Search for the "Kelley Drake Conservation Area".
Bald Ledge Scenic Vista
Bald Ledge Scenic Vista
New Hampton Conservation Area
Via Sky Pond State Forest
Directions:
FROM THE SOUTH:
Route 104 to Town House Road, to Dana Hill Road…
FROM THE NORTH:
Winona Road in Ashland to Dana Hill Road…
…to Lower Oxbow Road, onto Sky Pond Road. Parking is at the boat launch.
Description:
Trailhead sign (Bald Ledge Trail) at Class VI Beech Hill Road (an extension of Sky Pond Road), hike approx. 400 yards to logging road (see arrow sign). Almost immediately after taking left, look for Huckins cellar hole (large trees growing in middle). Continue until road is obstructed by brush (approx. 1000 yards). A blaze mark and arrow sign on right indicates right turn into the last haul to ledge and within a couple of minutes (100 yards), the full panorama.
The trail, parking to vista, is less than 1 mile, a 20-25 minute walk each way, easy to moderate (a bit hilly). Sturdy shoes and water suggested, a walking stick is helpful. This trail has been totally revamped by volunteers and that is much appreciated.
Note wildlife signs (moose & deer tracks, woodchuck and bird holes), sound … flora … ENJOY!
Also see information on websites: nhfamilyhikes.com, AllTrails.com & TrailsNH.com by searching "Sky Pond State Forest"