Here are 5 under-the-radar hiking hotspots in Derry
By Dan Mathers
Mention hiking in the Northeast, and the conversation will likely go straight to places like the White Mountains, Adirondacks, and Katahdin.
But while the region’s hiking superstars tend to get all of the attention, hidden gems can be found in some of the places you might least expect.
A perfect example is Derry, New Hampshire.
With such legendary Granite State hiking destinations as Monadnock to the west and the White Mountains to the north, it’s easy for a place like Derry to slip under the radar.
But like many towns throughout the Northeast, Derry is home to several conservation areas that are a great resource for locals or visitors to enjoy hiking, camping, and cross-country skiing.
Here are a few of Derry’s best local places to explore.
Weber Town Forest
At 275 acres, Weber Town Forest offers visitors one of the area’s largest places to enjoy hiking, camping, and cross-country skiing. The forest contains stands of mixed hard and softwoods, and several large wetlands and ponds which are a prime habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. It also features a stretch of the New Hampshire Recreation Trail.
Cole Marsh
Cole Marsh is home to more than 280 acres, with 243 acres east of Damren Road and another 40 acres west of Damren Road. The properties east of Damren Road contain mixed hard and softwoods, including some large hemlocks and pines. The property west of Damren Road is largely wetland. Camping is allowed at Cole Marsh, as well as hiking and skiing. The Francis Cormier Trail is a loop trail around a pond on the eastern property that is home to waterfowl and other wildlife.
Albert W. Doolittle Conservation Area
The Doolittle Conservation Area is 94 acres of largely forested land. It has more than 3,000 feet of shoreline along Manter Brook, which is a major source of water for nearby Beaver Lake. The Doolittle area has several hiking trails.
Gulf Road Property
Derry’s Gulf Road Property is 33 acres of wooded land, and it features some interesting, fun terrain. Camping is available, as well as skiing and hiking. From the Gulf Road trailhead, the land slopes steeply to a small stream, which feeds into a prime wetland. The Line-Storm Trail starts on Gulf Road and loops around the property.
Broadview Farm
Broadview Farm features 78 acres of rolling agricultural land, open fields, a small pond, stream, and wooded area. Besides hiking and skiing trails, it has a camping area located about a half-mile from the main parking area on Young Road. The camping area contains tent platforms, a fire ring, dining pavilion, and outhouse.
Check out the full list of Derry’s conservation properties here.
