NH Heritage Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Historical Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

If you're looking for a trail that avoids the crowds, this would be the one.

It appears that the trail starts off the northernmost edge of the White Mountains Regional High School Loop. It's unclear if this trailhead is accessible, during school hours or events. The trailhead isn't signed, here, so look for the yellow blaze (near the school canoe launch). The "trail" turns into a bushwhack with blazes to the brook. It crosses over the brook and becomes considerably more challenging. Pay very close attention to the yellow blazes, as you make your way over fallen trees and "carwash" corridors. Eventually, the trail comes out to Meadow Pond Road and turns right.

Follow Martin Meadow Pond Road to just past Weeks Road, then take the road (beneath the powerlines) to the left. This climbs gradually up to Route 3, then crosses over into Weeks State Park. Look for the HT sign on the east side of Route 3, to find where the trail enters the woods. The trail climbs up to Around The Mountain Loop Trail, and coincides with this trail northward. The trail is easier, here, because this part is maintained. The two trails coincide until they come out to Old Carriage Road. The Heritage Trail turns left and follows Old Carriage Road to Reed Road.

The trail turns right and follows Reed Road. Just after passing a barn (on the left), the trail follows the edge of the field and enters the woods. After passing a small pond, the trail arcs left and parallels the powerlines. The trail crosses (beneath the powerlines) and continues through the woods. The trail passes by a water treatment plant, then through a recently logged area. The trail continues to Portland Street, where (for now) it ends.

The rest of the trail (as shown on the Town of Lancaster website) shows the trail continuing on from here, but this section appears to have been lost. Sometime, in the future, the trail might be re-located to continue into Lancaster Town Forest.

Flora: Herb Robert, Maple, Birch, Motherwort.
Fauna: Garter Snake, Thrush, Pileated Woodpecker, Black Bear Cub, Blue Jay (call), Chickadee (call), Raven (call).