Seven miles of trail completed in Concord; hike it Saturday

[Parenting NH Administrator]

CONCORD -- An inaugural thru-hike and dedication ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 3, will mark the accomplishment of a long time goal of the Concord Conservation Committee and its Trails Committee. 

The Commission has long had a goal of creating a trail to link the three farms on the west side of Concord.  The new trail, to be known as the “West End Farm Trail”, crosses over seven miles of land, starting at the bike path off Silk Farm Road, continuing north through miles of lovely woods, past the vistas of Dimond Hill Farm’s fields, and the beaver ponds, woods and streams of Rossview Farm, ending in the orchards at Carter Hill Orchard’s hilltop site. 

The three farms and many of Concord’s other conservation lands provide opportunities for people to enjoy walking, running or cross-country skiing - but all lend themselves to relatively short outings.  The new trail linking three large conservation properties now provides outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity for a longer outing without the need to drive north to the mountains.

Becky Hebert, Senior Planner with the City of Concord, said that linking the three farms has long been a goal of the Conservation Commission and its Trails Committee.  The Commission purchased two strategic properties in the last few years to make the trail connection possible – 60 acres of woodland off Exit 3 of Route 89 from the Bunten family, and 85 acres off Currier Road that was part of a failed development.  In addition to the purchase of the land, the City has pursued agreements with land owners to allow the trail to cross over private property. The trail would not have been possible without the generosity of the Weston family, the Crosby family, and the four partners of Country Hill Estates. 

Rob Knight, a board member of Five Rivers Conservation Trust which holds the conservation easements on Carter Hill Orchard and Dimond Hill Farm, helped the City obtain trail agreements from some of the private landowners.  Rob Knight said that this is an example of how much can be accomplished by an active and forward looking Conservation Commission and City Staff together with volunteer groups like the Trails Committee and Five Rivers Conservation Trust.

Concord has a large community of runners, skiers, and mountain bikers who will enjoy the challenge of a longer trail.  The goal is to eventually have a return route from Carter Hill Orchard through City and State conservation land which will connect with the trails at Swope Park.

There will be a thru-hike Saturday morning for people who want bragging rights for hiking the length of the trail.  The hike will be done in stages so people who want to do a shorter hike can join for part of the hike. The event will finish at 12:30 with a dedication ceremony at Carter Hill Orchard.  Refreshments, including Carter Hill’s famous cider and donuts will be served. 

The hike will start at the bike path off Silk Farm Road (just past NH Audubon) at 8:30, rain or shine. For those planning to hike the entire length, it is suggested that they meet at Carter Hill Orchard at 8 where car pooling will be arranged to the start.  For those joining along the way, simply park at one of the starting locations;  volunteers  will  help to organize rides back to the start from Carter Hill.  The hike will leave Dimond Hill Farm at 10, and the end of District #5 Road at 11:15. 

Contact Rob Knight  ([e-mail] or 496-8281) with questions or to let him know you will be participating in the day's event.