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Urban Forestry Center

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A family friendly trail network on the outskirts of Portsmouth that features a Forest Learning Center, interpretive trails, and coastal views.
Trail Activity
Accessible Experience Walking Snowshoeing Ungroomed cross-country skiing
Length
3.70 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy
Town
Portsmouth (NH)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Gravel/Crushed Stone/Cinder
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

The Urban Forestry Center offers a network of self-guided trails suitable for walking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Whether you are interested in identifying animal tracks in the snow, learning which shrubs and trees to plant to attract more birds to your backyard, or just interested in becoming a better steward of your land, The Urban Forestry Center has something for you. Throughout the year, the Center offers educational seminars, historical programs, and field trips where all are welcome to learn more about forestry and natural resources. The Urban Forestry Center is run by New Hampshire State Parks in cooperation with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, New Hampshire Community Forestry Advisory Council, and the US Forest Service.

The Forest Trail is a two-mile (round-trip) trail which takes visitors through scenic woodland setting, where native wildflowers, birds, and animals can be seen.

The Tree Identification Trail is a self-guided walk that leads visitors through the Center's Mixed Deciduous Forest, Northern Hardwood Forest, Saltmarsh Wetland, Red Pine Plantation, and Blue Spruce Plantation.

The Arboretum Trail is a network of ADA accessible paths that loop around the Arboretum area from the western parking lot. The trails are a 4-5 feet wide with a packed gravel surface.

 

Other Information

Hours: Trails: 7:00am-8:00pm every day; Office: 8:00am-4:00pm

 

Trail Manager

For more information visit the Urban Forestry Center website, or contact:

New Hampshire State Parks
New Hampshire State Parks
172 Pembroke Road
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-3556
nhparks@dncr.nh.gov
View website

Trail Tips

Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Consider volunteering with a trails organization to give back to the trails that give you so much!

Trailhead Information

From I-95: take Exit 5 to the Portsmouth Traffic Circle. From the Circle, take the US-1 Bypass South. This will merge into US-1 South. Proceed south for 2 miles and turn left onto Elwyn Road. In 500 feet, take the first left for the Urban Forestry Center.

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