Avis P. Smart Woods is a 32-acre forest located a short distance from Gilford Village. The property was once farmland, and it includes a magnificent stand of sugar maples first tapped in the mid-1800’s. Today it provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife and opportunities for respectful recreation and nature observation. The protection of this property was made possible by the generosity of Avis and William Smart, who donated the land to LRCT in 2005 in order to preserve it for the benefit and enjoyment of generations to come. A loop trail of under a mile in length provides opportunities for peaceful walks and appreciation of nature. Look especially for wildlife in the dense coniferous forests along the loop.
For more information on this property and others managed by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, or to become a member, please refer to their website at lrct.org.
From Laconia and points south: Take Route 11A east towards Gilford. Continue on 11A for 1.6 miles after crossing Route 3 and turn left onto Gunstock Hill Rd. Continue on Gunstock Hill Rd for 0.7 miles and bear left onto Watson Rd. The Trail head (parking for one or two cars) is 500 feet on the left.
From Weirs Beach and points north: From Route 3 in Weirs Beach, take Route 11B south towards Glendale for 2.1 miles, then turn right onto Route 11C. In 1.7 miles Route 11C crosses Route 11 and becomes Old Lake Shore Drive. Follow Old Lake Shore Drive for 0.5 miles, then continue straight onto Watson Road when Old Lake Shore Drive turns left. The Trail head (parking for one or two cars) is 0.2 miles on the right.
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