Manchester Cedar Swamp includes 1.8 miles of trails winding through a rich and rare ecosystem, with views of globally rare Atlantic white cedar, giant rhododendron, winterberry, cinnamon fern, and a large black gum tree. In addition to traditional hiking trails, the property features the All Persons Trail—a universally accessible trail designed for people of all abilities and backgrounds. See Trail Access Information below for more information about this Accessible Experience.
The All Persons Trail maintains a width of at least 48 inches throughout, with grades that remain under 10%. It includes compacted gravel paths and a boardwalk through the cedar swamp. There are benches for resting every ~300-700 feet.
The route passes through shaded cedar groves and thickets of blooming rhododendron in July, then along the wetlands of Millstone Brook—a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Deer, mink, and beaver are often seen in the area, and the trail is also popular for winter snowshoeing. Visitors should note that the final section of the trail, which crosses a boardwalk, can become seasonally overgrown and may be more difficult to navigate depending on vegetation growth.
(Applies to All Persons Trail)
Trail conditions can change without warning. Trail last assessed: 6/26/2025
This area is open to the public for recreation and education. Please enjoy the preserve responsibly:
• Service dogs only: We love our four-legged friends, but only leashed service animals are permitted on the trails. This ensures the safety of all users and the preservation of wildlife here. Please leave all other pets at home.
• Leave No Trace: Please keep the preserve clean by carrying out your trash (and any that you find).
• No camping or open fires allowed.
• Please, for your safety and the protection of this globally rare ecosystem, stay on marked trails.
• Foot traffic only; horses, bikes and motorized vehicles are prohibited. Wheelchairs, strollers and assistive/adaptive devices are permitted on the All Persons Trail.
• Hunting is allowed on the preserve, except within 300 feet of the trail. Please obey all posted signs and contact NH Fish & Game Department for dates and regulations.
• Respect the natural world around you! Do not remove or destroy plants, wildlife, minerals or cultural items.
The Nature Conservancy is a global non-profit conservation organization. Our mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire has been safeguarding our state's most precious natural resources since 1961, conserving 290,000 acres of forests and files and 680 miles of river and estuary shoreline. Our preserves are open for hiking, fishing, skiing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Learn more at: www.nature.org/newhampshire.
The preserve is in the Hackett Hill section of Manchester, on the west side of the Merrimack River. From Interstate 93, take Exit 10 and head south on West River Road (aka Front Street) for about 1 mile (crossing the town line from Hooksett into Manchester). Turn right (west and north) onto Hackett Hill Road. Continue 0.7 miles, and turn left (west) onto Countryside Boulevard. The parking area is location 0.5 mile down the road on the left.
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