The Orford Heritage Trail follows a path that was traveled by early settlers as well as Native Americans. It is believed that this path was a main travel route and portage path from the lakes region of New Hampshire to the shores of the Connecticut River. A number of cellar holes and a schoolhouse indicate substantial habitation in the past.
Western Section
The western section of the Heritage Trail from Indian Pond Road passes diverse natural areas with several nice views. The first portion of the trail, grassy and moist, is on the Old Grimes Hill Rd. At a clearing /log landing there is a nice view to the northwest and a very wet section before it enters the woods. Through this wooded section it passes over old stone culverts and just north of homesteads abandoned in the early 20th century. The road was relocated at times and these sections of Old Grimes Hill Rd can be seen to the north and south. The abandoned sections are between stonewalls and have become steep and a brook bed in places.
The trail emerges into a previously clear-cut area. In the summer of 2010, shortly after the creation of the trail, a severe storm passed through the Upper Valley. This clear-cut is the result of this storm, possibly a wind shear at this location. Prior to this storm the trail was wooded much like the rest of the trail.
The trail levels and re-enters woods with dense sapling growth, the result of the wind storm damage. The trail descends to a wash out of a seasonal brook finally passing through hemlocks over a newly construction section of trail to the west end trail kiosk and the current Grimes Hill Road.
Eastern Section
The eastern section of the Heritage Trail from Indian Pond Road follows the original Old Grimes Hill Road. It is a very nice undulating woods road and passes next to vernal pools and other wet areas. Just before the trail enters the woods, there is a clearing that has been used as a log landing (last activity in 2019). Uphill and to the south through this clearing, there is another clearing with an excellent view to the south-southeast of Mt. Cube and Smarts Mountain.
After entering the woods the trail is mostly level to its end. The Old Grimes Hill Rd. (a Class VI road) continues to Rt.25A at Mt. Cube Farm.
Please note that the Orford Heritage Trail goes through actively managed forests. Please be aware and respectful of timber operations.
The landowners allow foot access, snowshoeing and skiing on logging roads on their property.
For more information, contact:
Orford Conservation CommissionGrimes Hill Road Trailhead - From Orford, head north on NH-10. Turn right on Grimes Hill Road. There is a parking area and kiosk on the right after 1 mile.
Indian Pond Road Trailhead - From the center of Orford, head east on NH-25A. Turn north on Dame Hill Road. After 1.0 miles, turn left onto Indian Pond Road. After 2.2. miles, there will be a small parking area on the right.
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