Cooper Cedar Woods

Length: 0.7 mile loop

Difficulty (click for info): Beginner

Elevation Gain: 30 feet (loop total)

Rating (click for info): 5/10

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are on the southwest side of Rt. 11, 3.5 miles southeast of Rt. 28 and 6.6 miles northwest of Rt. 153, in New Durham, NH. Look for the large clearing on the roadside and the Forest Society sign at the north end. Click here for a Google map.

About the Hike:
The Forest Society's Cooper Cedar Woods features a short nature trail that explores the forest nearby an Atlantic White Cedar Swamp. The short walk takes off from the gate at the trailhead and quickly splits into a loop. The right fork heads through the forest parallel to the road and soon skirts the outer edge of the swamp on boardwalks, although the ground is usually not too wet. The path passes by a few of the property's namesake trees, easily identified by their shaggy bark. At the far end of the loop, a short extension, "Esker Loop" continues ahead and climbs a small knoll from which you can look down into the swamp. You can return by continuing along the loop, which runs fairly close to the other side. This side passes slightly deeper into the swamp; the center is to the right.

Printable directions page