Grantham's Sherwood Forest - Trail Finder

Description

The Fisher Meadow parking on the south side of Miller Pond Road provides access to Sherwood Forest. To access the trails, walk around the locked gate into Sherwood Forest and up the paved access road. Immediately, the short loop Mill Dam Trail leads to the left to the site of the abandoned Clough Mill and then either returns to the entrance road a little further north or connects with the Rock Ledge Trail. The Rock Ledge trail follows a small brook passing by a beaver dam, an impressive rock ledge, and the Miller Pond dam. Finally, it passes through an old campground before connecting to the Red Trail.

Shortly after the Mill Dam Trail leaves the access road, the Canyon Trail leaves through a meadow on the right. After passing the second culvert (about 800 feet), the trail narrows and drops to the right into the woods, after which it follows Skinner Brook with lovely views of the rocky stream.

Beyond these trails the paved access road becomes a dirt road skirting the private log cabin and passes the multi-bay garage, where Fay Road begins to the right and the Red Trail to the left. Fay Road climbs gradually over the next mile, past the Bluff Trail and a log yard, to intersect with the discontinued Leavitt Hill Road where a number of historic cellar holes and wells can be found. The Red Trail passes along the shore of Miller Pond before curving to the right, passing the intersection with the Bluff trail, and rising to join the Leavitt Hill Rd. Both the Bluff Trail and Leavitt Hill Road connect the Red Trail and Fay Road. The Red Trail - Leavitt Hill - Fay Road loop is 3.14 miles.

An alternative access to the Leavitt Hill Road begins at the parking area on the right just after Miller Pond Road passes under I-89. The discontinued road rises gradually past many abandoned cellar holes to Leavitt Pond. From the pond, the Leavitt Hill Road continues to connect with the Croydon Turnpike and trails returning to I-89 near both exits 14 and 15. A plaque commemorating the Leavitt family stands to the left of the parking area.

Snowmobiling is allowed only on Fay Road and Leavitt Hill Road. Mountain biking is allowed only on Leavitt Hill Road.

The Leavitt Hill road continues past the Sherwood Forest trails onto private land. The public is welcome to use the trail. Please respect the private landowners and act responsibly if you choose to use this trail.

Other Information

• Leave No Trace. Carry out what you carry in.
• Stay on marked trails.
• Dogs are welcome, but must be under the control of the owner. Please pick up after your pet.
• No fires or camping allowed.
• Please respect the privacy of the home and garage at the Sherwood Forest access point.
• Hunting is permitted in Sherwood Forest -- wear blaze orange during hunting season.

Trail Manager

For more information visit the Grantham Conservation Commission's website or contact:

Grantham Conservation Commission 300 Route 10 South Grantham, NH 03753 Phone: (603) 863-6021 [email protected] View website