Musquash Conservation Area

Property Summary and Guide
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LocationTrail access with parking at any of four locations – Hickory Hill Road, Sara Beth Lane, Tanager Way and Faucher Road
OverviewMusquash Conservation Area is Londonderry's largest conservation holding. The area includes over 1,500 acres of land with an extensive marked trail system, including 20+ miles of managed trails. Musquash trails are supervised by the Londonderry Conservation Commission and maintained by Londonderry Trailways and Commission volunteers during seasonal work days.
Permitted UsesHiking, trail biking, snowmobiling,wildlfe observation, hunting, horseback riding, x-c skiing
Prohibited UsesCamping (except by permit), motorized vehicles (permitted by permit only). Click to view Camping policy
DirectionsDownload a map with directions from the Town Center here.
Maps

Download a printable Musquash Trail map here.  Copies are also available at Town Hall or the Library.  

Smartphone user?  Search for "Musquash Map" in the PDFMaps Mobile App for Iphone and Android. 

WayfindingThere are 20+ miles of trails throughout the musquash. Main trails are well marked by a color coded blazing system. See map for details.  Trails are identified with wayfinding markers at each trailhead and intersection that identify the trail name, location, closest access points and area specific trail maps.  Londonderry Trailways is very active in upgrading hiking and biking opportunities throughout the Musquash and has worked with local Scouting groups and others to place these high value identification signs throughout the forest.  

Points of Interest

Historical Facts

The Musquash Conservation Area was established in 1979 by the Londonderry Conservation Commission to meet the goals of preserving wildlife habitat, developing recreational opportunities, and establishing an active forest management program.  The conserved area has grown substantially over the years to more than 1,000 acres.  Protection has been afforded by numerous strategies, including fee ownership or easement purchases by either the Town of Londonderry or the State of NH (as mitigation for Airport Access Road impacts).

New England Cottontail Restoration AreaRoughly 60 acres of the Musquash Conservation Area, in vicinity of the Faucher Road trailhead is being actively managed by NH Fish and Game as habitat for the endangered New England Cottontail Rabbit.  This involves converting the area to a scrubland habitat.  This is part of  a statewide goal to establish habitat for 1,000 rabbits and help preserve the species.  Find out more about the species here.
Cellar Hole sites - (The Heron Trail)The Heron Trail provides access to the western extent of the Musquash, leading ultimately to the Litchfield State Forest.  Along the way, two cellar holes have been documented by Eagle Scout AJ Herrmann.  Look for the interpretive marker and old homestead sites just westerly of junction 50.  Read more about the sites and the homesteaders here.

Scenic Overlook

(The Overlook Trail)

Coming soon

Porcupine Rock

(The Betty Mack Loop)

Coming Soon
The White TrailThe White Trail is a favorite among regulars.  Re-routed in 2013, the trail now follows a diverse but mostly dry topography, climbing small hills, edging along a ravine and crossing a small stream.  Total trail length is 1.6 miles.  Starting from the Faucher Road trailhead, the section of Blue Trail from junctions 23 to 26 connects back to the White Trail and forms a nice 2 mile loop.

The Musquash Swamp

(The Blue Trail)

Coming Soon
Musquash Field DaysThe Londonderry Conservation Commission and UNH Co-operative Extension sponsor an annual Musquash Field Day, usually in February.  The field days offer guided hikes, opportunities to try out snowshoes (weather permitting), forestry/wildlife tours and refreshments around a bonfire at the Landing.  Check back for info on the 2015 schedule.

Dunstable Rock

(The Blue Trail)

A large rock outcrop maked by a sign along the blue trail, marks the northeast corner of Old Dunstable, granted in 1673 by the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  Dunstable, now Nashua, stretched from Hollis to Londonderry, including parts of six modern southern NH towns.