Lipfert Forest

Over 15 miles of mixed-use trails pass through both open meadows and mature New England forests.
Trail Activity
Hiking Mountain biking Ungroomed cross-country skiing Horseback riding
Length
15.00 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate, Advanced
Towns
Claremont (NH), Cornish (NH)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

Thanks to the Lipfert family, this 15+ mile network of privately owned and managed trails allows access for public access and enjoyment on more than 1,000 acres of forest. Portions of the trail network are subject to conservation easements through support of the Upper Valley Land Trust and Cornish Conservation Commission. The trails are located on land that formerly constituted the King Elm, Balloch, Haubrich and Dahms Farms. The 1940s King Elm Farm Sugar House has been restored (though the sugaring arch was removed many years ago) and is open to visitors. Remains of the Balloch Farm Sugar House and a chimney associated with a Haubrich Farm cottage can also be seen from the trails.   

These trails link to the neighboring Cornish Town Forest Network, which is managed by the Cornish Town Forest Committee with the help of local trail enthusiasts.

Note: The property is open to hunting. Please wear blaze orange during hunting seasons. The fields along Route 12A are used for grazing. In season, be sure to leave gates as you found them with chains secured.

Other Information

Other names used to describe this property locally are Balloch Crossing and King Elm Farm.

Trail Manager

For further details, e-mail blipfert82@gmail.com, or contact:

Cornish Conservation Commission

Cornish Conservation Commission
Phone: (603) 543-0854
ConservationCommission@cornishnh.net
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know your limits – it’s okay to turn back. Your home is the ultimate destination, not the summit.
Legend
Hide All

Trailhead Information

The best access is located across from 1134 NH Route 12A, about one mile north of the Cornish railroad track crossing and about a ½ mile south of the Chase House. Look for a trail map kiosk visible from Route 12A – parking is available there. This location provides access to the Cross Country Cavort trail as well as the gravel logging road. The logging road leads to the sugar house and to several trails that eventually connect to the Cornish Town Forest.

Access is also available from the horse and hay fields located on NH Route 12A at the Cornish/Claremont Town Line (look for the granite post and green town marker signs on the east side of the road). Parking is available at the town line signs (do not block the horse field gate during spring, summer and fall). The Horse Field Trail is located straight up the hill and slightly to the left (north) -- look for the red gate. Alternately, head up the hill and more to the left (north) to access Clara's Crossing Trail. The Chimney Trail can also be accessed from this parking location by following the edge of the field south (along the railroad tracks), then following an open logging road that heads up the hill -- turn right at the top of the first rise to follow the powerline south, then turn sharply left to leave the powerline and head up a steep section of the trail.

There is also access by driving to the end of the maintained section of Paddy Hollow Road in Claremont, then continuing north (through a gate that is generally open) on the unmaintained section of Paddy Hollow Road to the Cornish Town Forest entrance (look for signs and trailhead map). Parking is available at the Cornish Town Forest trailhead.  This location can be used to access the discontinued portion of Root Hill Road and the GrownUps' Gallivant Trail of Lipfert Forest.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
willowynd
September 06, 2021
The walk is not terribly steep, but the hills are long. It's a new trail, and some of the coarser stone is difficult to walk on. Horses should definitely wear pads, or will stone bruise. Trail markers could be better. Beautiful views, will definitely do the walk again.
These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures!
Hang Tight!
Nearby services are loading
No Results
No Services Found
SHARE THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Trail Finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…