This 2.1 mile wooded trail system includes a .4 mile long trail with a boardwalk over a wetland, leading to two loop trails, a connecting trail, and an excursion down a historic rangeway. The white blazed "Martha's Trail" is relatively flat and loops around the lowland area near wetlands and accesses the rangeway. The blue blazed "highland loop" features scenic woodlands and historic stone walls of the former Lovejoy farm. The red blazed "Steep Trail" includes a sharp change in elevation and connects the white and blue loops. A kiosk with map is available at the trailhead parking. Motorized Vehicles Prohibited.
You can find more information about the property including a .pdf trail map here: https://www.loudonnh.org/conservation-commission/pages/lovejoy-trails
History:
In the late 1700’s, the Batchelder family established a farm that covered much of the area currently owned by the Town and built a mansion on Lovejoy Road in 1790, later known as the Lovejoy Bed & Breakfast, owned for a number of years by Arthur Monty, the former Loudon Conservation Commission Board Chairman. A few years earlier, during the 1920’s-1950’s, the Lovejoy family, for which the road is named, owned the farm and rented it out to other farmers.
In 2005, the Town of Loudon received ownership of the 135.05 acre parcel of land that included the Hunting Swamp. In 2019 the Loudon Trails Sub-Committee built trails for outdoor enjoyment of hiking and snowshoeing.
The project was a community effort with many individuals volunteering their time, companies donating supplies, and funds from the Loudon Conservation Commission.
The Lovejoy Trails can be accessed from Lovejoy Road in Loudon, NH, just north of the intersection with Memory Lane. Parking is available at the trailhead during non-snowy months. Otherwise, parking is available on the side of Lovejoy Road.
From Route 106 in Loudon head East on Route 129 to Loudon Village, then take the fork to the right to continue on South Village Rd over the bridge crossing the Soucook River. After nearly .2 miles take a fork to the left onto Lovejoy Rd. The small parking lot will be 1.2 miles on the right, immediately after passing Memory Lane.
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