The Northern Trails can be explored year round. Snowshoes are advisable in the winter.
Butternut Trail (1.25 miles - Easy): The trail begins at a kiosk located at the Anderson Pond cul-de-sac, The start of the trail is bordered by stone walls, a reminder that long ago this route was once the North Grantham-Enfield Center HIghway. The wide path soon passes a turn-off to Anderson Pond on the left, and eventually reaches a junction with the Stroing Brook Trail on the right. Continuing to the left, the wide path becomes eroded in places as it stretches uphill before reaching a trail leading off to the left. This trail drops down a short distance to a site overlooking Butternut Pond. This is a favorite spot for a picnic with a view. Other trails to the north can be reached by continuing on the wide path past the turn-off.
Anderson Pond Trail (1.3 miles - Easy) The trail is often wet in the spring, but several bridges and boardwalks avoid the worst portions. In the spring and early summer, look for sundew, venus fly trap, pitcher plants and rose pogonia along the trail. In the fall the red winterberry line the shoreline. In the winter, the trail is ungroomed and available for snowshoeing without a trail pass; however, a free parking pass is still required.
Cole Pond Trail (1.7 miles - Strenuous): Parking for the Cole Pond Trail is at the end of Hilltop Place. From here, a service road for a water storage facility leads up to the trailhead. Climbing from here leads to a rock ledge high above Eastman Lake. The trail drops down and follows a stone wall that defines the boundary between Grantham and Enfield. Shortly, the Stroing Brook Trail , connecting to the Butternut Trail, cuts off to the left. The trail to Cole Pond Continues on until it intersects a trail coming up from Bog Road. Following this trail to the left under a power line leads to Cole Pond that is stocked with trout. Arriving at the pond, a 0.15 mile path to the left leads past caves to a chimney site that is a favorite spot for swimming and picnics.
Stroing Brook Trail (0.8 miles - Moderate): The Stroing Brook Trail connects the Butternut and Cole Pond trails. Midway between, it crosses Stroing Brook. Beavers have periodically constructed dams above the crossing. East of the brook, the trail circles a large area of sphagnum moss. A short distance west of the brook, the Wetlands Spur leads to an area that may be a marsh or a pond. This wooded area through which the trail meanders was once a 200-acre farm established by Robert Emerson in 1830. In the spring, blue flag iris and other wildflowers are in abundance.
Beaver Fells Trail (0.5 miles - Moderate): Pleasant hike between Butternut Trail and Road Round The Lake. It is moderately difficult because it may be moist in spots and many moss-covered rocks may be slippery. The trail passes by the Beaver Fells and many beautiful moss-covered rock formations. The Beaver Fells trail is a link between the Butternut Trail and the Giant Rhododendron Park.
Giant Rhododendron Park (0.3 miles - Easy): The park can be accessed off Road Round the Lake by turning onto Shore Road and following the signs for Rhodo Park. The Rhododendron loop provides a connection to Beaver Fells Trail. The Park was created to protect a colony of wild Giant Rhododendron listed as "threatened" in New Hampshire. The trail consists of two loops: one circling the Rhododendrons and the other extending through the woods. The Rhododendron usually bloom around mid-July.
• The trails are owned by the Eastman Community Association and maintained by the association and dedicated community volunteers.
• Leave no Trace. Carry out what you carry in.
• Trails are open dawn to dusk.
• Dogs are welcome in the spring, summer and fall, but must be under the control of the owner. Please pick up after your pet. In the winter dogs are not allowed on the groomed trails.
• No motorized recreation vehicles, horseback riding, hunting, fires or camping is allowed.
• Parking permits are required to park at trail heads within the community. Free parking permits and restrooms are available at The Center on Club House Lane off Greensward Drive.
Eastman is a four-season recreational and residential community in Grantham, NH. Eastman’s 3,700 environmentally protected acres of woodlands offer families, second-home owners and retirees hideaways for homes, condominiums and several yet-to-be developed sites. Eastman’s amenities include a two-mile lake, six beaches, an 18-hole, championship golf course, tennis courts, and miles of cross country ski, snowshoe and hiking trails.
Visit www.eastmannh.org for more information or contact:
To get Parking Pass: From I-89 Exit 13 head north on NH-10. Turn right at Eastman main entrance, drive 0.2 miles to circle. Bear right on Greensward Drive continue 0.4 miles to Clubhouse Lane on the left and arrive at The Center to get your free parking pass.
Butternut Trailhead parking area: From the Center, return to Greensward Drive and turn right. At the bottom of the hill, turn right and continue 0.8 miles to a Y with an island. Bear left onto Road Round the Lake. In 2.2 mi, turn left onto Link Lane, then right onto Anderson Pond Rd. Park in the cul-de-sac at the end of the road. This parking area serves the Northern Trails; Butternut, Anderson Pond, Stroing Brook, Cole Pond and Beaver Fells.
Alternate parking for Cole Pond Trailhead: From the Center, return to Greensward Drive and turn right. At the bottom of the hill, turn right and continue 0.8 miles to a Y with an island. Bear left onto Rd Round the Lake. Continue to the Northern tip of Eastman and turn left onto Hilltop Place. Parking is at the end of Hilltop Place. This parking area also serves Butternut, Stroing Brook and Cole Pond Trails.
Giant Rhododendron Park: Return to the circle then turn right onto Eastman Road. Continue for 1 mile and turn left onto Road Round the Lake. Continue 3 mile and turn right onto Shore Road. Follow the Rhodo Park sign pointing up the hill to the Park’s kiosk.
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