Between South Cove and West Cove #6 is popular with joggers. Ferns border the trail and trillium blossoms announce the arrival of spring. In the winter, this section is groomed for skiing. Eastman’s flattest, easy-walking paths form a circuit around the West Cove Inlet. On the west side of Cove Drive, one can continue on to visit the dam at Mill Pond.
Between West Cove and North Cove offers scenic views of the lake and its three islands. Several bridges on this section provide crossings over small streams and wet spots. Midway along the west side of this section, the trail passes a pretty waterfall.
Between North Cove and East Cove is famous for the Pink lady’s-slipper blossoms that line portions of the trail in the spring. Just north of East Cove, a trail spur leads to “The Rock,” a favorite swimming spot with a beautiful view up and down the entire lake.
Between East Cove and South Cove the trail passes under stands of eastern hemlock that provide sheltered habitat for a variety of small wildlife. At South Cove, the Activities Center offers extensive facilities, including refreshments at Peppermint Patty’s in the summertime, Memorial Day thru Labor Day.
The Heron Island Trail begins at a kiosk near the landing on the east side of the island. It circles the island, swinging back and forth from the shoreline to the interior. A campsite offers picnicking, and overnight camping can be reserved with Recreation.
The West Cove Hillside Trail begins above the parking area on Cove Drive. A short loop circles the base of the hill. A longer loop splits off and climbs the hill to arc around a stone wall. Three benches offer an opportunity to rest before rejoining the short loop.
The Bright Slope Trail (trail #7) serves as a loop connecting the Lake Trail and Deer Path Trail (Trail #8). From its junction with the Deer Path trail, the Bright Slope trail rises to cross a rocky outcrop that requires care if icy. It then descends again past a lovely rock ledge and along a stream that parallels the Logging Trail road. After crossing Bright Slope Way at the intersection with Logging Trail, the trail again enters a wetland before crossing Road Round the Lake and arriving at the Lake Trail on the shore of Eastman Lake. In winter, the trail is ungroomed and available for snowshoeing without a pass.
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
For more information visit the Eastman website or contact:
Parking Pass – From I-89 Exit 13 head north on Rt. 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.
Trailheads: 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... You can go right or left at the Y and park at any of the four cove beaches around the lake. Parking and toilet facilities are available at these locations. While many choose to hike the entire loop, which can take two to three hours, the access points make it convenient to hike separate sections of the trail. Parking at the South Cove Activity Center is the most ample.
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