You may have heard of College Woods, maybe even wandered back there a couple times, but you probably haven't explored it to the fullest. And there's more than a small chance that you don't even know about East and West Foss Farm.
You may think you've trekked all over UNH, but the "core campus" of academic and residential buildings makes up only 300 of the 2,450 acres that the university owns, so there's a whole side of campus that you don't know.
Enter TNH's summer issue, determined to get you outdoors and on the trails. College Woods, West Foss Farm and East Foss Farm are just three of the many (read: 24) properties operated by UNH's Office of Woodlands and Natural Areas.
They're also literally minutes from where you study, eat and sleep. Taken together, they are the holy trinity of recreation and the top ways to get outdoors in Durham.
Whether you're in town for a brief visit or the entire semester, make sure to explore these top-notch sites during your stay. Read on to get the facts, and then head out for the adventure suggested or make your own.
College Woods
College Woods is undeniably the flagship property of the Office of Woodlands and Natural Areas; therefore, it is the place to begin your outdoor adventures. It comprises approximately 250 acres and is the most intensively used of the woodland properties.
It includes the Oyster River Reservoir, which supplies drinking water to the town and university and plays an important role in watershed protection.
North of the Oyster River, trails are generally very smooth, with some exposed roots and rocks. Much of this area comprises the College Woods Natural Area, a 60-acre tract that the university has committed to preserving as green space. Bikes are not permitted in this area.
South of the river, trails are slightly more rugged and less maintained, though still very much passable.
College Woods sees a great deal of activity during the academic year. It is used for recreation, instruction and research, as well as athletic competitions. Runners and hikers take to the trails in the spring and fall, and yield to cross country skiers and snowshoers in the winter months.
There are three main entrances to College Woods: one along Mill Road just over the railroad tracks, one on Main Street just past the athletic fields, and one off Colovos Road, which runs behind the Field House. Each of these entrances has a recreation kiosk, which includes a trail map along with other trail-related information.
The Adventure: Hike from the entrance off Colovos Road (behind the Field House and next to the railroad tracks) to Mill Road and back (approximately 1.5 miles each way, depending on route).
Once you get this main route down pat, you'll be all set to explore the side trails. Take a look at the trail map at the entrance and plan your route.
There is one main bridge over the river. As you hike, look for stone walls (visible in all three of these properties), remnants of the time when the area was used for agricultural purposes. There are several benches along the way, so take your time, enjoy the surroundings, and plan your future visits.
West Foss Farm
The farm has one main entrance on Mill Road just past the railroad tracks, opposite one of the entrances to College Woods. Look for it on your left as you're leaving campus.
The 91.8-acre tract is more linear in nature than the other two properties. The property was acquired from the Boston and Maine Railroad Company in 1923 and, together with East Foss Farm, straddles both sides of the tracks.
The main trail runs parallel to the tracks for a short while before coming to a couple of fields. Once again, a trail map is posted at the start of the trail. There are several loops off the main trail, which eventually leads to Thompson Farm, another property operated by the office.
The Adventure: Run to Thompson Farm and back (approximately 1.75 miles each way).
Head straight on the main path past the fields. Veer left at the three sided shelter (although shelters can be found in both West and East Foss Farms, no camping or fires are allowed) and continue straight until you come across Thompson Farm's wide-open grasslands.
Check out the weather monitoring station at the top of the hill, then retrace your route, or wander off to make some new discoveries.
East Foss Farm
East Foss Farm is the least used of the three properties, likely due to its location. It has one main entrance off Foss Farm Road, a section of Faculty Neighborhood located off Mill Road just before the railroad tracks.
Look for it on your right, about a tenth of a mile past the water tower. Follow the dirt road until you come to the gate, the start of the property. A trail map is posted at the recreation kiosk.
East Foss Farm is a 164-acre tract. It was acquired by the university in 1923 and was returned to a forested state after having been farmland since the 1800s. The terrain is somewhat rockier and contains more roots, but what makes up for it is the fact that you often have the place to yourself.
The Adventure: Master the one-mile loop on your mountain bike.
Take a left at the recreation kiosk, head straight and enjoy the loop. The gnarly, yet moderate, terrain keeps you on your toes and offers the best mountain biking that these three properties offer.
Repeat the loops as many times as needed to get your adrenaline fix. Whether you have 25 minutes or an hour, just adjust the number of loops that you do. Once you know the rocks and roots like the back of your hand, explore the other trails the property offers.
Head back to the kiosk, make a left, and head up to some more advanced terrain with narrower trails.
In the mood to explore? Find the small cemetery on the property.
There you have it - your incomplete, unofficial guide to the trails closest to UNH. So lace up those shoes, pump up those tires - you've got some trails to explore, and a whole summer to do so. Enjoy.
I know I have.
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