Pequawket Pond Preserve

Preserve

Public Access
Trails

September 30, 2021

The 24 acre Pequawket Pond Preserve is a quiet oasis amongst densely developed areas of Albany and Conway. The property features a 1.2 mile out-and-back trail system along the Pequawket Pond shoreline. Visitors here can expect quiet reflection, spring wildflowers, excellent birdwatching, and evidence of beaver activity.  The preserve provides essential wetland, shrub, and upland habitat for a diversity of species including songbirds, raptors, waterfowls, beavers, deers, foxes and bears. Milkweeds, viburnums, serviceberries, bayberry, and willow contribute to the pollinator paradise on display throughout the growing season. 

In September of 2021, USVLT took ownership of the property, which straddles the town line between Conway and Albany along the western shore of Pequawket Pond. The "Pequawket Pond Preserve" will be managed to improve wetland habitat and to provide public access. Prior to USVLT’s ownership, the parcel had been owned by the State of New Hampshire as mitigation land for the never-built Conway Bypass. Sixteen years ago, the state had created several wetland areas onsite, which will now be stewarded and maintained by USVLT. Several walking trails were also installed in 2006 by the State, and these will also be maintained into the future. The property is accessible via Bridge Street in Albany.

History

In its current form, the Pequawket Pond Peninsula is a “manufactured” wetland.  Before humans got involved, this land was an esker known as ‘the Whale’s Back,’ sticking out prominently above the pond below. It then was heavily mined for the significant gravel deposits that were here.  Once mining operations ceased, the State of New Hampshire chose this site for a wetland mitigation project. The state reshaped the land area of the peninsula, creating depressions to establish artificial wetlands.  Nature continues to expand on these efforts. The Whale’s Back may have been bent, but it’s not broken!

 

Trails & Directions

  • A downloadable trail map is available HERE.
  • From downtown Conway, head west on NH-113 W/Main Street. After 1.8 miles, turn left to continue on NH-113 W. In .2 miles, turn left onto Cranmore Shores Road. Continue for .1 miles, then turn left to stay on Cranmore Shores Road. After .2 miles, turn left onto Bridge Street. Continue .3 miles on Bridge Street and the dirt parking lot will be straight ahead.

PequawketPondPreserve_web


State(s): NH
Town(s): albany, conway
Acres: 24
Town Tax Map: 8 (Albany), 277 (Conway), Lot: 44 (Albany), 218 (Conway)
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