Hurlbert Swamp
About This Trail
Far from most people’s definition of a swamp, Hurlbert Swamp is both a habitat for rare plant life and a quiet, peaceful, and very beautiful place. Far away from any major towns, it is easy to spend hours enjoying the solitude and isolation of this scenic place. The trail starts on a long, grassy road lined with beautiful fir trees. After 1/4 mile, you will reach a clearing with a Nature Conservancy trail register. Continue on the road for another 1/4 mile, then turn left and follow the path down to the boardwalk. The forest changes immediately when you step out onto the boardwalk. The ground is soft and many small shrubs and plants grow from the moss. Tall fir trees surround the boardwalk, with berries and colorful flowers at their base. Here, you enter the first type of swamp, called a Black Spruce Swamp. Green moss completely covers the ground. It is important to stay on the boardwalks! Do not put any weight on the soft green carpet – you would sink into the water below. Further up, the boardwalk crosses a stream and enters the second swamp, the Northern White Cedar-Balsam Fir Swamp. The main feature of this part of the swamp is the Northern White Cedar tree. This type of tree grows almost exclusively above the 45th parallel. Many of them can be seen growing in stands in Hurlbert Swamp. The boardwalk finally reaches a small clearing with a stand of the cedar trees and turns around.
Trail Information and Pictures provided by NH Family Hikes
http://www.nhfamilyhikes.com/hikes.php?hike=Hurlbert%20Swamp
Trail Features
| Seasons | Fall, Spring, Summer, and Winter |
|---|---|
| Surface type | Dirt |
| Elevation gain | 59 ft. |
| Stroller friendly | No |
| ADA accessible | No |
| Water fountains | No |
| Bathrooms | No |
| Cell reception | Spotty |
| Pet friendly | No |
| Nearby convenience store | Yes |
| Camping Nearby | No |
| Emergency support within 5 miles |
Yes |
Trail highlights
The trail is a flat out-and-back trail winding through a cold seepage swamp filled with northern white cedar, tamarack, and several spruces. One can also see a variety of orchids. A boardwalk will take you through shallow peat bogs on the preserve.
Fee & Parking Details
Trailhead and parking area are on Hill Top Drive, in Stewartstown, NH. The route is marked with Nature Conservancy signs for Hurlbert Swamp.
Trail Contributor
Hike it Baby Trail Guide is managed by the Family Trail Guide team. If a trail has been “abandoned” by the initial owner, it gets adopted by the team. Also, if there are no trails in the area, the Family Trail Guide team researches trails that are family friendly in the area to insure that hikes cover all areas where Hike it Baby hikes.
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Weather
Trail Map
Getting There
Trailhead and parking area are on Hill Top Drive, in Stewartstown, NH. Take West Road off Rt. 145, 8.7 miles north of its southern junction with Rt. 3 and 3.4 miles south of its northern junction with Rt. 3. After 1.7 miles, turn left onto Moose Mountain Road. Continue 0.9 miles, turn left, and drive 0.1 miles to the parking area. After 1 mile, bear left onto Hill Top Drive. The route is marked with Nature Conservancy signs for Hurlbert Swamp.
About The Guide