Musquash Conservation Area - Londonderry, NH
Musquash Conservation Area Dog Park in Londonderry, NH
The Musquash Conservation Area is a scenic gem for dog owners looking for pet-friendly trails and outdoor adventures in Londonderry, New Hampshire. This expansive conservation area features a large network of well-marked trails, offering a peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for dog walking, trail running, and mountain biking. With a variety of loop options, locals and visitors can enjoy hiking different routes every day, surrounded by New Hampshire’s native wildlife and wetland beauty.
Dog owners love Musquash for its generally quiet paths, the presence of benches along scenic spots, and its popularity among other pet-lovers. The main Hickory Hill Trailhead provides limited but convenient parking, and although there is no water source for pets, the park’s natural setting, tree-cover, and occasional benches make it a favorite for longer dog-friendly hikes. Please note: The area may get muddy after rain and is not stroller friendly. Enjoy the tranquility, but keep an eye out for bikers on narrow trails!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Musquash Conservation Area features an extensive network of trails ideal for dog walking and hiking.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, the trails and open areas are not fenced; it is a conservation area rather than a traditional enclosed dog park.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, several benches are placed throughout the trail network for resting.
- Is there water available for dogs? No, there are no water fountains or bowls available, so bring your own water for your pets.
- Is parking available? Yes, limited parking is available at the main Hickory Hill trailhead.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, some trails can become muddy, especially in early spring or after heavy rain.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, ticks and bugs can be common, especially near wetland areas in warmer months.
Reviews
A large and generally quiet network of trails, clearly marked and mapped. I trail run here regularly with my dog, and there’s enough variety of routes that I can do a different 5 mile loop every day. The Musquash has several trail-heads, the most popular of which is the Hickory Hill trailhead, which recently got a proper parking lot. My other favorite trailheads are the ones on Preserve Drive, and on Tanager Way, the latter being closer to the Litchfield Town Forest and a bit more rough ‘n rocky.
The whole conservation area is popular with mountain bikers, and you’ll see many improvised tree bridges, in addition to regularly maintained wooden foot bridges. If you’re like me and run or hike with earbuds in, keep your head on a swivel; many of the deeper trails are narrow, and bikers can sneak up on you out of nowhere.
In general, the Musquash is very clean and brimming with local wildlife, from turtles, to herons and their nests, to deer, turkey, and everything else in-between. Given that there is a prominent marshland/swamp within the conservation zone, expect lots of bugs in the summer months and muddy pathways during the early spring.
A large and generally quiet network of trails, clearly marked and mapped. I trail run here regularly with my dog, and there’s enough variety of routes that I can do a different 5 mile loop every day. The Musquash has several trail-heads, the most popular of which is the Hickory Hill trailhead, which recently got a proper parking lot. My other favorite trailheads are the ones on Preserve Drive, and on Tanager Way, the latter being closer to the Litchfield Town Forest and a bit more rough ‘n rocky.
The whole conservation area is popular with mountain bikers, and you’ll see many improvised tree bridges, in addition to regularly maintained wooden foot bridges. If you’re like me and run or hike with earbuds in, keep your head on a swivel; many of the deeper trails are narrow, and bikers can sneak up on you out of nowhere.
In general, the Musquash is very clean and brimming with local wildlife, from turtles, to herons and their nests, to deer, turkey, and everything else in-between. Given that there is a prominent marshland/swamp within the conservation zone, expect lots of bugs in the summer months and muddy pathways during the early spring.
Really nice area with a lot of different trails. You can do loops of all kinds of distances. The trails are marked, but there are a lot of turns and side paths, so it’s easy to end up going a different way if you’re not paying attention. Still, I loved it here. Super quiet and peaceful, not many people. I’ll definitely be coming back for more walks.
Really nice area with a lot of different trails. You can do loops of all kinds of distances. The trails are marked, but there are a lot of turns and side paths, so it’s easy to end up going a different way if you’re not paying attention. Still, I loved it here. Super quiet and peaceful, not many people. I’ll definitely be coming back for more walks.
I did 4.44 miles in just under 2 hours. A moderate trail, well marked covered with roots, rocks and pine needles. A mostly peaceful area minus the sounds of a nearby shooting range. I ran into one other hiker and several bikers. The bugs were out but no need for spray. There are several boardwalks and small bridges, some in need of repair. I saw several frogs and ducks in a pond, squirrels and a chipmunk. Tons of mushrooms around. There are a few benches around to rest. Parking for about 8 cars. This trail connects to other trails that could extend your hike.
I did 4.44 miles in just under 2 hours. A moderate trail, well marked covered with roots, rocks and pine needles. A mostly peaceful area minus the sounds of a nearby shooting range. I ran into one other hiker and several bikers. The bugs were out but no need for spray. There are several boardwalks and small bridges, some in need of repair. I saw several frogs and ducks in a pond, squirrels and a chipmunk. Tons of mushrooms around. There are a few benches around to rest. Parking for about 8 cars. This trail connects to other trails that could extend your hike.
If you want to take a hike in the NH woods then this place is for you. Located minutes from Macs apples, near the center of Londonderry the Musquash conservation area offers plenty of trails to explore the NH outdoors. I found the trails to be rough and muddy in some places. The conservation area is definitely not stroller friendly and the nearest bathroom are the porta potties 2 miles away on the town common. The place is popular with mountain bikers, dog walkers, as well as anyone else looking to get out. We parked at the hickory hill trail head and found the parking to be limited on Saturday morning, won’t be going back on a Saturday. But overall the place offers countless hours of hiking.
If you want to take a hike in the NH woods then this place is for you. Located minutes from Macs apples, near the center of Londonderry the Musquash conservation area offers plenty of trails to explore the NH outdoors. I found the trails to be rough and muddy in some places. The conservation area is definitely not stroller friendly and the nearest bathroom are the porta potties 2 miles away on the town common. The place is popular with mountain bikers, dog walkers, as well as anyone else looking to get out. We parked at the hickory hill trail head and found the parking to be limited on Saturday morning, won’t be going back on a Saturday. But overall the place offers countless hours of hiking.
Some of the best trails in the area. Not a huge elevation change but there’s a few technical section’s that are fun . The trails are very well maintained and marked. One of my new favorite places to ride!
Some of the best trails in the area. Not a huge elevation change but there’s a few technical section’s that are fun . The trails are very well maintained and marked. One of my new favorite places to ride!