Hiking Trail Connections Completed in Concord

An inaugural hike and dedication ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, will mark the accomplishment of a long time goal of the Concord Conservation Commission and its Trails Committee.

The Commission has had the goal of creating trail connections from the very popular Marjorie Swope Park to the West End Farm trail then on to Dimond Hill Farm, and from Swope Park to Carter Hill Orchard. In addition to creating two destination hikes from Swope Park, the new trails will create a six mile hiking loop from either Swope Park or Carter Hill Orchard. They open up access to a large expanse of remote woodland and steep hillsides behind Swope Park, including several large parcels owned by the city.

Beth Fenstermacher, a senior planner with the city of Concord, said that linking Swope Park over Rossview Farm to the West End Farm Trail and to Carter Hill Orchard has long been a goal of the Conservation Commission and its Trails Committee. To make the trail connections possible, the city pursued agreements with two landowners to allow the trail to cross over private property. The trails would not have been possible without the generosity of the Hok family and Jane and Jim Raymond, according to a press release.

The two farms and Swope Park provide opportunities for people to enjoy walking, running or cross-country skiing - but all lend themselves to relatively short outings. The new trail connections provide outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity for much longer outing without the need to drive north to the mountains. Beth McGuinn, the executive director of Five Rivers Conservation Trust, which holds conservation easements on Dimond Hill, Carter Hill Orchard, Swope Park and Winant Park, said, “Walkers and hikers in the Concord area are fortunate to live in a place where a good hike in a remote area is just a few minutes’ drive away – right here in the city. Five Rivers wants people to get out and enjoy these conserved properties. That’s why we have worked with the city to help develop these local trails within and between properties we have protected.”

Rob Knight, a project manager with Five Rivers Conservation Trust, helped the city obtain trail agreements from some of the private landowners. He said that this is an example of how much can be accomplished by an active and forward looking Conservation Commission and city staff together with volunteer groups like the Trails Committee and Five Rivers Conservation Trust. The next goal is to connect the Swope and Winant Parks by trail, which will create a 14 mile loop trail on the west side of Concord.

On Nov. 1, 2015, hikers will traverse the new trail that connects Dimond Hill Farm with Marjory Swope Park passing remote streams, beaver ponds, and scenic vistas along their hike. Five Rivers’ volunteers will provide historical and natural history information at two stops on the trail. The hike will be about 3.5 miles long with some extended steep slopes and of course, roots and rocks along the way.

A shuttle to the starting point will be provided and at the end of the hike, participants can feast on apples, cider and donuts from Carter Hill Orchard. Space is limited, so please RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 28 to reserve a place on the shuttle by emailing info@5rct.org or calling 225-7225. The suggested donation for this hike is $5.