Sheldrick Forest Preserve

Visit

• What to See
  • Atlantic White Cedar Swamp: Walk the 200-foot boardwalk into one of New Hampshire’s largest and highest-quality Atlantic white cedar swamps. Look for sphagnum moss, black spruce, tamarack and rare wildflowers like rosebud azalea and bunchberry.
  • Glacial Erratics: Marvel at huge boulders left behind by retreating glaciers 15,000 years ago.
  • River Views & Wildlife: Follow the North Branch of the Contoocook River for chances to spot ebony jewelwing damselflies, mink, muskrat, river otter, beaver and a variety of birds including Louisiana waterthrush, veery and hermit thrush.
  • Historic Mill Remnants: Near the start of the trail, see the remains of the old Loverens Mill dam, foundation and sluiceway.
• Trail Descriptions

  Loverens Trail:

  • Total distance: ~3.0 miles (loop).
  • Start at the parking area on Loverens Mill Road. Walk 0.25 miles along a wooded road to the preserve trailhead.
  • The trail passes through mixed forest (balsam fir, red spruce, white pine, red oak) and boreal habitats.
  • The Cedar Swamp boardwalk is 0.1 miles from the trailhead and extends 200 feet into the swamp. Please stay on the boardwalk to protect this fragile habitat.
  • After the boardwalk, the trail continues past glacial erratics and fragrant balsam, then splits at a junction. Bear left to reach the North Branch in 0.2 miles.
  • The trail follows the river and wetland edge for about 0.6 miles to an elevated point. A short spur leads to Lookout Point on the river’s edge, with winter views of Nancy Mountain and Lightning Hill.
  • Complete the loop (0.6 miles back to the start, then 0.4 miles to the trailhead). Watch for moose sign, wild turkey, deer, coyote, fisher, bobcat and black bear.
• Know Before You Go
  • Parking: Small pull-out lot on Loveren Mill Road, just north of Route 9.
  • Trailhead: Follow the woods road 0.25 miles to the preserve entrance.
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate; mostly gentle grades, some wet or rocky sections.
  • Best Seasons: Spring for wildflowers and azalea bloom; summer for damselflies and lush greenery; winter for open views.
  • What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, insect repellent, water and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
  • Accessibility: Boardwalk is flat but may be slippery when wet; rest of trail is natural surface.
  • Dogs: Dogs are not allowed at this preserve.
• Preserve Guidelines

  To minimize disturbance of the wildlife and habitat of this nature preserve and to support the enjoyment of all visitors, please follow these guidelines:

  • Pedestrian use only—no motorized vehicles, horses, ATVs or bikes.
  • Leave No Trace—please keep the preserve clean by carrying out your trash.
  • Respect the natural world around you! Do not remove or destroy plants, wildlife, minerals, rocks or cultural items.
  • No camping or open fires allowed.
  • Pets are not permitted; help us protect wildlife on the preserve and be respectful of other hikers by leaving your pets at home.
  • Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (e.g., utility vehicles, Segways, golf carts, etc.) are prohibited at this preserve.