Public trails are maintained on two properties owned by GMCG. These trails have been named one of Mount Washington Valley’s Age Friendly initiative “Walkable Trails”. Explore more Age Friendly Walkable Trails in the Mount Washington Valley.
The Blue Heron Trail and Artemis Trail
The Patricia and Charles H. Watts II Conservation Center features two easy walking trails great for people of all ages. The Blue Heron Trail begins at a welcome kiosk located at 236 Huntress Bridge Rd. in Effingham. The Artemis Trail begins at an intersection branching off the Blue Heron Trail on the south side of the vernal pool (see map below). The Blue Heron Trail is 0.25 miles and the Artemis Trail is 0.4 miles to Bob’s Brook, and 0.8 miles there and back.
Both trails feature interpretive guide books that are available at a welcome kiosk located at the parking lot.
Pollinator Garden: In 2021 GMCG worked with volunteers, businesses, residents and AmeriCorps members to install a pollinator garden at Blue Heron House to demonstrate how we can all help create habitat for pollinators like birds, bees, butterflies, moths, flies and beetles. GMCG’s pollinator garden features over forty native flowering plants with labels that share plant names (common and scientific) and which pollinators they benefit. All of the plants were donated by Susan Copen of NH Native Perennials in Silver Lake (www.nhnativeperennials.com), Karen Payne, and members of the Mt. Washington Valley Plant Exchange group. Volunteers Kristy Foster-Carbone and Mark Carbone of Eaton helped to design and install the garden with GMCG staff and AmeriCorps members.
The Huntress Sawmill: An archaeological assessment of this site in 2015 revealed the remains of the 19th century Huntress Sawmill (1836-c.1890). Remnants of the mill and a midden of artifacts were found, including dairy pails, machinery parts, a ceramic teapot, wooden cribwork and stone wedge pieces. Though the site has been eroded by the river over time, the stone walls of the mill and cribwork can still be seen.
GMCG Natural Area Trail
The GMCG Natural Area entrance is located on Green Mountain Road just 0.1 miles South of the Route 25 intersection. Look for the wooden steps directly off the East side road shoulder.
The GMCG Natural Trail is 0.8 miles in total including a small loop at the far end and two out and back off-shoots to views of the Hodgeden Brook wetland area. The trail is well marked in red blazes. Parking is on the road shoulder. Please be careful exiting and entering your vehicle.
