The best walks and hikes in Barrington Watershed Area

Yes, the area is great for families. The Goodwill Conservation Area features the whimsical Winnie-the-Pooh Trail, a very popular and easy walk under a mile long, designed to delight young children with stops at characters' 'homes'. Another excellent choice is the trail around Stonehouse Pond, which is a well-regarded and beautiful hike that takes about an hour to complete with kids.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails in Barrington's conserved lands, but they should be kept under control. The extensive network at Stonehouse Forest is a great option for longer walks with your canine companion. Always be sure to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

The Barrington Trail and Loop is a great choice for seeing a waterfall. This trail meanders alongside the Isinglass River and offers picturesque views of Winkley Falls, the historical site of two colonial mills. It provides a quintessential New England hiking experience through peaceful woods and old farmland.

There are several designated parking areas for the main trail systems. For Stonehouse Forest, the Marison Trailhead on US-202 is a popular and well-maintained starting point. Other areas like the Goodwill Conservation Area and A. Harlan Calef Isinglass Preserve have their own parking lots. It's always a good idea to arrive early on weekends as spots can fill up.

The Barrington Watershed Area has several excellent loop trails. For a moderate walk with varied scenery, the Ledges Loop loop from Newhall Conservation Land is a 6.3-mile route that takes you through forests and over granite ledges. It's a great way to experience the region's characteristic terrain without backtracking.

The terrain is varied, featuring a mix of gentle, rolling hills, flat riverine paths, and sections with exposed granite ledges. Most trails are well-trodden dirt paths through woodlands. Elevation gains are generally modest, with routes like the Bumfagging Hill – Ledges Loop loop from Northwood offering a moderate climb to low hills with rewarding views.

Yes, mountain biking is permitted in designated areas. Stonehouse Forest is a prime destination for mountain bikers, offering 11.3 miles of multi-use trails that accommodate hikers, bikers, and equestrians. Always check local signage to ensure you are on a permitted trail.

Many trails pass by remnants of the area's past. On trails within the A. Harlan Calef Isinglass Preserve, you can find old cellar holes, historic stone walls, and even a cemetery from the former Town Farm. Stonehouse Forest also contains the peculiar 'staircase to nowhere,' part of a planned but never completed hunting lodge.

Yes, the trails are accessible and beautiful in the winter for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The flatter, wider trails are particularly good for snowshoeing. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear with good traction, such as microspikes, as trails can become icy, especially on inclines and ledges.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained trails, the peaceful woodland scenery, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels. The mix of natural beauty and local history is a frequently mentioned highlight.

For a short and scenic walk, consider the Spruce Hole Bog loop from Durham. This 3.1-mile trail is mostly flat and takes you through a unique wetland environment, making it an excellent choice for an easy nature walk that can be completed in about an hour and a half.