Friedsam Town Forest


Ancient Red Oak
(Detail)

The Conservation Commission
Chesterfield, New Hampshire
 
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    The 209 acre Friedsam Town Forest was a gift of the Friedsam family and is a precious conservation resource easily accessible in the heart of Chesterfield. The Sargent Trail is the primary foot trial through the forest and passes a number of ancient border trees and a glacial pot hole in the middle of the brook.

[Glacial Pothole]
Glacial Pot Hole		 [Great Ash]
Border Ash
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Ancient Oaks Trail

Annual Fall Hike
November 2, 2002

   This year's fall hike explored the new Ancient Oaks Trail in the Friedsam Town Forest.  More than 40 hikers joined us on a perfect fall day.  The new trail runs along the Northern border of the forest and is the result of 2 years of discussion, planning and labor. The highlight of the trail are the venerable Red Oaks discovered during our recent limited timber harvest.  The oldest of these has been judged to be 250 years old. 

 The new trail also completes the long term goal of creating a loop system throughout the forest stretching more than 3 miles.  We will also be premiering our updated trail map for the Forest.


Hikers Gather at Lower
Twin Brook Lot


250 year old Red Oak
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Detail

 Friedsam Logging Project 
May 2001

  After a number of years of study the logging project in the Friedsam Town Forest was completed this winter in an isolated section of the 209 acre forest.  (more)

 
 In October, 1999 a new trail map and trail signs were dedicated. The goal continues to be to make the Freidsam Town Forest more easily accessible and to improve local awareness of this natural gem in the heart of Chesterfield Village. Trail maps which were further updated to include new and altered trails (10/02) are available at the main trail entrance on Twin Brook Road.  The map now includes the recently completed Ancient Oaks trail which explores new areas of the forest and creates loop trails of over 3 miles.

Conservation Commission members
October, 1999

Sargent Trail
along Twin Brook

The recently constructed bridge over Twin Brook improves the ease of access and provides a spectacular view of the gorge. Our present plan is to move the bridge upstream to allow a shorter crossing of the brook. A snowmobile trail skirting the northern border of the forest is open in the winter and represents the only motorized access permitted in the forest. The forest is posted against hunting.

 

 

Friedsam Photo Album

 

Toby Henry's Article on the Ancient Red Oaks of Friedsam
Keene Sentinel, July 2001
Tom & Steve

One mile of new trails and switchbacks were added to the main trail a few years ago to make the Friedsam Town Forest more accessible to skiers of a broad range of abilities. The Ski Loop Trials, which are of moderate difficulty, still provide a challenge in some areas and should be traveled cautiously.  

 

Friedsam Sign

The Friedsam Town Forest is located South of Route 9 between Route 63 and Twin Brook Road. Small parking areas are located at each end of the foot trail on Twin Brook Road. Map

 
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Website by 
Jeffrey P. Newcomer 
jeffn@coos.dartmouth.edu