Have you ever walked among trees that once sailed the seven seas? In Concord, New Hampshire, the Jim Hill River Walk offers just that experience, along with a journey through time and nature.
Hidden along the Contoocook River, this gem awaits nature lovers and history fans. It’s a place where old trees tell stories of ships and beautiful views catch your eye. As you walk, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to when tall trees helped build a nation.
Key Takeaways
– The Jim Hill River Walk in Concord, New Hampshire, is a scenic trail along the Contoocook River with historical significance.
– The area was once important for shipbuilding in early America due to its tall mast trees.
– The trail offers about three miles of paths for hiking, biking, and skiing, with beautiful views and changing scenery through the seasons.
– It’s a habitat for over 100 bird species and various animals like deer, foxes, otters, and beavers.
– Named after James Clark Hill, the trail honors his efforts to preserve nature, and also recognizes Gustaf Lehtinen, Concord’s first Planning Director.
– The River Walk connects to other trails, including the Mast Yard State Forest, via the NH Heroes Recreational Crossing.
– Accessible through Penacook Village and Horse Hill Road, the trail offers activities for every season, such as picnics in summer and snowshoeing in winter.
– Visitors are encouraged to respect nature by staying on trails and keeping the area clean.
The Story of Mast Trees
The Jim Hill River Walk is more than just a pretty path. It shows us how important this area was for building ships in early America. In the 1800s, people came here for the big mast trees. Shipbuilders prized these towering pines for making boats that could sail across oceans.
Getting these trees to the sea was a big job. Strong men cut them down. Then, teams of oxen pulled them to Sewalls Falls. From there, the logs floated down the Merrimack River to places where ships were built. This work shaped how people lived and worked in early New Hampshire.
Walking the Trails
Today, you can walk where those early workers once walked. There are about three miles of trails to explore. Some of these paths follow old train tracks. Now, people use them for hiking, biking, and skiing.
As you walk, you’ll see beautiful views of the Contoocook River and Dolf Brook. The trails look different in each season. Summer is green and lush. Fall brings bright orange and red leaves. Winter covers everything in snow, perfect for snowshoeing. In spring, flowers bloom and birds return. For those looking to extend their outdoor adventure, Spacious Skies French Pond Campground in nearby Henniker offers a variety of camping options and amenities, including access to French Pond for water activities.
Wildlife and Nature
The Jim Hill River Walk is full of animals and plants. It’s a great place for people who love to watch birds. Over 100 kinds of birds live here. You might see big hawks flying or small warblers in the bushes.
Keep your eyes open for other animals too. Deer, foxes, and sometimes even bears live in these woods. You might spot otters playing in the river or beavers building dams. The mix of water, trees, and open fields makes a perfect home for many creatures.
Remembering Local Heroes
The Jim Hill River Walk is named after James Clark Hill. He loved nature and wanted to protect these woods and waters. As a child, he played in these same forests. Later, he worked to make sure everyone could enjoy this beautiful place.
Another important person remembered here is Gustaf Lehtinen. He was Concord’s first Planning Director. Lehtinen helped shape how the city looks today. He believed in having green spaces in cities. Lehtinen Park, part of the River Walk, honors his work.
More to Explore
The Jim Hill River Walk connects to even more trails. You can walk to the Mast Yard State Forest for more adventure. A special bridge called the NH Heroes Recreational Crossing helps you get there. It goes over the Contoocook River.
This bridge is great for walking and snowmobiling. It helps connect different trails. When you’re on the bridge, take a moment to look around. You’ll see amazing views of the river and forests. It’s a perfect spot for taking pictures or just enjoying the view.
Planning Your Visit
There are two main ways to get to the Jim Hill River Walk. One way is through Penacook Village. Follow Washington Street and River Road across the Horse Hill Bridge. Then turn onto Runnells Road. The other way is from Horse Hill Road. Drive about a mile until you see the Lehtinen monument and parking area.
The best time to visit depends on what you like to do. Spring and fall are nice for hiking and taking pictures. Summer is great for picnics by the river. Winter is perfect for skiing and snowshoeing. No matter when you come, there’s always something fun to do.
Fun in Every Season
Each season brings something special to the Jim Hill River Walk. In spring, flowers bloom on the forest floor. You can hear birds singing all around. Summer is a time for long walks and picnics. Many people like to gather at the Daisy Beach Picnic Area.
Fall turns the forest into a colorful painting. The leaves crunch under your feet as you walk. It’s a great time for taking photos. In winter, snow covers the trails. You can go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing through the quiet forest.
When you visit, remember to take care of nature. Stay on the trails and don’t leave trash behind. Watch animals from far away. This helps keep the Jim Hill River Walk beautiful for everyone.
As you leave the Jim Hill River Walk, you’ll carry more than just memories. You’ll have a piece of history in your heart and a new love for nature. This hidden gem in Concord reminds us why we should protect our natural spaces. It invites us to listen to the past in the rustling leaves and find our place in this land’s story. So, grab your hiking boots and set out to discover the wonders of the Contoocook River. What stories will you uncover on your adventure? And if you’re looking to extend your stay in the area, consider visiting Spacious Skies French Pond Campground for a comfortable and nature-filled camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Jim Hill River Walk?
A: The Jim Hill River Walk is a scenic trail in Concord, New Hampshire, known for its historic mast trees and beautiful views of the Contoocook River.
Q: Why are the mast trees important?
A: The mast trees were used in the 1800s for building ships, as their tall pines were perfect for making masts that helped ships sail across oceans.
Q: What can you see along the Jim Hill River Walk?
A: You can see beautiful river views, a variety of plants and animals, and over 100 kinds of birds. Deer, foxes, otters, and beavers also live in the area.
Q: Who was Jim Hill?
A: Jim Hill was a nature lover who wanted to protect the woods and waters of the area. The River Walk is named in his honor.
Q: How can you access the Jim Hill River Walk?
A: You can access the walk through Penacook Village by following Washington Street and River Road, or from Horse Hill Road near the Lehtinen monument and parking area.
Q: What activities can you do at the Jim Hill River Walk?
A: You can hike, bike, ski, snowshoe, watch birds, and have picnics. Each season offers different activities and scenic views.
Q: How should visitors behave to protect the area?
A: Visitors should stay on trails, avoid leaving trash, and watch animals from a distance to help keep the area beautiful for everyone.