Cotton Hurd Conservation Area

Open to the Public

The Cotton Hurd Conservation Area is a 135-acre property consisting of two parcels – one is a forested lot bordered by Route 28 and Chestnut Cove Road between Alton and Wolfeboro. The other is a smaller parcel on the east side of Route 28. LRCT acquired the land in 1999.

The area is home to a variety of upland species, including a mixture of hardwoods and softwoods, and wildlife including beavers. Hurd Brook runs through the property after combining with the Gilman Pond Brook on the north end of the property. Hurd Brook is stocked with brook trout by New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. About two miles of trails is located primarily on the west side of the Brook.

Trail Map

Directions & Parking

All parking areas are open from dawn to dusk, and are always free and open to the public.

From Alton Bay

  • Take Rte. 28 heading towards Wolfeboro
  • Go 5.1 miles (you will bypass East Alton Ceneral Store on the left at the intersection of Rt. 28 and Rt. 28 A.)
  • Turn left on to Chestnut Cove Road.
  • Go a short 0.1mile to road side parking on the left along a few large rocks with access to an old woods road. A sign nearby says “Protected by LRCT”
  • Go another 0.1 mile for off road parking on left for one or two cars next to the Hurd Brook culvert. A sign is there “Protected by LRCT”

Please respect the private property of our neighbors. Thank you!

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