Did you know that the City of Concord has more than 80 miles of hiking trails?
Now that’s a view!
There are so many great things about the greater Concord area, including its access to nature and the opportunity to be able to submerge yourself in the woods only miles outside of downtown.
The City of Concord has more than 80 miles of city hiking trails that provide recreational opportunities through a variety of terrain, including flat walking trails to more challenging slopes with changes in elevation. The trails cross lands that also preserve open space, natural resources, and wildlife habitats. Several miles of the trails cross private land where property owners have generously granted permission for the City to maintain these trails, so guests are asked to access the marked trails only. The trails are maintained by the City’s consultant forester and many volunteers, who work to make sure they are accessible, safe, and well-marked.
While Marjory Swope Park, Winant Park, and Oak Hill are some of the most popular trail systems in Concord, there are many others that provide scenic views and opportunities for hikers to get outside and get closer to nature. You can access all of the City’s hiking trail maps online, which include details about the trail distances, travel time and level of difficulty.
The City of Concord’s Planning Division has maps available of each trail, or a printed copy of the Trail Guide Book can be purchased in the Planning Division Office at Concord City Hall. Copies of the Trail Guide are also available at the Concord Public Library Reference Desk.
The Trails Committee, a subcommittee of the City’s Conservation Commission, also holds monthly community hikes throughout the year, and gives participants a chance to hike with an experienced guide while learning more about the Concord trails.
Hunting season is in the fall and the City provides information about important dates and safety tips on their website so that hikers can still access the trails safely. The City of Concord’s conservation lands are managed as multi-use land, which means hunting is allowed on most of the properties. However, there are some locations where hunting is prohibited. You can view a list of these trails online.
When accessing the City of Concord trails, guests are asked to stay on the marked trails, not disturb the plants or wildlife, be respectful of the private property surrounding the trails, and follow the Trail Manners for You & Your Dog. These guidelines help ensure that that trails remain in their natural state and can be enjoyed by everyone for years to come.
