If you prefer short hikes there are plenty around, especially on the seacoast. One such hike is the Heron Point Trail, which winds along a portion of the Lamprey River. Getting there can be a bit confusing, but it is worth the trip.
If you are in downtown Newmarket, take Route 108 towards Durham. Once you cross the Lamprey River bridge, turn right onto Bay Road. Set your odometer and drive 0.3 miles and turn right onto Meadow Drive. You will be driving into a mobile home park. Continue driving for 0.1 miles and on the right will be a sign for the Heron Point Sanctuary. Follow the dirt road to the parking area.
- Photo By Ray Bisson Photography
The first thing that you see is a deck and wood boardwalk. The deck overlooks the Lamprey River dam and the old mills.
The boardwalk follows the river for a short distance then dead ends. The boardwalk and deck have benches built into them. Back track a short distance and you can see the main trail.
The trail follows the bank of the river for about 0.4 miles then turns and cuts through the woods back to the parking lot. The total distance is about 0.7 miles and is relatively flat. Before you cut into the woods there is another opening where people can picnic and play by the water. The bank is steep, but there are well-worn trails down to the water. Keep an eye out for Herons, Cormorants and even Bald Eagles.
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