Greenland

This 33-acre conservation area behind the oldest brick house in New Hampshire (c. 1710) offers well-marked trails through hardwoods, pine groves, and tidal marshlands along the Winnicut River. The trails wind past evidence of colonial farming and lumbering, with an active railroad still crossing the property. The Hughes Conservation Area section provides the best river views and glimpses of Great Bay, accessible via a small boat launch during high tide.

Few locals know about the easy public access to this scenic 9-mile tributary of Great Bay thanks to the Weeks conservation trails. The meandering river offers peaceful walking along tree-lined shores where you might spot river otters marking territory on rocks, or northern harriers hunting over salt marshes. The tidal section becomes a small estuary with mudflats exposed at low tide, creating prime bird-watching opportunities.

While many know the center itself, the universally accessible boardwalk and trail system behind it reveals diverse habitats most visitors miss. The trails wind through upland hardwood forests to freshwater wetlands before reaching salt marshes and mudflats with sweeping Great Bay views. Stand on the deck of a 19th-century gundalow replica or explore the native plant gardens. Winter brings excellent eagle watching opportunities along with migratory waterfowl.