Conservation Lands

The Boston & Maine Railroad Roadbed

The B&M Trail offers a unique hiking experience, and a glimpse at the bygone days of rail travel in southern New Hampshire. Beginning on Baboosic Lake Road (adjacent to the Route 101 east bound entrance ramp, and marked by a small sign), the trail crosses a small wooden foot bridge and traverses a swamp and wetland area. While somewhat overgrown, the raised railroad bed provides dry footing and access to this wildlife habitat. Houses have been placed for the many ducks that frequent the area and fallen trees bear the scars of beaver that share this wetland.

Along the trail, wild strawberrles flourish. Beyond the wetland, the B&M Trail widens and the terrain changes to a mixed coniferous forest. Mature white pines dwarf the diminutive chuckaberry (wintergreen) that grow in their shadows.

Continuing down the B&M Trail, it is diflicult not to notice the occasional railroad tie, and the stone culverts, that have outlived the railroad itself. These relics remain as a tribute to the many who labored to create the rail bed.

Not to be outdone, Mother Nature has provided a stone outcropping with a large pine tree growing through a fracture in the rock. Despite the hostile environment, the tree has grown and matured.

The B&M trail swings sharply to the North at this point, with Little Baboosic Lake visible to the East. The variety of habitat along the trail, as it approaches Walnut Hill Road, includes wetland, mixed coniferous stands, hardwood stands, and open fields. The presence of a resident whitetail deer population enhances this outdoor experience and the astute observer may find evidence of both porcupine and piliated woodpeckers.

The emergence of pink lady slippers and lily of the valley mark the beginning of spring for adventurers looking to escape the icy snow and winds of February, and the confines of their winter hospice.

The B&M Trail ends off Walnut Hill Road near the intersection of Clark Island Road.

Details about the B&M Railroad can be found in the "History of Amherst" in the Amherst Public Library.

The B and M Trail lies between Walnut Hill Road and Baboosic Lake Road. There is off-street parking for several cars on Walnut Hill Road, and for many cars at the Police Station. The Trail is approximately 2 miles long and it takes about 30 to 45 minutes to walk from one end to the other. The grade is flat the length of the trail. There are trees across the trail at several points to limit access by motorized vehicles.

Restrictions: Snowmobiles are allowed to use the trail between sunrise and sunset, at slow speeds, when sufficient snow is on the ground. No fires. no alcohol, no litter at any times. The Conservation Commission owns 15 feet on either side of the trail.

Cautions: The embankment is steep at several points.

Credits: pictures by Edith Aucoin, text by Alex Prohodsky, layout by Milt Boyd