Overview

Mast Road Natural Area in Epping was acquired by SELT in 2011. It consists of 531 acres of forest and wetlands along the federally designated Wild & Scenic Lamprey River.

Public Access

This property is open to explore. And, four of five trails are universally accessible!

Download the trail map

Download KML and GPX trail files on Trail Finder

Directions

Gate 3

Gate 4

Allowed Uses

• Hiking
• Wildlife Observation
• Snowshoeing
• Skiing
• Hunting
• Biking
• Snowmobiling (designated trail only)

Natural and Archaeological Features

• 3,200 feet of Lamprey River frontage
• Wetlands and streams
• Vernal pools
• Red Maple floodplain forest
• Black gum basin swamp
• Pitch pine-heath swamp
• Upland hemlock-hardwood-pine forest

History

Before the conservation of Mast Road Natural Area, the land was owned by NH Public Golf Courses, Inc. and was a potential site for an extensive golf course with residential and commercial development. Its location on the Lamprey River and proximity to land conserved by the Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership in Epping, Exeter, and Newfields, made Mast Road Natural Area a top priority for local, regional, and state conservation organizations.

SELT now owns the land subject to a conservation easement held by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Since purchasing the land, SELT has carried out extensive habitat and restoration work. More than a mile of deeply rutted off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV) trails have been restored and approximately 20 acres of young forests have been created. Gates and guardrails are now in place to limit unauthorized vehicle use.

Funding Partners

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Lamprey River Advisory Committee