Loverens Mill Cedar Swamp
Antrim, Stoddard & Windsor, N.H.

New! Preserve Map

© The Nature Conservancy

Pollen studies have revealed that Atlantic White Cedar has been present for more than 4,000 years at this remarkable, newly established preserve, located off Route 9 in Antrim. The three-mile trail travels through the southeastern portion of the 1,268-acre preserve, and provides boardwalk access into the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, and close-up views of the North Branch of the Contoocook River and associated wetlands. The winter season allows for views of the hills to the north on the adjacent 5,000-acre Peirce Reservation.

As you walk the access road into the Preserve from Loverens Mill Road, you pass the remains of the Loverens Mill site and dam, originally constructed in 1798. As you enter the trail you discover a mixed forest of balsam fir, red spruce, white pine, and red oak.

Just 0.1 mile from the trailhead is a 200-foot boardwalk that extends into the swamp and over a thick bed of sphagnum moss. You may note that the site is unusual in that it is a "boreal" swamp with species typical of more northern latitudes. This is indicated by a black spruce to your left as you step onto the boardwalk and by a small tamarack about 50 feet away on your right. The Loverens Mill site is at an elevation of 1,040 feet, and the surrounding high hills funnel cold air down into the swamp, thus simulating a climate found further north. Other wetlands plants you will find along the boardwalk include, cinnamon fern, maleberry, smooth winterberry, sheep laurel, mountain holly, and red maple. In the spring and early summer the bog mat is accented with yellow loosestrife, also known as "swamp candles".

Back on the trail, you encounter several huge boulders. These "glacial erratics" were deposited more than 15,000 years ago by retreating glaciers. Enjoy the fragrant balsams as you proceed toward the North Branch of the Contoocook River. In the summer, ebony jewelwing damselflies breed and lay eggs on the grass stems in the water here. The North Branch provides wildlife habitat for mink, muskrat, river otter, and beaver.

© The Nature Conservancy

Watch for moose signs along the final stretch of the trail. Other wildlife species that inhabit the preserve include wild turkey, white-tailed deer, Easter coyote, fisher, and black bear. Common birds include black-capped chickadee, hermit thrush, white-throated sparrow, veery, and Louisiana waterthrush.

The Nature Conservancy purchased Loverens Mill Cedar Swamp in December 1998 and expanded the preserve in 2006. The acquisition of 635 acres in Windsor in 2006 doubled the preserve size to 1,268 acres. 

A Historic Look

Directions:

• From Route 9 between Routes 123N and 31S, turn North on Loverens Mill Road.
• Cross the bridge, and park in the area on the right.
• The Preserve is located along a dirt road across the road, and slightly North of the parking area. It is marked by a sign.
• Follow this road 0.25 miles to the Preserve trailhead, which is marked by a sign and register.