Things to Do in Ballard State Forest
Ballard State Forest is a 71-acre state forest located in Derry, Rockingham County, New Hampshire. The area features diverse landscapes, including wooded sections, Ballard Pond, and a marsh area, providing varied natural settings for outdoor pursuits. These natural features contribute to a landscape suitable for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and road cycling. The forest also encompasses the historic Taylor Mill Site, adding a cultural element to the natural environment of Ballard State Forest.
Things to Do in…
35
Routes
4.5
(29)
Average rating
260
People visited
8.34km
02:14
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.24km
00:52
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6.83km
01:46
30m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.22km
00:34
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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13
runners
20.2km
02:07
70m
70m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
runners
9.61km
01:00
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
runners
25.5km
02:41
280m
280m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
runners
13.8km
01:28
140m
140m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
riders
81.3km
06:53
360m
350m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
29.5km
01:47
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(14)
20
riders
18.8km
01:05
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
36.7km
02:16
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
riders
10.5km
00:25
50m
50m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(1)
58
riders
30.5km
01:16
210m
210m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
37
riders
55.9km
02:17
250m
240m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.5
(2)
11
riders
52.8km
02:19
320m
320m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Ballard State Forest?
Ballard State Forest is a 71-acre state forest located in Derry, Rockingham County, New Hampshire. It features diverse landscapes including wooded areas, Ballard Pond, and a marsh, along with the historic Taylor Mill Site.
What outdoor activities are available in Ballard State Forest?
Ballard State Forest offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, touring cycling, and road cycling. The forest's natural environment and trails provide varied settings for these activities. More than 600 visitors have shared experiences on komoot for this region.
Are there hiking trails in Ballard State Forest?
Yes, Ballard State Forest provides trails suitable for hiking. Visitors can explore the forest's natural features, including Ballard Pond and the marsh area. Find more information on available routes in the Hiking in Ballard State Forest guide.
Are there easy hiking trails in Ballard State Forest?
Ballard State Forest includes trails suitable for various skill levels, including easier options. These routes allow visitors to experience the forest's natural beauty without significant difficulty. Consult the Easy hikes in Ballard State Forest guide for specific routes.
Can I cycle in Ballard State Forest?
Yes, Ballard State Forest and its surrounding area offer routes for both touring cycling and road cycling. The region includes varied biking opportunities, such as preserved railroad beds. Explore options in the Cycling in Ballard State Forest guide.
Are there road cycling routes near Ballard State Forest?
The area around Ballard State Forest is conducive to road cycling, with established routes available. The nearby Windham Rail Trail, a 4-mile (6.4 km) paved multi-use trail, offers a traffic-free option. Discover routes in the Road Cycling Routes in Ballard State Forest guide.
What historical features are in Ballard State Forest?
Ballard State Forest is home to the historic Taylor Mill Site. This site features one of the few remaining 'up and down' sawmills, adding a cultural dimension to outdoor excursions. The mill was donated to the state in 1953.
Are there running trails in Ballard State Forest?
Ballard State Forest provides trails suitable for jogging and running. The natural environment, including wooded areas and water features, offers a scenic backdrop for these activities. Refer to the Running Trails in Ballard State Forest guide for more details.
What are the natural features of Ballard State Forest?
The forest encompasses Ballard Pond and a large marsh area, providing scenic water views and opportunities for observing wetland wildlife. These features contribute to the diverse landscapes found within the 71-acre forest.
How popular is Ballard State Forest on komoot?
Ballard State Forest is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 600 visitors having shared their experiences. Routes in the forest have an average rating of 4.66 out of 5 stars, based on over 100 ratings.
Where can I find more information about Ballard State Forest?
Information regarding Ballard State Forest can be found through the Town of Derry's Conservation Commission page. For specific inquiries, the Town of Derry Conservation Commission can be contacted directly.
Who manages Ballard State Forest?
Ballard State Forest is owned by the State of New Hampshire and managed by the NH Fish and Game Department. The Taylor Sawmill within the forest is cooperatively maintained by the NH Division of Forests and Lands and the Division of Parks and Recreation.
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