East Windham Purple and Blue Trail Loop

Parking is available at the main trailhead for the East Windham Conservation Area. This is where the universal access trail, currently under construction, will also begin.

The East Windham Purple and Blue Trail Loop is generally considered easy, making it suitable for beginners. While some sections of the broader East Windham Conservation Area can be more challenging, this specific loop offers a manageable hike. A universal access trail is also being developed, which will be fully accessible.

You'll encounter varied terrain, including dirt, forest floor, gravel, crushed stone, and some rocky sections. The Purple Loop specifically features a 12-foot wide gravel surface in parts. While some sections can be seasonally soft or have grades up to 10%, reconstruction efforts are planned to improve these areas.

Yes, dogs are permitted on the trails within the East Windham Conservation Area. They must be kept on a leash or under voice control.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. However, some sections may be seasonally soft, so spring and fall offer pleasant conditions. Winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are also popular activities when conditions allow.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the East Windham Conservation Area or its trails, including the East Windham Purple and Blue Trail Loop.

The Purple Loop offers stunning views along the shorefront of Little Duck Pond and vistas of the White Mountains. The broader conservation area also features a sweeping overlook on Atherton Hill with expansive views towards the White Mountains, and the Teal Trail is noted for its excellent mountain views.

Yes, the East Windham Purple and Blue Trail Loop is part of an 8-mile network within the East Windham Conservation Area, which in turn connects to a larger 30-mile trail system. This includes connections to other preserves like Lowell Preserve, North Falmouth Community Forest, and Blackstrap Hill Preserve. The route itself utilizes sections of the purple, 3, and bue trails.

The trails are multi-use and open to a variety of activities. In addition to hiking, you can enjoy running, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking.

The loop is approximately 6.7 kilometers (4.2 miles) long and typically takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

Yes, a universal access trail is currently under construction, expected to be fully accessible by 2025 or 2026. This trail will feature a wide, crushed stone surface without steep or soft sections, leading from the trailhead to Little Duck Pond. Reconstruction efforts are also planned for some existing sections of the Purple Loop to eliminate steep or soft grades.