Lubberland Creek Preserve

Visit

• What to See
  • Salt marsh to forest mosaic: One of the largest salt marshes in the Great Bay Estuary alongside ponds, mudflats, vernal pools and upland forest. Great birding and expansive Great Bay views.
  • Wildlife highlights: Look for osprey, great blue herons (rookery present), wood ducks, and signs of beaver; vernal pools support spotted salamanders and rare Blanding’s turtles—please always observe wildlife from a distance.
  • Sweet Trail features: Tin‑square wayfinding, stone walls, old foundations and Jeff’s Hill viewpoints; at the south end, a short spur reaches the bay’s edge.
  • Restoration and research in action: The nearby Bay Road culvert replacement improved fish passage—American eels now move more freely between Great Bay and upstream habitat. Meanwhile, scientists are studying the movements and habits of saltmarsh sparrows to better understand the effects of climate change and sea level rise.
• Trail Descriptions

  Download the Lubberland Creek Preserve Trail Map and Guide
  
  The Sweet Trail — 4.3 mi (easy to moderate, uneven in places) THIS IS NOT A LOOP TRAIL.
  A point‑to‑point route between Longmarsh Road (Durham) and the Lubberland Creek shoreline (Newmarket). Wayfinding uses distinctive white tin squares with the Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership logo. For a full end‑to‑end description, maps, and parking details, see A Sweet Trail to a Great Bay and the Sweet Trail Map & Guide (PDF).

  Jeff’s Hill Loop — 0.6 mi (moderate, uneven in places)
  Climb through hemlock‑pine‑oak forest to views over active beaver ponds; watch for a small heron rookery in spring. Near the summit, a cluster of vernal pools hosts amphibians; compare the warmer, oak‑hickory south slope with the shadier north slope as you complete the loop.

  Channell Spur — 0.2 mi (easy)
  A short loop at the top of Jeff’s Hill leads to a bench honoring the Channell family, longtime landowners of this property before TNC’s protection.

  Grassland Trail — 0.2 mi (easy, out‑and‑back)
  A mowed path across the field to a hilltop observation point with a spotting scope overlooking the field and the 55‑acre salt marsh at the mouth of Lubberland Creek. Continue carefully to the old, non‑functional farm crossing at the tidal stream; return the way you came. Not a loop.

• Know Before You Go
  • Getting there: From NH‑108 (Durham or Newmarket), take Durham Point Road (north end) or Bay Road (south end). The preserve is 6.3 miles from the north end or 1.4 miles from the south end. The small parking area (~6 cars) is on the west side of Bay Road at the trailhead.
  • Sweet Trail parking options: Additional parking is available in Durham at Longmarsh Road (main trailhead for the Sweet Trail) and Dame Road for an easier segment; parking is also available at the Lubberland Creek Preserve lot on Bay Road.
  • Dogs: To protect sensitive wildlife, pets are not permitted on the preserve except leashed dogs on the Sweet Trail portion. A leash lending station is available at the Lubberland Creek main kiosk on Bay Road and at the preserve entrance on Dame Road. Please respect posted signs.
  • Hunting: Allowed on portions of the preserve. Check with New Hampshire Fish & Game for seasons and regulations and wear blaze orange in fall.
  • Trail conditions: Generally gentle near Bay Road; more moderate/uneven north of the road. Expect wet/muddy spots near wetlands and after rain; waterproof footwear recommended.
  • Mobility devices (OPDMD): Limited access. Only non‑combustion OPDMDs under 24 in. wide and <500 lbs, at walking speed, are permitted from the Dame Road trailhead between the kiosk and next signpost. OPDMDs are not allowed from the Bay Road (Lubberland) trailhead. Please follow on‑site signage.
  • Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, stay on marked trails, and help protect this globally rare estuarine ecosystem. Foot traffic only—no bikes, horses or motorized vehicles.
• Preserve Guidelines

  To minimize disturbance of the wildlife and habitat of this nature preserve and to support the enjoyment of all visitors, please follow these guidelines:

  • Leave No Trace—please keep the preserve clean by carrying out your trash (and any that you find).
  • No camping or open fires allowed.
  • Please, for your safety and the protection of this globally rare ecosystem, stay on marked trails.
  • Foot traffic only; horses, bikes and motorized vehicles are prohibited.
  • Pets are not permitted; help us protect wildlife on the preserve and be respectful of other hikers by leaving your pets at home (exception: leashed dogs are allowed on the Sweet Trail only). Leash lending stations are available at the preserve.
  • Hunting is allowed on portions of the preserve. Please obey all posted signs and contact the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department for dates and regulations.
  • Respect the natural world around you! Do not remove or destroy plants, wildlife, minerals or cultural items.
  • OPDMDs: The use of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices is limited to: Only non-combustible engine OPDMDS < 24” wide, < 500lbs permitted between this kiosk and the next trail signpost; Walking speed only and only from the trailhead on Dame Road. OPDMDs are not allowed at the Lubberland Creek trailhead on Bay Road.