Trail Maps

Marshview Trail and Jay McLaren Memorial Trail

Cropped section of the McLaren Trail map showing Bear Hill and part of Cobbler’s Brook.

The McLaren Trail is a two mile recreational trail encompassing 45 acres. Merrimac acquired it when the West Amesbury Branch Railroad (1873-1972), part of the Boston and Maine Railroad line, was abandoned. The railroad branch ran from Newton Junction, N.H. to Merrimac's town center.

The McLaren Trail includes a variety of settings. At its southern end the trail passes through industrial and densely residential settings, and follows the path of Cobbler’s Brook.

Running north the trail winds along the Perkins conservation area, then passes through a large wetland area and farmland. It crosses the Powwow River and Cobbler’s Brook watersheds. The most scenic portions of the trail occur at the northern end, including a spectacular marsh view. Crossing into New Hampshire, the trail continues through Newton as the Peanut Trail.

The Marshview Trail is in the Powwow River watershed. The trail runs through a wooded area, farm fields, and along side a wetland area. The Innis Trail connects the Marshview Trail with Brush Hill Road.

These trails are ideal for walking, biking, and horse back riding. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the trails.

Merrimac Town Forest

Cropped section of the Town Forest map showing Red Oak Hill and part of Cobbler’s Brook.

The Merrimac Town Forest is a 311 acre tract of open space located in the heart of Merrimac. About 90% of the land lies within the Cobbler’s Brook watershed, which drains directly into the Merrimack River. Dirt roads once used for agricultural access and as fire lanes, are now recreational trails.

The forest has a variety of habitats within its borders. In low-lying regions of the forest, there are wetlands and dense hemlock groves. At higher elevations, there is a mixed community of beech, birch, and pine trees. Of particular interest is a stand of red pine trees planted in the late 1930s by depression workers, near the top of Red Oak Hill.

There are two major drumlin features within the forest: Red Oak Hill (315') and Long Hill at (263'). Another outstanding feature of the forest is the large beaver pond formed from the damming of Cobbler’s Brook. Cobbler’s Brook flows downstream from the dam towards Highland Road. The brook and pond provide a scenic, picturesque setting.

Major points of access are from the soccer field at Town Forest Road and from the now closed Battis Road landfill site.