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Horse Hill Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 355 Google reviews · Running trail in Merrimack, New Hampshire · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Horse Hill Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Over 560 acres of elevated terrain & wetlands with trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding.
What runners say about Horse Hill Nature Preserve
“Gorgeous hikes, big parking lot, well maintained, and many trail options for people looking for long/short and difficult/easy hikes or biking routes.”
“Gorgeous hikes, big parking lot, well maintained, and many trail options for people looking for long/short and difficult/easy hikes or biking routes.”
“The trails are well marked and maintained so I was able to figure that out by the 1st trail turn-off and make a new plan.”
“The place is very quiet and great for cycling trails and hiking as well.”
“Gorgeous hikes, big parking lot, well maintained, and many trail options for people looking for long/short and difficult/easy hikes or biking routes.”
A great variety of trails and none are very difficult. Permitted uses include hiking, biking, running, xc skiing, hunting, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Lastowska Pond has a large beaver home and lots of trees felled by beaver. The ponds are great places to bird watch including great blue heron.
I took my niece on one last hike before school started. I had to do a quick search for a place that allowed dogs and this fit the bill. 😃 I found the map a little confusing as we started at the loop trail parking which starts in the top left of the map when I was expecting to start at the bottom middle.
Today was my 2nd visit to Horse Hill. All Trails are very well marked however the reserve is large enough to require the use of maps, just in case. There is a good mixture of foot and bike traffic. Well behaved dogs were off leash. Good footwear is necessary for comfort and safety.
This is a great place for a fun and easy hike with friends and family. It is kids friendly since the trails aren’t steep. Also, the trails are well kept and clean. It is the woods after all so watch out for tree roots but overall it’s a smooth and enjoyable hike.
Trail conditions & character
“Gorgeous hikes, big parking lot, well maintained, and many trail options for people looking for long/short and difficult/easy hikes or biking routes.”
“😃 I found the map a little confusing as we started at the loop trail parking which starts in the top left of the map when I was expecting to start at the bottom middle.”
“My biggest beef with this preserve is the frequency we had to hike around dog poop.”
“The main hill area offers several trails that feature climbing and descending flowy routes with some mild to moderate technical challenge.”
“😃 I found the map a little confusing as we started at the loop trail parking which starts in the top left of the map when I was expecting to start at the bottom middle.”
“The place is very quiet and great for cycling trails and hiking as well.”
“The main hill area offers several trails that feature climbing and descending flowy routes with some mild to moderate technical challenge.”
“The trails are well marked and maintained so I was able to figure that out by the 1st trail turn-off and make a new plan.”
Plan your run at Horse Hill Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemerrimackoutdoors.org
- Phone(603) 424-3531
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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