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Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve (TNC)
4.6 ★★★★★ 220 Google reviews · Running trail in Manchester, New Hampshire · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 1.8 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve (TNC)'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.
A 640-acre protected area featuring hiking routes for all skill levels and rhododendrons.
What runners say about Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve (TNC)
“There are 3 trails, one is very well maintained with gravel all year, there's beautiful benches and a few awesome nature lookouts- awesome for kids.”
“There are 3 trails, one is very well maintained with gravel all year, there's beautiful benches and a few awesome nature lookouts- awesome for kids.”
“It also has a easy walk if you want to bring your kids which is also wheelchair friendly to enjoy a bit of nature that I have not walked yet”
The new all access trail is phenomenal! The opening ceremony was fantastic, and I made it to the rhododendrons finally - will be looking forward to seeing them bloom this summer. The new trail is so much more accessible! It will accommodate wheelchairs, canes, mobility scooters, and more.
Nice hiking area. July 24 and the bugs are bad. I did the woodlands loop trail and rhododendron trail and by the time I wasdone I had a team of mosquitoes and flies following me. I had a shirt tired around my head to save me lol. There is one place in the woodland loop trail where a tree has fallen blocking the path.
Such a nice walking trail that is designed for everyone. It has variety as you walk with sitting spots along the way if needed. It is educational as well and very serene. It is an escape from the city around you and a great way to get some fresh air and movement.
Incredible easy trail designed for everyone. Gentle slopping trails, completely accessible for anyone. Board walks into the Swamp. Nature trails also available for those with the capability.
Trail conditions & character
“There are 3 trails, one is very well maintained with gravel all year, there's beautiful benches and a few awesome nature lookouts- awesome for kids.”
“It also has a easy walk if you want to bring your kids which is also wheelchair friendly to enjoy a bit of nature that I have not walked yet”
“I did the woodlands loop trail and rhododendron trail and by the time I wasdone I had a team of mosquitoes and flies following me.”
“Paved parking lot, new “all persons” trail that’s clean and wide.”
“The all-person trail is a wide gravel path lined with stones that is flat and level.”
“There are no other bathrooms on premises or along the trail.”
“Excellent paved trail for all types ( old, young, Big small, handicapped, runners, walkers) 1 mile trip with lots of history and beauty to offer.”
“There are 3 trails, one is very well maintained with gravel all year, there's beautiful benches and a few awesome nature lookouts- awesome for kids.”
Plan your run at Manchester Cedar Swamp Preserve (TNC)
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance1.8 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenature.org
- Phone(603) 224-5853
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near Manchester
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Stark Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 460 reviews
30-acre park with grassy lawns, a gazebo & bronze statue of a celebrated Revolutionary War general.
Blodget Park
4 ★★★★☆ 55 reviews
Small, quiet respite featuring open green space, a nature trail & a brook for fishing.
Livingston Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,878 reviews
Park with a running track, baseball diamond, playground, swimming pool & boardwalk around a pond.
