Piscassic River WMA--Off Birch Rd., Epping/Exeter/Newfields

Piscassic River WMA--Off Birch Rd., Epping/Exeter/Newfields

Birch Road Epping, New Hampshire 03042

Piscassic River Wildlife Management Area Official Website

About this Location

The Rockingham Recreational Trail runs through this section of the Piscassic River Wildlife Management Area near the intersection of Birch Road and Mast Road.

About Piscassic River Wildlife Management Area

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The Piscassic River Wildlife Management Area lies mostly south of the Piscassic River, west of the Piscassic Ice Pond, and east of the New England Dragway. The Wildlife Management Area is relatively flat (elevations typically don’t exceed 100 feet) and contains extensive wetland systems, both forested and emergent. The New Hampshire Natural Heritage Bureau has officially recognized the exemplary condition of these important habitats given that wetlands of this size and condition are uncommon in New Hampshire.

Forested wetland areas are typically comprised of either hemlock or red maple. Dryer uplands are dominated by white pine, oak, and red maple with some scattered hickory and pitch pine. A complex of three old fields, totaling 16 acres, is located in the northeast sector of the property and consists of grasses/forbs, high bush blueberry, and other shrubs, with birch and aspen dominating the edges.

Common wildlife species include white-tailed deer, black bear, turkey, woodcock, and snowshoe hare. Veery, wood thrush, Eastern towhee, whip-poor-will, and a variety of other songbirds will delight bird watchers. Other species that may be found on the property include spotted salamanders, wood, and spotted turtles.

Piscassic River, New Hampshire is located in the towns of Exeter, Newfields, and Epping and can be accessed from Beech Hill Road off of NH-101 in Exeter or via Cuba (aka Cubie) Road off of NH-87 in Newfields. Unimproved parking for 1-2 vehicles is provided near the gates at both access points.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Last updated October 25, 2023