Thanks to the generosity of land donors and owners, as well as members and partners, the Land Trust offers over 26 miles of trails that provide passive, shared recreational opportunities. Recreational activities include hiking, birding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, running, and biking. In order to maximize the safety and enjoyment of all trail users, and to protect our natural areas and wildlife, please adhere to our rules and land use regulations.
Please observe the following regulations:
- The land is open to the public from dawn to dusk year-round.
- Park in designated areas only (reference a trail map).
- Leave the land as you found it.
- Observe posted restrictions for horses and bicycles.
- Stay on marked trails: People and pets must stay on designated trails. Some trails on Land Trust properties run through Town conservation land and/or private property under conservation restriction; abide by posted signs, and be aware when you are crossing into private property (reference a trail map).
- Dog Walking Rules
- No more than 3 dogs per person: Dogs must be leashed or held by the collar when approaching other trail users, dogs, horses, and/or wildlife.
- Keep dogs under control at all times: “Control” means a dog is always within an owner’s sightline and trained to respond immediately when called.
- Stay on marked trails: Do not let dogs trample on vegetation, wade into vernal pools or wetland habitat, or chase, hunt, or harass people, wildlife, other dogs, horses, or livestock.
- Leash dogs in parking areas and in agricultural fields: Keep dogs out of fields that are used for food or hay production, and from pastures where livestock is present.
- Carry out dog waste and dispose of it properly.
- Prohibited Activities (except by special permission where applicable)
- Removing plants, fungus, wildlife, stones, or historical artifacts.
- Harming vegetation or wildlife, and foraging.
- Camping, fires, or hunting.*
- Trapping or releasing wildlife, or releasing other animals.
- Use of drugs and/or alcoholic beverages.
- Using motorized vehicles or equipment, except to provide ADA access.
- Dumping or disposing of waste of any kind, including yard waste.
- Creating, trimming, or marking trails.
- Commercial activities, fee-based programs, or organized group activities (see Land Use Policy).
- Installing signs, trail cameras, gates, fences, or other structures, or damaging said property.
*Camping is allowed with a special permit by scouting troops on Scout Island in Fairhaven Bay. Permits can be requested by emailing info@concordland.org.
**Deer hunting is permitted by a small group of qualified, vetted bow hunters in Wright Woods and Bigelow Woods/Soutter Field in late fall. There is a long waitlist for the hunting program. Openings are not expected in the near future.
Please practice proper trail etiquette:
- Know your right of way: Hikers coming uphill have the right of way. Bicyclists must yield to horses and hikers. Everyone must yield to horses.
- Be courteous: If you come up on a trail user from behind, announce yourself in a calm, friendly manner. Horses especially can be spooked easily, so be sure to make yourself known before passing by.
- Consider trail conditions: All trail users should avoid using wet or muddy trail systems to protect the trail’s treadway (prevent ruts and depressions), surrounding vegetation and ecosystems, and themselves. Turn back from wet or muddy trails and return after trail conditions improve. If a wet area cannot be avoided, then hike (or walk bicycles) through the puddle or mud and not around it; avoid widening the trail’s treadway and trampling on vegetation.
Please adhere to the Land Use Policy:
The Land Trust is regularly asked by other organizations for permission to use our land for activities and programs. All requests for land use should be made a minimum of 3 weeks prior to any proposed activity. Because of limited staff resources, any inquiries inside of this timeframe will be accommodated to the best of our ability. In order to be consistent with our mission and protect our nonprofit status, we want to clarify our policy and practices regarding the use of our land by other organizations. The Land Trust may permit other organizations to conduct such programs on our land in compliance with the following guidelines, depending on the circumstances:
- The proposed activities are aligned with our mission of conserving the natural resources of Concord and the town’s traditional landscape of woods, meadows, and fields.
- The proposed activities will not have a negative impact on the land or the enjoyment of the land by others.
- The organization or individual will not charge participants a fee for the program to be conducted on our land without the Land Trust’s permission.
- Where practicable or deemed important, the Land Trust is named as an additional insured party and is provided with a copy of the insurance certificate in advance of the program.
- Local, nonprofit organizations are given preference.
- Projects that highlight the role of the Land Trust in conserving land and/or help to expand our membership will be given preference.
Contact the Land Trust office at info@concordland.org or call (978) 369-6526 to report adverse trail conditions, request special permissions, inquire about land use, or for any other questions.