Hamlin-Eames-Smyth Recreation and Conservation Area is a 713-acre town forest that offers outdoor activities and scenic views. You can hike, snowshoe, ski, or watch wildlife on the network of trails that range from easy to advanced. Some of the highlights include Crockett's Ledge, which overlooks Lake Wicwas and Lake Winnisquam, Arbutus Hill Pond, which is surrounded by old-growth forests, and White Mountain Ledge, which offers views of the White Mountains. The area is also home to many bird species and active beaver ponds. The area is managed by the Meredith Conservation Commission, which aims to conserve and protect the land, forests, and farmland for wildlife, water quality, and recreation.

In Meredith from the intersection of NH-25 and US-3, take US-3 south and turn right onto NH-104. In 3.6 miles turn left onto Meredith Center Road. In 1.0 mile turn right onto Chemung Road. In 1.5 miles keep right to stay on Chemung Road. In 0.7 miles the trailhead and kiosk are on the right. 

Pond Loop Trails
These trails meander around and beside a cluster of beaver ponds near the parking area. The shortest loop is an easy 1.6-mile, 45-minute walk. The longer loop, which includes scenic views of the Eames ponds, takes 1 hour and has an additional 60 feet of elevation gain. The link to the yellow trail that circles the north end of the beaver meadow is also blazed in blue.

Crockett’s Ledge Trail
The trails to the Crockett’s Ledge overlook of Lake Wicwas and Lake Winnisquam have a round trip distance of 2.7 miles with 400 feet of elevation gain and a hiking time of 1 hour 30 minutes.

Lake to Ledges Loop Trail
The longest of these trails is a 5.5-mile round trip (including the yellow/blue access and return) with a hiking time of 3 hours 30 minutes with 900 feet of elevation gain. These trails pass through old-growth sugar maple forests to reach the shore of Lake Wicwas and they offer excellent views of the White Mountains from open ledges.

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Hamlin-Eames-Smyth Recreation and Conservation Area.