College Woods is a large tract of forest with extensive trails used widely for recreation and by classes at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). There are multiple entrances; the main entrance, which has parking spaces and a kiosk, is located on Colovos Road behind the UNH Field House, most easily accessed via Waterworks Road by taking College Road off Main Street or McDaniel Drive off Mill Road. Another entrance is beyond the UNH Police Station, past the site of the new wastewater treatment facility, where a bridge crosses the Oyster River Reservoir. A minor entrance can also be found in the parking lot for the NHPTV station building, on Mast Road, just before Moore Fields.

Trails eventually connect to the Oyster River Forest as well. Birding here is most productive in spring and summer, when Wood Thrushes are abundant, as well as Ovenbirds, Black-and-white Warblers, and Red-eyed Vireos. Activity in the woods is patchy, with some long stretches being quiet. One of the most productive areas is near the main entrance, where College Brook runs parallel to the path, creating wet lowland areas with more shrubs and muddy banks. Here, waterthrushes may be seen, as well as warblers that use the thicket as cover. Just outside the entrance is a tangle of multiflora rose, which often hides Northern Mockingbirds, Gray Catbirds, and White-throated Sparrows. The brook continues across the road with shrubby vegetation that is often worth a check as well. Deeper in the woods, there is the possibility for Barred Owl, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, and various woodpeckers. Most activity however is concentrated around the wetland areas and water bodies that break up the wooded landscape.

The College Woods Natural Area, a 64-acre tract, once the woodlot of Benjamin Thompson, will be left undisturbed for the study and enjoyment of present and future generations.

College Woods is located on the west side of the main campus. It comprises approximately 250 acres of woods, streams, and small fields. College Woods is the oldest and most intensively used University property for education, research, and recreation. It is not uncommon to see walkers, runners, and classes all in one brief stroll through the woods.

The TrailFinder website has a description and map of a hike at College Woods.