Foss Farm, Durham

Birds of Interest

Spring, summer, fall birding.

East Foss Farm: a wide variety of passerine woodland birds in the woods, power line, and edge birds (including several warbler species) along the power line.

West Foss Farm: Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, many warblers, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Tree Swallow, and other field edge and woodland birds.

About Foss Farm

See all hotspots at Foss Farm

Foss Far is an abandoned farm owned by the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and bisected by railroad tracks into separate East and West areas. East Foss Farm is heavily wooded, though one trail has some power line right-of-way. West Foss Farm, after about 0.5 miles through the woods, has a large field, which has the remnants of an abandoned 1950s-1960s era communications facility.

East Foss Farm, located on Foss Farm Road in Durham is a 164-acre tract of land managed for multiple uses, including teaching, research, wood production, and wildlife. There are seven major habitat types within the East Foss Farm property: clear cut, early successional, mature hardwood, mature softwood, riparian, and wetland/shrub swamp. East Foss Farm is frequently visited by UNH faculty and student body to observe the different forest management techniques that have been used on this land. There is also a trail system which is nice to take a little stroll and observe the various wildlife residents.

West Foss Farm, approximately 91.8 acres in size, is located off of Mill Road in Durham. The easiest access to this property is by a trail located off of Mill Road beginning at the edge of a red pine stand and following the railroad tracks until it reaches a large open field. There are two small ponds located on the edge of this field. Townspeople and University students use this area extensively for various types of recreation and educational research.

Foss Farm is located on Mill Road, Durham. From US-4 and NH-108 north of Durham, go south less than a mile to the intersection with Main Street, and turn left, staying on NH-108. After 1 block turn right onto Mill Pond Road, which will become Oyster River Road after a few blocks. Go until it ends at Mill Road, turn left.

For East Foss Farm, go just a block or two to Foss Farm Road. Turn left and go .3 mile to a dirt road opposite the sign for Stevens Way. Park along the road, and walk back along the dirt road a long block to an information sign, where several trails split. The trail to the right goes to the power line.

For West Foss Farm, continue on Mill Road to immediately past the railroad bridge, where there is a small 4-car parking lot. If full, continue to the first side street to the left (Hemlock Way).

Notable Trails

The AllTrails website has descriptions and maps of hikes at Foss Farm.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from East Foss Farm webpage and West Foss Farm webpage

Last updated November 4, 2023