Cobb Town Forest

Cobb Town Forest

Strafford, Vermont 05072

Official Website
Strafford Town Forest map

About this Location

Strafford’s largest town-owned property is 108 acres of contiguous forest on Hemenway Road. Approximately equal portions lie on opposite sides of the road. In 1962 it was gifted to the town by Gardner Cobb. The property has been logged several times by the town.

​Most recently in 1999, a large portion was clear cut having been damaged by a severe ice storm. It has recovered considerably since.

The Strafford Conservation Commission manages the forest on behalf of the Town. To allow public access, several trails have been cleared on the northwest portion of the property. The Fen Trail is about a mile long and provides access to an unusual fen via a boardwalk. This has become a significant attraction for local residents and for surrounding towns due to its prolific showy lady slipper blooms in late June.

A second trail climbs Cobb Hill. After half a mile of climb and descent, it reconnects with the Fen Trail. Both trails are marked with yellow tape or paint. There is parking at the trailhead across the road for several cars.

​Located across Hemenway Road on the southeast side are the other 50+ acres. It is largely a wetland with mixed hard- and softwood. The wet marsh and the many blowdowns make it difficult to navigate, but we are working on trails to allow easier access.

All of this property is open to hiking, camping, hunting, biking, and all forms of foot traffic. We do discourage vehicular and horse traffic.

The property boasts a variety of habitats which in turn support a wide variety of flora and fauna. There are bear, moose, and deer feeding areas along with many unusual plants including sundew, showy lady slippers, purple fringed orchids, bog candles, lady’s tresses, lungwort, turtle heads, and moccasin flowers.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Official Website

Last updated October 9, 2023