Merrimack: Parks, River Trail and Local History

In Merrimack, parks, river landscapes, and historic sites offer different ways to plan your day. You can organize your stay around outdoor activities, wooded areas, or local history. A trail along the Souhegan River connects two named destinations; other parks each have their own recreational opportunities and landscape features.

River Trail and Recreation

In September 2024, a trail along the Souhegan River opened, connecting Watson Park with the Wildcat Falls Conservation Area. The Souhegan River forms the southern boundary of Watson Park. Its connection to the river and the named trail give this outing a different character from the individual park offerings.

The Wildcat Conservation Area covers 87 acres of managed pine and hardwood forest and includes Wildcat Falls. Public recreational opportunities at Wasserman Park include picnicking, swimming, fishing, tennis, pickleball, volleyball, basketball, and ball fields. There, you can choose between relaxation and a range of sports activities.

Weston Park offers something different: activities include fishing, boating with your own transportation, picnicking, and sledding in winter. The note about providing your own transportation is relevant when planning to go boating; sledding adds to the options available in winter. Weston Park covers 5.8 acres and is near the geographic center of Merrimack.

Woodland and Landscape

Grater Woods Forest is a contiguous 480-acre property created through land acquisitions by the Merrimack Conservation Commission. Its size and continuous expanse set it apart from Weston Park, which is near the geographic center and offers several recreational activities.

Weston Park also has markedly varied habitats, ranging from wetlands along the Souhegan River to dry, higher ground at the Old Meeting House and Graveyard. The burial ground in the park has been relatively undisturbed for more than 200 years. It is home to a wide variety of native grasses, lichens, and wildflowers, including species considered threatened or endangered in New Hampshire. Alongside its recreational activities, Weston Park therefore offers remarkable ecological diversity.

Traces of Local History

Reeds Ferry was a colonial-era ferry across the Merrimack River operated by William Read. The Reeds Ferry Site marks the location of the original landing on the west bank. It served as a loading point for canal boats that carried passengers and freight to Newburyport. The site thus connects the history of crossing the river with earlier transportation by water.

Other historic landmarks include Chamberlain Bridge and Simonds Rock. Chamberlain Bridge is made of local granite and has an unusual design. Simonds Rock served as a landmark for both Indigenous peoples and early settlers. These places represent different aspects of local history, from construction methods and materials to earlier navigation through the landscape.

Planning Tips

All parks in Merrimack open half an hour before sunrise and close half an hour after sunset. Check local notices for temporary closures before your visit. Near Merrimack, Horse Hill Nature Preserve offers trails of varying difficulty.

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