Posted on April 23, 2018 and last updated on February 11, 2024

Desrochers Memorial Forest, South Berwick

QUICK TRAIL FACTS

  • Preserve Size: 273 acres
  • Trail Mileage: ~4.4 miles in network
  • Pets: yes
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Sights: Great Works River

I really enjoyed my walk at this large preserve tucked between Knights Pond Road and Emery Bridge Road. A good portion of the trail follows the pretty Great Works River. The paths are well marked, with signs at the junctions.

If you stick to the western side of the preserve (the South Berwick Town Forest side), you have a choice of doing several loops along relatively wide, easy paths. If you follow the outermost perimeter, the hike is about 2 miles. But you can cut out sooner to make smaller loops.

Additionally, you can strike off to the east, into the Desrochers Memorial Forest. Just under a mile of wide, easy woods roads, including Grandpapa’s Way, bring you to a 0.5-mile loop (Tara’s Trail), a footpath that follows a section of Knight’s Brook. There’s a scenic area at the end of Grandpapa’s Way by the river, if you don’t mind a scramble down the bank.

Directions: The preserve drive is off Knights Pond Road, close to 96 Knights Pond Road. Look for a sign at the side of the road and follow the dirt road to the trailhead kiosk and a gate.

Let me know if you have any trail updates or corrections!