Chesley Meadows and Runaround Pond

You can run around on this preserve, but you can’t run around the pond — the trail system just covers ground south of the long, squiggly pond. The loop is roughly a half mile. The nicest part of the easy, wooded trail is at the start, just across the street from the parking area. Here you’ll pass what looks like an old dam and small, pretty waterfall. Runaround Pond is better for paddling than swimming.

The section of this rather large preserve that is suitable for walking is on a 133-acre parcel managed by the town of Durham. More info at the Royal River Conservation Trust.

Directions: From I-295, take Exit 22 to Freeport/Durham. Turn right onto Route 136 North and drive 6.2 miles. Turn left onto Rabbit Road and continue onto Runaround Pond Road for 1.1 miles. Look for the entrance to the parking area and boat launch on the right. The trails leave from a gate across the road from the recreation area.