HomeProtected PlacesChecheco Community Preserve
Checheco Community Preserve adventures

Checheco Community Preserve Adventures

Checheco Community Preserve is a scenic natural area in New Hampshire known for hiking, wildlife viewing, and maintaining local ecological habitats within an accessible community environment.

66
Acres Protected
2.5
Miles of Trails
5,000+
Annual Visitors
2016
Year Established

About Checheco Community Preserve

 

Checheco Community Preserve is located in Dover, New Hampshire, spanning over a diverse landscape that features forests, wetlands, and riverine ecosystems centered around the Little Bay tributaries feeding into the Piscataqua River watershed. This preserve serves both as a vital wildlife habitat and a recreational area for locals and visitors. The terrain includes accessible trails that wind through mixed hardwood forests, low-lying marshes, and riparian zones, offering opportunities for birdwatching and observing native flora and fauna. Historically, the preserve’s land was part of indigenous territories and later utilized for small-scale agriculture and milling operations; today it functions as a protected green space aimed at conservation and community engagement. Visitors enjoy hiking and walking along well-maintained paths, practicing photography of the rich landscape, and spotting a variety of species such as eastern box turtles, great blue herons, and migrating songbirds. Educational signage throughout some trailheads provides insight into the ecological importance of the area and its role in local water quality protection. Its proximity to Dover makes it a convenient natural retreat that supports environmental stewardship and outdoor learning in an urban-adjacent setting.

Highlights

Highlight

The Checheco River overlook offering peaceful views of the waterway and surrounding forest

Highlight

Wetland areas providing habitat for amphibians and migratory birds

Highlight

An interpretive trail featuring educational signage about local ecology and conservation efforts

Highlight

Quiet back trails favored for solitary walks and seasonal wildlife sightings

Notable Natural Features

Checheco River Corridor

A key waterway running through the preserve that supports diverse aquatic and riparian species.

Wetland Habitat

Vital marsh areas that support amphibians and migratory birds, important for ecosystem balance.

Interpretive Walking Trail

A short loop trail with educational panels detailing the natural and cultural history of the area.