Bradford

Bradford offers unusual glimpses of inland nature: in Bradford Bog, a boardwalk leads through a rare Atlantic white cedar swamp to a floating bog and an observation platform. There are also trails of varying lengths and characteristics, a sandy shoreline with rare plant communities, and places where local food and crafts play a role. When planning your trip, you can weigh whether you are mainly interested in landscapes and walks or would also like to discover local products.

Bog, Brook, and Lakeshore

At Bradford Bog, you can experience the landscape from a boardwalk that passes through a rare inland Atlantic white cedar swamp. The trail brings together two natural features: the swamp and the adjacent floating bog. An observation platform is also part of the trail. This makes the bog a distinctive destination for anyone wishing to discover a characteristic moorland landscape in Bradford.

Bradford Pines Natural Area offers a different focus. This small, state-owned protected area lies on the banks of West Branch Brook and is characterized by very large eastern white pines. Lake Massasecum, meanwhile, has a mostly sandy shoreline associated with rare plant communities and rare plant species. The swamp, brookside, and lakeshore each represent different natural features to consider when choosing your outings.

A Walk or a Loop Trail

The loop trail at Battles Farm starts and ends on Jewett Road, at the bridge over Hoyt Brook, and runs over Jewett Hill. The inner loop is 1.9 miles long, and the outer loop is 2.2 miles long. The trail is rough and steep in places. The two loops therefore differ in length; the trail conditions are also an important consideration when planning your day.

A shorter option, described as easy, is the Tilly Wheeler Trail. This 0.3-mile walking path runs between Church Street and Gillingham Drive along a former railroad bed. The Pillsbury/Sunapee Highlands Easement covers 451 acres in Bradford, is open to the public, and has designated hiking and snowmobile trails. It therefore offers another option for different outdoor activities.

Local Products and Discovering Bradford

Bradford’s shops and food offerings also give the town its own distinctive character. The Tin Shop was the town’s main tinware store and carried tinware as well as household goods. Its selection thus included both tin products and household items.

Sweet Beet Market & Cafe offers food from the immediate area, homemade bread, pastries and baked goods, as well as local crafts. If you are interested in regional products in addition to nature and walks, this adds a culinary and artisanal dimension to your ideas for Bradford.

When looking for a vacation rental in Bradford, you can base your choice on which of the experiences described are most important to you.

More town pages: Boscawen, Andover, Pembroke, Hooksett, Bow, Warner, Sutton, Henniker.

Back to the regional travel overview: Merrimack County.