Canoe Club Preserve / Pembroke

Canoe Club Preserve is a quick half mile loop trail located right off Rt 139 in Pembroke. The trail is a perfect addition to a weekend or weekday as it is probably right near all your errands or commute. The trail entrance is perhaps a bit concealed. The trail entrance is located behind Pembroke Pointe (home to Orta) and you'll see a sign designating parking and a trail entrance on the side of the parking lot. 

TRAILS:

 The paths are not specifically marked however you can't miss it. The trail is only a half mile loop and about 75% of it is on a boardwalk. The portion that is not on a boardwalk is fairly uneven with tree roots and rocks - however not unsafe. It might present a challenge for a stroller - but not impossible. The boardwalk is well-maintained with only a few boards needing repair. 

It is important to note that this boardwalk trail is connected to the Canoe Club Homeowners trail - which is private land. There is a many signs calling out the property line but I'll admit it looks very appealing! From Google Maps, you can see that the boardwalk continues to wind its way through the marsh. 

POINTS OF INTEREST:

Canoe Club Preserve is a very simple trail loop so there isn't anything incredible significant to call out. There are no benches or places to relax - it really is just for a quick walk. There is evidence that this trail is frequented by deer - so maybe you'll get lucky and see one! 

HISTORY:

It is a Wildlands Trust property that was donated by the developer of the Canoe Club Properties, Ron Wilson. Wildlands Trust was drawn to this property because of its ecological significance due to its North River frontage, seepage wetlands, Atlantic White Cedar forest pockets, and its location in the Herring Brook Valley. The preserve includes 20 acres and frontage of a tidal freshwater marsh along the scenic North River. Approximately half of the preserve is wooded and is accessible to visitors via boardwalk and loop trail. The boardwalk was completed in the spring of 2006 to allow visitor access through the wet woodlands for their enjoyment of passive recreation such as walking, hiking, nature study, photography and other similar pursuits. [Source: Wildlands Trust]