Trail Use Guidelines – Dunstable Trails

General Trail Guidelines

Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Leave No Trace: Carry out all trash, food waste, and belongings. No trash receptacles are provided on-site.
Foot Travel: Stay on marked, designated trails at all times to protect sensitive Core Habitat zones and prevent soil erosion.

Permitted Activities: Hiking, bird watching, photography, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are welcomed across properties. Non-motorized watercraft (canoes/kayaks) and horseback riding are permitted only on designated parcels (e.g., Bacon Conservation Area).
Motorized Vehicles: All motorized recreational vehicles (ATVs, dirt bikes, eBikes, snowmobiles) are strictly prohibited.
Pets: Dogs must remain on a leash at all times. Owners must pick up and remove all pet waste.
Fire & Camping: Open fires, camping, and charcoal grills are strictly prohibited across all conservation properties.

Neighboring Lands: Please respect private land boundaries. Site access easements (such as the access road at Bahsler Forest) pass close to private properties—stay strictly within marked access corridors.
Historical Artifacts: Fieldstone walls, barn foundations (such as the Kendall-Cummings foundation), and historical structures are protected. Do not climb on or remove stone or historic artifacts.

Please respect private property.
Hiking, horseback riding, mountain bike riding, nature study, and other low-impact activities are permitted. Please avoid horseback and mountain bike riding when conditions are muddy to minimize erosion.
Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails.
Please refrain from littering or dumping. All properties are “carry in – carry out”.
Fires are not allowed.
Camping is not allowed without a permit from the landowner.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on any trail.
Take personal protection measures to reduce your exposure to ticks and mosquito bites.
Dunstable has a leash law. All dogs must be leashed on all public properties. It is unacceptable for dogs to be allowed to chase other animals (wild or domestic) or jump on, or otherwise scare, people. Fines can be levied for non-compliance with the Town’s regulations.
Please pick up after your dog and properly dispose of the waste.
Smoking anything is not allowed on the trails because of the resulting risk of starting a forest fire.

Not all trails have cell reception.
Bring a re-fillable container of water for hot days and/or long hikes.
All trails are carry-in/carry-out. Do not leave any litter, including food scraps.
When parking areas are limited, please park so that you are not blocking private driveways or other cars. Leave room for others to park.
For safety, make sure your car is well off the road.