
Bellamy Preserve
The Bellamy Preserve, also known as the Bellamy River Wildlife Sanctuary, is a 26-acre natural area located in Dover, New Hampshire. Established in 1970 through a generous donation by Mr. and Mrs. G. Allen Huggins, the sanctuary has since expanded to protect vital habitats along the western bank of the Bellamy River and Little Bay.
The preserve features two loop trails totaling approximately 1.5 miles, offering visitors easy-to-moderate hikes through diverse ecosystems, including forests, tidal creeks, and salt marshes. These trails provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, particularly during spring and fall migrations when waterfowl frequent the area.
As part of ongoing conservation efforts, the Bellamy Preserve is actively managed to restore habitats for species such as the federally-listed New England Cottontail and various shrubland birds. Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails, keep dogs on leashes, and carry out all trash to help maintain the sanctuary's ecological integrity.
Visitor Information:
- Location: Bayview Road, Dover, NH - Parking: Limited space available in a small parking area; please do not park along roadsides if the lot is full. - Hours: Open year-round during daylight hours. - Activities: Hiking, snowshoeing, birdwatching. - Restrictions: Foot travel only; dogs must be on a short leash; no hunting, trapping, camping, fires, or motorized vehicles allowed.