The East Branch Community Trails is a multi-use, non-motorized trail system in the Town of Keene. The trails are located on county reforestation lands owned by Essex County on Route 9N along the Keene-Jay town line. The project is a partnership between the Town of Keene, Keene Youth Commission and Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA), who worked with Peduzzi Trail Contracting to develop a plan for a hiking and biking trail system that would be completed in phases.
The trails are being phased in and that means that not all of the trails or land area is open to hikers. For now, you’ll only need to access the area completed in phase one. The area has great potential for locals and tourists alike - pavilion, firepits, open fields, hiking/biking trails. The area is busiest in the summer, but beautiful anytime of year. While this is a biking and hiking trail system and bikers should yield to hikers, it’s better as a hiker to be safe than right. Pay attention to other trail users and you’ll avoid any unfortunate incidents for you or bikers.
Please remember that this is a community space, so please leave no trace…of humans or pets! Better yet, leave the place better than you found it, and pack out any trash that you find on trails or at the pavilion.