Chesley Meadows Preserve

Chesley Meadows Preserve, part of a network of 450 acres of preserved land in Durham, is located adjacent to the Town of Durham’s Runaround Pond Recreation Area and two conserved farms, Old Crow Ranch and New Leaf Farm.

There are no developed or marked trails other than the snowmobile trail which is wet even during the driest parts of summer. Parking is available at Runaround Pond Recreation area, on Davis Road shoulders, and in a small turnout at the intersection of Davis Road and Chesley Hill Road.

Chesley Meadows was initially created in 2015 and later expanded in 2017 and 2019.

Permitted:  Backcountry equestrian use, hiking, hunting, skating, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and trapping with advance notice. Dogs are welcome but must be on leash or under voice control – leash only near abutting pasture and during periods of deep snow. Camping is allowed, but with permission and away from trailheads and neighbors. There are no good sources of water on the preserve, and no privies.

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Not permitted:  ATV use, biking and smoking.

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Required:  Wear blaze orange during all hunting seasons. Adherence to postings on private abutting land; many of these postings seek to protect nearby farm animals from dogs and hunters.

Royal River Conservation Trust protects and stewards properties, including Chesley Meadows Preserve, located within the traditional homelands of the Wabanaki. We strive to ensure that our properties are inclusive and accessible and provide opportunities for healing, education, and respite.

There are no good sources of water on the preserve and no privies. There are no developed or dry camping spots on RRCT’s shoreline on Runaround Pond.