Karen’s Woods Town Forest

Karen’s Woods is a 75-acre Town Forest donated by David Dufault in memory of his wife Karen. The property, located near the intersection of Dolly Road and Maple Street, includes a mile-long trail that leads to a scenic viewpoint over a vast, open wetland. This significant wetland provides valuable habitat for wildlife and contains the drainage from Gould and Putney Hills before flowing into the Contoocook River in downtown Contoocook.

Directions:
Parking is available on Dolly Road, .1 mile from its intersection with Maple Street. The parking lot is not plowed in winter but there is adequate space for cars on the shoulder of Dolly Road.

Walking path: 1-mile loop. Follow the signs labeled ‘Loop Trail’ to the foot bridge where visitors can enjoy views over the wetland to the backside of Gould Hill. From the Loop Trail, a connector trail leads to the Dearborn Christmas Tree Farm on Cross Road.

Note: Hunting is not permitted on Karen’s Woods.

History:

David Dufault donated this 75-acre property to the Town of Hopkinton in 2024 in memory of his wife, Karen Brown Dufault. Karen especially loved the serenity she found in these woods. Dave and Karen, who lived on Stony Brook Lane, began acquiring adjacent parcels during the 1970’s and enjoyed accessing the ‘backland’ from their home. Dave took great pride in managing the land for timber. He developed trails from skidder roads and generously permitted neighbors to use these trails. Some of these logging roads are incorporated into the Loop Trail.

Dave Dufault gifted this parcel so that it could be enjoyed “as a refuge for everyone, where anyone can retreat from the hustle and bustle of this modern life and enjoy the flora and fauna that the Lord has graciously provided for the pleasure of all”.

At Town Meeting in March 2025, voters approved designation as a Town Forest. In November 2025, over 50 people attended the official dedication of Karen’s Woods. Special thanks to Ron Klemarczyk, Chair of the Hopkinton Conservation Commission, for overseeing construction of the parking area, access road, loop trail and footbridge, and to the many volunteers who helped clear the trail and build the bridge.

The Hopkinton Conservation Commission intends to continue the careful forest management that Dave Dufault initiated.