Walrath Woods
Access to the Sandy River Forever
Imagine stepping onto a riverside trail where the sound of the Sandy River rises above the noise of traffic, just minutes from downtown Strong. Walrath Woods offers a close-to-home escape where families, anglers, hunters, and walkers can enjoy one of the best stretches of the Sandy River, protected for generations to come.
High Peaks Alliance is working to conserve this 120-acre property and reopen a 1-mile trail for hiking, fishing, hunting, and foraging. The project will secure the longest continuous stretch of the Sandy River with guaranteed public access.
Watch this stunning flyover of the Sandy River and envision access for generations.
A Legacy of Stewardship
This land holds deep significance as a hub for traditional outdoor activities, including fishing, deer and turkey hunting, and spring fiddlehead foraging. Alongside these uses, state biologists have identified this stretch of the Sandy River as critical habitat for Atlantic salmon, with spawning Redds documented over multiple years.
Adding to its value, about 22 acres of prime farmland within the property support a local farm, helping to strengthen regional food security. Together, these features highlight the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage, worthy of protection and conservation.
Honoring the Walrath Family Legacy
For over 40 years, the Walrath family has been devoted stewards of the Hundred Acre Farm on South Strong Road. Since settling there in 1981, Doug and Sherry Walrath gardened organically, restored their 1843 farmhouse, and welcomed generations of family to explore the surrounding woods and riverfront.
Now, the family ensures their woodland legacy endures by permanently protecting the 120 acres surrounding their farm, the very woods that gave the Hundred Acre Farm its name.
The Sherry Walrath Memorial Trail honors Sherry Walrath (1937–2025), whose spirit and love for this riverside landscape touched all who knew her.
Access, Connection, and Community
Addressing a Conservation Gap
Franklin County has less permanently conserved land than the state and national averages. Without action, we risk losing access to the outdoor spaces that define our way of life. Protecting Walrath Woods helps close this gap, ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy this remarkable landscape.
Community Benefits
- Close-to-home recreation: A 1-mile trail from the northern trailhead to the southern terminus will reduce the distance Strong residents need to travel for quality hiking and river access, with parking, kiosks, and improvements like drainage structures and bog bridging.
- Year-round access: Foot travel most of the year, plus designated winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
- Free and Open: Southern Franklin County has low incomes, limited conserved land, and high pressure from seasonal buyers; this project keeps land open and free for everyone.
- Health and connection: Easy grades and varied activities, walking, fishing, and hunting, provide ways for people of all ages to get outside.
Your Gift Makes It Possible
The full project budget is approximately $375,000, and we are currently applying for grants and seeking donations to secure the necessary funding. The anticipated costs cover land acquisition, environmental assessments, trail development, and ongoing stewardship.
How You Can Help
Your support will help the Alliance:
- Purchase 120 acres along the Sandy River, including 1.7 miles of riverfront and 22 acres of hayfields
- Rehabilitate and maintain a 1‑mile River trail with parking, signage, and sustainable infrastructure
High Peaks Alliance has secured $210,000, with a total project budget of $275,000, covering land acquisition, environmental assessments, and trail development.
Every donation, large or small, brings Walrath Woods closer to becoming Strong’s riverside backyard.
📸 Video and images courtesy of Eisenhaur Photography.