Swasey Parkway
Swasey Parkway
4.5
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- Exeter Station • 9 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
66 reviews
Excellent
42
Very good
20
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Alison S
Springfield, MA1,039 contributions
Jun 2021
Short, flat, easy trail along the Squamscott River. Starts right next to the Exeter Academy boathouse in downtown Exeter. (Good ice cream shop right there too...) Saw an osprey, great blue heron, several types of ducks (with ducklings - late June). Placid and pretty.
Written 1 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maurene_K
Dover, NH12,583 contributions
Sept 2022
The Swasey Parkway is a roadway that runs along the Squamscott River from the end of the downtown area on Water Street near Stillwell’s Ice Cream to where the parkway ends and rejoins Water Street which turns north, parallels the park, and becomes Newfields Road just after the terminus of the parkway.
The parkway is a good place to take a short drive for some scenic views which I’ve done many times on numerous trips to Exeter.
There is a narrow park with a path that runs between the parkway and the river. It’s a great place to walk and get scenic views of the river, some marshy areas, and former historic mills that have been repurposed.
Across the river, one can get a glimpse of the historic 1771 Powder House where a number of barrels of gunpowder were stored and used at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
On this visit, I covered the full length of the path.
There were several benches along the way.
At the north end, there is a large boulder with a plaque that states that this area was a gift from Ambrose Swasey in 1931. There is also a memorial stone for Robert M. Swasey that was donated by Star in the East Lodge #59.
Overall, the park's path is a very easy walk on a level ground.
For its scenic views from the roadway, plus flat terrain and accessibility for all levels of walkers on the path in the park, I rate the Swasey Parkway at 4.50.
The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews and some health issues.
If you found this review useful, please click the THUMBS UP to indicate HELPFUL.
The parkway is a good place to take a short drive for some scenic views which I’ve done many times on numerous trips to Exeter.
There is a narrow park with a path that runs between the parkway and the river. It’s a great place to walk and get scenic views of the river, some marshy areas, and former historic mills that have been repurposed.
Across the river, one can get a glimpse of the historic 1771 Powder House where a number of barrels of gunpowder were stored and used at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
On this visit, I covered the full length of the path.
There were several benches along the way.
At the north end, there is a large boulder with a plaque that states that this area was a gift from Ambrose Swasey in 1931. There is also a memorial stone for Robert M. Swasey that was donated by Star in the East Lodge #59.
Overall, the park's path is a very easy walk on a level ground.
For its scenic views from the roadway, plus flat terrain and accessibility for all levels of walkers on the path in the park, I rate the Swasey Parkway at 4.50.
The reason for the delay in submitting this review was due to a months-long loss of my ability to post photos with my reviews and some health issues.
If you found this review useful, please click the THUMBS UP to indicate HELPFUL.
Written 1 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FredNH92051
Exeter, NH17 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
Enjoy a shady stop by the river, right downtown. The view upstream towards the Exeter River and the old mill buildings is excellent.
Written 3 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joan L
Westmore, VT129 contributions
Sept 2019
We were so looking for a walk through Swasey Park. Several people at or near our hotel said it was a must visit. We drove into town, found a place to park....and off we went. We walked along the shops downtown (very cute and very pet friendly)...but we got to the start of the park, and NO DOGS ALLOWED $100 fine to bring our pet. We don't have two legged children, so our dog goes everywhere we go, or we just don't go. We stay in pet friendly hotels, we take out for meals ( we would never leave our dog alone in the hotel). So, while we though Exeter was a pet friendly town, I don't know that we would go back.... very sad.
Written 17 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
campingQueen43
Exeter, NH10 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
This is a great spot for a quiet lunch or picnic. A farmer's market is held every Thursday afternoon during the summer months along with a revolutionary war festival in July and outdoor movies and concerts all through the summer. Swasey Parkway also provides a great view of historic Exeter NH as well as Phillips Exeter's rowing team practices. This part of the river is an excellent spot for salt water fishing as well as watching the various types of wildlife that rely on the river for food. Great Blue Herons, American Bald eagle and wild ducks to name a few.
Written 11 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Agostinho77
Exeter, NH18 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
Charming park with an incredible potential. Unfortunately fencing along the river ruins the connection with nature. There should also be an area for dogs. The town lacks a dog park and there is no reason why this park should not have a desingated area.
Written 9 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anadamamanda
Exeter, NH84 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
Whether it's for the farmer's market, a festival or just an afternoon by the water, Swasey is always a good bet. No dogs, read the signs because it's a $100 fine. But this is good for the kids because it's nice and clean.
Written 15 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anita L
Exeter, NH276 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
We frequently walk this parkway and never tire of the beauty with wonderful views of Exeter town center, the Mill, and nature. Blue herons, seagulls an eagle may be seen. An excellent interpretive map is at the start of the pathway. No dogs are permitted. Benches are conveniently placed. Wide grassy areas are fine places for children to play. For a feeling of the Exeter community be sure to take this walk.
Written 5 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kurt S
2 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
A beautiful, well groomed, green walkway along the Squamscout River. Not crowded, All manner of wildlife. A terrific place for a leisurely walk. Accessable right from downtown Exeter.
Written 18 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason K
San Leandro, CA272 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
Nice place to walk. Sit under a tree and watch the PEA crew practice. Go to the Thursday Farmers Market. Watch the fireworks. But....BUT.......NO DOGS ALLOWED. That stinks,
Written 15 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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