Awcomin Marsh

Awcomin Marsh is a strange name for a marsh. I have no idea where the name came from however it a place that is worth going to. The entrance is about 200 yards to the south of Rye Harbor across the road on route 1A.

I do not know where the name Awcomin come from. There has to be a good source. This is a conservation marsh land that attracts birdwatchers. In fact if you go to this website http://ebirdhotspots.com/birding-in-new-hampshire/usnh-rockingham-county/usnh-awcomin-marsh-rye/ you will see the type of birds sighted by bird watchers. When you go to this web site, there is a link called hotspots. There will be a list of birds sighted there. This website will let you see what birds are sighted all over the state.

This area is a wonder for marsh restoration. To see what was done go to websites https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/factsheets/cp/documents/cp-11.pdf and https://www.newetlands.com/awcomin. For years this was the dumping grounds for material dredged in Rye harbor. That made a mess of the marshland including introducing invasive plants. It is incredible to see what it looks like now. The invasive plants are gone.

The entrance is about 200 yards south of Rye harbor on route 1A. One can either park at Rye Harbor for a small price or park at the entrance of the walkway. There is limited parking there. The entrance is not marked well so you can easily pass by it. Take the path. It will split into 2. The way to the platform is easily marked and short. There is another path that takes one to a piece of land that takes you to a strip of land that goes nearly to the center of the marsh. This path is not well marked. I passed by there the first time without seeing the entrance to the path. This marsh is well worth the visit. Just like going on any trails in New England, check for ticks later after completion of the visit. Here are some pictures.