Bela Brook runs through the northeast part of Dunbarton and into Bow, east of Pages Corner and Routes 13 and 77. The 305-acre conservation area sits along the western side of Grapevine Road and permanently protects public access to the brook.

Bela Brook and its tributaries have long been a town conservation priority. The brook is one of Dunbarton’s most significant wetlands. Funding for the conservation area’s original land purchases came entirely from the Dunbarton Conservation Fund. An additional 68 acres were donated by Stinson Hills LLC to the Town of Dunbarton and added to the conservation area in 2016.

The conservation area includes downstream reaches of wetland, as well as a totally undeveloped stream corridor and small pond.

Video: A hike in Bela Brook