A new spur has been formally added to the network of trails on Crotched Mountain, and I decided today I would explore. Laura and I set out under the premise of potential rain showers. We lucked out, though we could see them around us as we got higher up the mountain. Thankfully they held off until we were done. Laura had never been to Crotched Mountain before, so I opted for the slightly longer, but less elevation of Shannon's Trail up. This also took us past the gorgeous view point at the top of the All Persons Trail which is an added bonus. I had expected it to be busier, but we arrived to only 1 car and that hiker finished as were getting started. Did end up seeing a few others along our way, but way less busy than I had anticipated. Shannon's Trail really is a relatively gentle ascent. We took a shortcut path over to Bennington Trail a little ways before the actual Bennington Trail intersection. This was a little overgrown, but still easy to follow. Before we knew it, we were at the spur marked with yellow blazes. The spur is just under half a mile and leads over to the top of the ski lifts with lovely views to the surrounding areas. We didn't linger too long seeing the rain off in the distance and not sure which way it was headed. Back on Bennington Trail, we did head up to the summit where the fire tower pylons still remain and down to the viewpoint where the picnic table no longer remains. Then back down Shannons Trail. We jumped on the All Persons trail for a bit, but then back onto the main trail and returned to the car. A really great day in the woods.

viewpoint at the top of the All Persons trail

heading out on the ski lift spur

what is left of the old picnic table

Saturday, August 15, 2026

West End Farm Trail

I'd been putting off West End Farm Trail because when I had looked previously, the map to me seemed somewhat confusing. I decided to tackle a section of it this weekend, and when I looked at the map this time it was perfectly straightforward.. so I'm not sure what I was thinking last time. There is a relocated section not available on any maps I've seen yet, but I wasn't heading for that part today so I'll worry about that later. I decided to start from the NH Audobon Society trails. I followed West End Farm Trail to Dimond Farm, including the 2 very short side paths to the pond on the way out, and returned via Weston Loop. For the most part it was very easy to follow, though there do seem to be a few possibly mountain biking trails that branched off where I had to refer to my digital map to make sure I was on the right path. This section of trail ended up being really nice, I was pleasantly surprised. A variety of terrain from true woods, a small section of paved bike path, short road walk, wide open woods road, open fields.. kept it interesting where there wasn't really anything of note to see. I took a quick side trip to the true summit of West End Hill as well, There was an unmarked trail that led almost to the summit and easy short walk off trail.

Strava Activity

side path to the pond #1

side path to the pond #2

I stayed on West End Farm out (left) and returned via Weston Loop (right)

turnaround point

Weston Loop back

I took Old Orchard Trail back to the car, this was fun!

oh whoops.. this was after and facing the opposite direction!

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Rowe's Revenge

It's been 10 or so years since I've hiked in the Belknaps. There have been so many other places to explores, once I completed my patches for that area, I moved on.. however a few new trails have formally been added, so I figured today was a good day to go back and explore. I chose the trails on Mt Rowe. I parked at the pullout at the gate on Area Road. It was hot today and humid, so I really just took my time. My route was only about 3 miles, but 700ft of gain. To get to the trails, go through the gate and down the road a few hundred feet. There a sign here for the trails, turn right and up into a lot that has some materials dumped and a small sign points you up Rowe's Revenge. This is a ski trail, so nothing technical about it. Just a lot of up. In some areas the grass was a bit longer, but for the most part it was either gravelly or just grass. At one point it skirted close to some mountainside homes, otherwise felt far away from the bustle of this region. Just before the end of the trail there is an umarked spur out to the site of an old warming hut with some views over the lake. The trees are starting to grow up and it was very hazy today in the heat, but I could still see a bit and enjoyed a nice breather. I continued to the end of the trail, which is just below the actual summit of Mt Rowe. I opted not to revisit as I've been there several times already and it's essentially just a communications tower. I decided to take what the Guide has called BTTR - Better Than the Road, but the signage onsite called it Cutoff Trail and I've also seen it on some maps referred to as Bypass Trail. Either way, it was a nice quick descent marked with white and green blazes that was definitely a nicer alternative than the gravel road. It popped out at the top of the Mountain Coaster. I followed a short extension before ending on the road just above the main resort area and just had to walk back through the campground to complete my loop.

Strava Activity