Just wanted something quick. Having done all the trails previously at Oak Hill in Concord, I needed to go back and grab the 2 new trails developed. The kiosk for these new trails is on Hot Hole Pond Road and I made a loop going up Knowlton Trail. Across Dancing Bear Trail stopping to enjoy the Swope Slope viewpoint. Briefly joining Tower Trail before heading down on Bowl Trail. I also did a bonus loop on the mountain bike section off Bowl Trail as it is included on the Southern NH Redlining spreadsheet. It was a gorgeous day. I only saw a couple of people. Bugs were only a nuisance at the parking area. Couldn't have asked for more! Nothing of note except the view at the Swope Slope viewpoint. Really well maintained trails though.

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Great Brook Trail

It's been a while and we all just needed to get out into the woods, so Vanessa, Laura and I decided to a car spot on Great Brook Trail in Deerfield. We spotted a car on Coffeetown Rd and headed over to Harvey Rd to begin. There really is nothing special or scenic about this trail, but it was really nice and pleasant. Passes by a brook off and on. Well maintained and easy to follow. We took the Granite Dome and Vernal Spring side path. The Granite Dome spur just climbs up to some boulders on top of a hill.. maybe the hill is the Granite Dome, we weren't entirely sure.. we actually missed the Vernal Spring on that small loop as it was relatively dry and had quite a bit of debris on it. When we got back to the Granite Dome intersection we all looked at each other and decided to backtrack to at least what we think was the Vernal Spring. Overall, just another pleasant walk in the woods that wasn't too far from home!

Strava Activity

plenty of blazes. Coffeetown Rd end of Great Brook Trail

we think this was the Vernal Spring

as far as the blazes went on Granite Dome spur

Harvey Rd entrance to Great Brook Trail

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Saddleback Mountain - Northwood Meadows

It was a frigid, but gorgeous day today. Laura and I decided to explore some of the expanded trails on Saddleback Mountain over at Northwood Meadows. I've hiked over there countless times, including the original loop up and over the slopes of Saddleback and even once bushwhacked to the true summit. My first and only real bushwhack. We parked at the end of Old Mountain Road and geared up. I was surprised to see the woods road section packed down as much as it was, so we initially were able to get by with bare boots. I opted to go to the furthest intersection so we'd have a shorter distance to go upon our return. When we got to Parsonage Lot Trail, it was well packed down, but we opted to go with snowshoes for better traction on the ascent. The light hitting the snow through the trails made everything rather magical today. The only point of interest along the trail is a viewpoint north about halfway up. From here, we picked up Link Trail, climbing up the junction with Ravine Loop. Initially we were going to do all the trails, but the extra energy of walking in snowshoes for the first time in years did my energy in, so we opted to stay on Link Trail, and at the intersection with Ravine Loop on the other end, took Lalish Trail back down. This was the only section that was unbroken. Snow depth wasn't deep though, so it was easy going. There is a section that follows very closely alongside a marsh. I'm curious what that section is like when it's not frozen! There was also a signed area fall some falls, but of course everything was frozen today. Right near the road there was one stream crossing that was a bit dicey as the ice wasn't totally solid, but we were able to carefully navigate across some rocks. Once back on the old woods road, we returned to the car. I think I'll save going back to finish the area until the snow has melted to compare!

Strava Activity

heading out from the end of Old Mountain Road

looking up at Saddleback Mountain

viewpoint along Parsonage Lot Trail at Link Trail intersection

Lalish Trail

Lalish Trail back on the old woods road

Monday, December 22, 2025

Collins Family Forest

It was cold today, but we had some rain last week so I thought maybe the ground would be less snowy. It was and it wasn't, but the conditions were just fine. I chose Collins Family Forest, and initially bit off more than I could chew, so I'll have to go back and finish another day. I parked at the Collins Path kiosk on North Shore Road, which was plowed and clear. There was a thin layer of snow on the ground, but I opted to bare boot and carry my spikes just in case. I ended up being able to bare boot the entire day. I went up Collins Path to the Chesley Connector. This entire area is just lovely walks in the woods, no real points of interest, but everything is well marked and well maintained. I took a left on Chesley Connector and followed that to Chesley Road. To avoid doubling back, I walked the road just a tenth of a mile up to Homestead Trail. There was a cellar hole here. I took Homestead Trail past the intersection with Collins Path and continued to Mt Molly Trail. Here, I did an out and back on Mt Molly Trail down to the kiosk on North Shore Road. This was a steep little section, but thankfully short. I continued on Mt Molly Trail up to the summit. There was a short, steep section just before the summit, and today it was completely clear of snow and ice, which was good. I imagine it could be tricky otherwise. Just before the summit I followed a herd path to some ledges with some views over Merrymeeting Lake.. then followed up to the actual summit where there are gorgeous open views across the lake and the surrounding peaks. Coming off Mt Molly Trail on the backside was very, very icy, but luckily there was enough space and snow alongside that I was able to skooch without any issues. Just slowed me down a little making sure I didn't slip and fall. I followed Mt Molly Trail to the kiosk on Devil's Den Road, and then walked the road up to Devil's Den Trail. This was a bit icy as it's a Class VI road and unmaintained, but I was able to walk along the edge without issue. Devil's Den Trail is not on the map yet, but is marked. I had no issues with navigation, though a few more blazes might be helpful. At this point, there is colored flagging in between the blazes which helped. This side of the mountain must not see the sun as much, as the snow cover here was a bit deeper, but not enough to cover my boots and I was able to walk through it easily enough. At Valley Way, I had planned an out and back to cover the piece between here and Mt Molly Trail, but I was getting really tired and had been going slower than expected, so I didn't want to run out of daylight. I took Valley Way back towards North Shore Road. This passed the bottom of the rock face on Mt Molly which had some impressive cliffs. Back at Mt Molly Trail, I retraced my steps to Homestead Trail, and then back to Collins Path, taking that back to the car.

Strava Activity