Trailspotting

The Sweet Trail, Durham NH

2026-10-07T13:54:32.088-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 9 mile out-and-back
• Easy | Gain 490 feet
• Durham & Newmarket, NH | Seacoast Region
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Colby Marsh viewed from the blue spur trail.

The Sweet Trail strings together a trail through a patchwork of marshland and forest as it heads towards the brackish waters and expansive views over the Great Bay. It runs one way, from Longmarsh Road in Durham to the shore of the bay in Newmarket, so it is not a loop - a fact that trail signs along the route repeatedly like to remind you.

In the early 1970s, shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis planned an oil refinery on Durham Point, complete with a pipeline stretching out to the Isles of Shoals. Local residents organized, and the plan was defeated in 1974. The fight raised the profile of Great Bay, which later became a National Estuarine Research Reserve, and a coalition called the Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership has since protected habitat around the bay.

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⬤ 4★ The Sweet Trail 9.2 mi out & back, easy, gain 490 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

Today the trail crosses land owned and managed by the Town of Durham, The Nature Conservancy, New Hampshire Fish and Game, and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Local volunteers built the trail with help from the Appalachian Mountain Club, and it is named for Cy and Bobbie Sweet, longtime supporters of conservation around the bay.

Terrain along the trail is mostly flat and easy to traverse, with only an occasional brief rocky section. Because the route passes through several ownerships, trail markers vary, but the many 'Sweet Trail' white tin squares with a blue arrow are the ones to follow. Along the way you will pass stone walls and old foundations, and several beaver ponds with lodges, dams and chewed trees. Some of the dead pines standing in the water hold heron nests, so bring binoculars if you're so inclined. Interpretive signs on the trail cover the refinery story and tips for spotting wildlife.

The Sweet Trail is a patchwork of marshland and forest.

At the trail's north end, close to the Longmarsh Road trailhead where most hikers will start their journey along this trail, watch out for the blue signposted arrows on the right. These lead to what is possibly our favorite viewpoint along the trail - a scenic viewpoint across Colby Marsh - one that seems to be overlooked by many hikers on the Sweet Trail.

Further south, the Jeff's Hill Trail cut-off can save you two-thirds of a mile each way, if you want to avoid a meandering section of the Sweet Trail and divert onto this short inclined trail.

The main trailhead is on Longmarsh Road in Durham, with parking on the left just before the gate. Expand our map to see additional parking locations and driving directions links that intersect with the trail along its route.

Shaded trail with mostly easy terrain.

A reflection of striking fall colors.

Plenty to see under the forest canopy, including glacial erratics.

More marshland views on the Sweet Trail.

The Sweet Trail ends at the side of the Great Bay.

External links:
The Sweet Trail at The Nature Conservancy

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Stratham Hill Park (1-5 mi)
3★ Little Harbor Loop (2 mi)
4★ Rockingham Portsmouth Branch Rail Trail (28 mi)
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Basin Cascade & Kinsman Falls, NH

2026-10-05T17:21:00.184-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 1 to 3 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 260 to 630 feet
• Lincoln, NH | White Mountains
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Basin Cascade, a popular near-trailhead attraction.

The Basin Cascades are a popular stop for tourists and locals visiting Franconia Notch in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Easy, accessible trails make this an ideal spot for a leisurely forested meander past several rocky water features along the Pemigewasset River.

Those looking to venture further can follow the Basin Cascade Trail as it tracks Cascade Brook uphill into the mountain scenery. This moderately rustic dirt trail passes several waterfalls on its way to Kinsman Falls, with Rocky Glen Falls waiting further upstream. These waterfalls are best visited from spring through fall, and we have mapped and reviewed three ways to enjoy them below.

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⬤ 4★ Kinsman Falls 1.0 mi out & back, moderate, gain 260 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Northbound · Southbound GPX?

⬤ 4★ Kinsman & Rocky Glen Falls 2.6 mi out & back, moderate, gain 610 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Northbound · Southbound

⬤ 4★ Kinsman Falls & Cascade Loop 3.0 mi loop, moderate, gain 630 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Northbound · Southbound

P Free parking

⬤ 4★ Kinsman Falls 1.0 mi, 260 ft
Short, with waterfalls from the start.
Kinsman Falls is the largest waterfall on the route and is visible from a distance along the Basin Cascade Trail. A closer look is possible if you locate the narrow, informal spur trail that leads down to the rocks at the base of the pool. This is a great choice if you want to see a striking waterfall without committing to a long hike.

⬤ 4★ Kinsman & Rocky Glen Falls 2.6 mi, 610 ft
More cascades, rougher footing.
Additional cascades lie beyond Kinsman Falls along a trail that becomes increasingly rough, though never overly difficult. Almost every footstep lands on a different rock or root. The trail culminates at Rocky Glen Falls, where Cascade Brook plunges into a vertical-sided rocky gorge. It is possible to walk into the gorge, provided the water level is low enough to do so safely.

Trail Bridge over Pemigewasset River

⬤ 4★ Kinsman Falls &Cascade Loop 3.0 mi, 630 ft
Scenic loop, cautionary river crossing.
For a longer trek, you can continue beyond the falls on a counter-clockwise loop that heads back down on the Cascade Brook Trail (which also serves as part of the Appalachian Trail). The terrain here is mostly easy, aside from a shallow, rocky crossing of Whitehouse Brook near the end. Along this stretch, we took an accidental detour and discovered a hidden waterfall just off the path, which we've marked on our map.

Choosing this loop comes with an important caveat: the final leg requires crossing the Pemigewasset River on the Pemi Trail. A footbridge once spanned this crossing, but it is no longer standing. When we visited in September during low-flow conditions, we had to remove our shoes and roll up our pants to wade across the mostly shallow water. Crossing at higher water levels could be hazardous. If you have any doubts about the river conditions but still want to tackle the loop, we advise a clockwise approach so you can inspect the crossing early in your hike.

Large, free parking lots are well-signposted as "The Basin" from Interstate 93. We have linked to both lots and indicated which is accessible from the northbound or southbound lanes. Expect them to fill up quickly on weekends, though a steady turnover of visitors usually keeps wait times short. The northbound side features two lots; if the lower one is full, simply continue around the bend to the upper lot. Restrooms are available at both trailheads.

Moderate terrain on the hike to Kinsman Falls.

There are many sights on the Basin Cascade Trail.

Kinsman Falls is the largest cascade on the trail.

Fall colors on the way to Rocky Glen Falls.

A rougher trail leads to Rocky Glen Falls.

Easier but longer - a Cascade Brook Trail return.

You'll find two more falls on Cascade Loop.

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Georgiana & Harvard Falls (2 mi)
5★ Flume Gorge (2 mi)
4★ Lonesome Lake (3 mi)
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Georgiana Falls & Harvard Falls, NH

2026-10-04T22:00:00.000-04:00

• 5-star hike
• 2 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 780 feet
• Lincoln, NH | White Mountains
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Georgiana Falls's largest cascade.

Calling this a hiking trail to two waterfalls undersells the experience - Georgiana Falls and Harvard Falls are each comprised of a number of cascades and plunges. On our visit we continued to be startled by a new spectacle at almost every turn of the trail.

The signposted route to Georgiana Falls starts by passing twice under freeway carriageways and turning right at a junction, before heading uphill and leaving civilization behind. Follow the trail as it gradually climbs uphill until it meets and continues alongside Harvard Brook. While the flow of Harvard Brook typically tapers off during summer months, the Kinsman Mountains' watershed ensures it continues running throughout the year.

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⬤ 5★ Harvard Brook Trail 2.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 780 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

Georgiana Falls opens with a few small rocky cascades before reaching a larger, picturesque stepped waterfall. We observed many visitors turning around here, after two-thirds of a mile and 260 feet of elevation gain, but the more adventurous carry on to Harvard Falls. Past Georgiana Falls the red-blazed trail becomes rougher and more rudimentary, and with a brief steep section to reach the top of Harvard Falls.

Harvard Falls' main event is a 60-foot tall plunge which looks just as impressive from above as well as below. We spent quite some time up here, scrambling carefully over the rocks and admiring the scenery from every vantage point. Take your time and watch your footing since wet rock is not known for its grip. Do not miss out on the final cascade located above Harvard's tallest plunge. We've marked it on our map as a viewpoint at the end of the trail.

The trailhead offers a moderately-sized free parking area. Though this trail isn't on the main tourist route, the parking lot can still fill up quickly on weekends and during leaf-peeping season, and an early start is likely to give you an advantage.

Wide trail narrows after Georgiana Falls, gets rougher.

Looking back from the top of Harvard's tallest plunge.

A final cascade, above the main Harvard Falls.

On the unmaintained, scenic upper trail.

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Flume Gorge (2 mi)
5★ Cannon Mountain (4-7 mi)
5★ Franconia Ridge Loop (8 mi)
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Sabbaday Falls, White Mountains NH

2026-10-04T20:13:00.000-04:00

• 5-star hike
• 1 mile out-and-back
• Easy | Gain 100 feet
• Waterville Valley, NH | White Mountains
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The two-tiered upper section with boardwalks for best views.

The Sabbaday Falls Trail is a brief outing off the popular Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest, and it is a nice stop to fold into a longer drive without much planning. The trail begins directly from the parking area off Route 112, immediately immersing you in the dense mixed forest characteristic of this elevation in the White Mountains.

The path starts out wide and graveled, easy enough for almost anyone to manage. Benches offer resting spots along the way, with views of the surrounding forest for anyone who wants to slow down. Interpretive signs along the route explain some of the local geology and history, giving a bit of context to the woods you are walking through.

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⬤ 5★ Sabbaday Falls 0.7 mi out & back, easy, gain 100 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

$ Paid parking

Sabbaday Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall that cascades over several plunges and through a tight rocky gorge. Though there is not one position where you can admire the full extent of Sabbaday Falls, a well-designed trail allows you to get great vantage points. The path descends to the pool at the end of the falls where you can climb on the rocks to get a closer look from within the narrow gorge, before continuing up a few steps and along a sturdy multi-level wooden boardwalk to help you view the tallest of the drops.

Some choose to extend their walk further along the Sabbaday Brook Trail, following the creek upstream and deeper into the White Mountain forest. After a modest hike along a path that becomes more uneven and rockier as you progress, the route crosses the brook a couple of times. If you are interested in continuing further, possibly to the summit of Mount Tripyramid where the Sabbaday Brook Trail finally terminates, check out the link in the Trailspotting Nearby section at the foot of this article.

Lower Falls squeezes through a narrow gorge.

Sabbaday Falls is primarily visited from late spring through fall. Water flow peaks in the spring, driven by snowmelt and seasonal rains that rush through the gorge. While the flow typically tapers off during the summer months, the brook's steady watershed ensures it continues running. A significant rainstorm at any time of year can temporarily swell the falls, making wet weather a great time for a fuller display outside of spring. In the colder months, winter ice prompts the Forest Service to close the immediate viewing boardwalks and spur trail near the cascade, though Sabbaday Brook Trail remains open year-round.

Trailhead parking is usually busy, particularly on weekends, but since the trail to the waterfall is short, there is a relatively fast turnover of vehicles in the lot. Parking requires a National Forest fee or equivalent pass.

View of the larger upper cascade from the boardwalk.

External links:
Sabbaday Falls at US Forest Service website

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Mt Tripyramid (10-12 mi)
5★ Mt Chocorua (7-10 mi)
5★ Flume Gorge (2 mi)
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Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail, NH

2026-10-04T16:08:00.000-04:00

• 4-star trails
• 1 to 3 mile segments
• Easy & Moderate | Low gradient
• Newbury to Concord, NH | Merrimack, Sunapee
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The historic Railroad Covered Bridge at Contoocook village.

The Concord to Lake Sunapee Rail Trail follows the former Boston and Maine Railroad corridor through central New Hampshire. When complete, the full route will span 34 miles from the state capital to Lake Sunapee. The trail passes through wooded areas, over wetlands, across bridges - including a historic covered bridge - and provides connections to nearby communities.

At present, there are 9 miles of trail available to explore. Some sections are surfaced with crushed stone to accommodate many trail activities, including walking, running, and cycling. Others are accessible only via unimproved trail surfaces. We've explored and mapped all sections available today and describe below what to expect from them.

⬤ Hardpack ⬤ Rough ⬤ Road Biking ⬤ No Access

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⬤ ⬤ 4★ Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trails 9.0 mi each way, easy & moderate, low gradient
GPX File · AllTrails · MAP PACK ???

P Free parking

Our map also includes a hidden layer showing suggested road biking routes that link together sections of the Concord to Lake Sunapee Rail Trail - scroll down for more information. Our road biking links illustrate how easy it is to extend your ride onto the 58-mile Northern Rail Trail toward Lebanon, or south along the unimproved rail trails of Hopkinton and Henniker Rail Trails. We've reviewed these other rail trails in the links provided here, complete with trail condition descriptions and downloadable maps.

Trail Index & Links:
  1   Tilly Wheeler Rail Trail (0.6 miles ea way)
  2   Warner Rail Trail (0.3 miles each way)
  3   Bagley Field Rail Trail (1.2 miles each way)
  4   Stevens Rail Trail (2.2 miles each way)
  5   Little Tooky Trail (1.1 mile loop)
  6   Mast Yard Rail Trail (1.7 miles each way)
  7   O'Reilly Fleetham Trail (0.6-1.4 mile options)
  8   Fisherville Rd Rail Trail (2.5 miles each way)

Development of the Lake Sunapee to Concord Rail Trail has progressed through the combined efforts of volunteers, private donations, and municipal support. Local trail groups organize work parties for maintenance and construction, while funding from individuals and grants has enabled infrastructure improvements. The project continues to expand incrementally. Those interested in supporting the trail can volunteer for scheduled work days, contribute to fundraising campaigns, or advocate for trail expansion with local officials. Additional information about volunteer opportunities and donations is available through the trail organization's website.

1 3★ Tilly Wheeler Rail Trail 0.6 mi ea way, easy, low gradient
Driving Directions

One of the shortest trails you'll find on our website, the Tilly Wheeler Rail Trail also offers quite the variety of scenery and attractions. From woodland to lakes, distant mountain views, fitness equipment, and eateries. After parking at Bradford Town Hall, head up the quiet Church Street to find the start of the Tilly Wheeler Trail and head west from here. Before you do so, take a quick look to the east—the former rail route used to run where Route 103 now stands, and Bradford Station once served passengers at the intersection with Main Street.

This short trail through Whitman Park has been enjoyed by locals for decades and features several fitness stations along its route. Now part of the growing Concord to Lake Sunapee Rail Trail project, the route has been extended further west, running parallel to Route 103 across Lake Todd. As you cross the lake, it's clear that the project is edging closer to its destination, evidenced by a visible Mount Sunapee in the middle distance.

2 4★ Warner Rail Trail 0.3 mi ea way, easy, low gradient
Driving Directions

The Warner Rail Trail is another route that is short in length but has plenty to see along the way - from the Dalton Covered Bridge at the east end to the charming town center of Warner at the west end. The trail also boasts a novel approach to attract younger visitors, with a story walk. Beginning at the Pillsbury Free Library on Depot Street, a story is revealed page by page over the course of twenty-one podiums placed along the one-third-mile route.

We combined our rail trail walk with a return riverside walk on the opposite bank of the Warner River, where we were able to pick out an informal path along the riverbank between the ball fields of Riverside Park and the covered bridge. This was the best place to enjoy some riverside views, since the rail trail itself does not provide as much of a view as we would prefer. Also, choose the right day to visit and you could pay a visit to Warner's New Hampshire Telephone Museum.

3 3★ Bagley Field Rail Trail 1.2 mi ea way, easy, low gradient
Driving Directions

The Bagley Field Rail Trail runs alongside the Warner River and Route 103 through wooded terrain in Warner. Originally opened as a half-mile section in 2014, the trail has now been expanded to 1.2 miles including across a re-decked 100-foot steel truss bridge spanning the Warner River.

The crushed stone trail begins at Bagley Field sports complex off Exit 8 of Interstate 89 and heads northwest. Users will find parking on Depot Street, a bike repair station with tools and pump near the trailhead kiosk, and portable restroom facilities at the park. The flat, straight route accommodates walkers, runners, and cyclists of various abilities. The trail remains open year-round when conditions permit.

4 3★ Stevens Rail Trail 2.2 mi ea way, easy, no gradient
Driving Directions

A century and a half ago, as many as ten trains a day would steam across the covered railroad bridge over the Contoocook River, packed with vacationers heading to Lake Sunapee and beyond. Today, that same traffic travels up Interstate 89 on a mostly parallel journey. You can now enjoy a section of this old rail route - thankfully set back and cushioned from freeway noise by dense forest - along an excellent hard-packed gravel trail surface suitable for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike.

The best starting point for this trail is at the Hopkinton Town Library at the south end, close to Contoocook Village and what is known as the world's oldest railroad covered bridge, located next to the Contoocook Railroad Museum. Although the old alignment immediately north of the river is now built over and privately owned, Stevens Rail Trail detours through a half-mile path across sports fields and woodland to connect sections of the old rail bed. The trail mostly travels through forest, with a creek feeding marshland at the halfway point.

Eventually bisected to the north by the I-89 freeway, the trail then leads off to the east along a very pleasant, meandering quarter-mile route that connects to Warner Road. There are no parking facilities available at the northwest end of the trail.

5 3★ Little Tooky Trail 1.1 mi loop, easy, low gradient
Driving Directions

This one‑mile trail is best suited for pedestrians and includes a quarter‑mile stretch of railbed that connects the two ends of a forested path. It is also possible to continue along the railroad alignment beyond the Little Tooky Trail loop, where you can enjoy several riverbank views before encountering a cordon across the trail with a 'No Trespassing' sign. Note that this extended walk is on private property, but it may be a right‑of‑way, as there are no other 'No Trespassing' signs before this point.

We also have a separate review of the Little Tooky Trail that provides additional details, including a non‑motorized path linking this hike to the Contoocook Cemetery, the railroad museum, and the historic covered bridge.

6 4★ Mast Yard Rail Trail 1.7 mi ea way, moderate, low gradient
Driving Directions

The Eastern white pines that grow along the Contoocook River were once highly prized as masts for 19th‑century ocean‑going vessels. Today, the 1.7‑mile section of railbed that runs through Mast Yard State Forest is a much quieter place.

We recommend combining an exploration of the rail trail with a return along the single‑track path that follows the banks of the Contoocook River. Along the way, you'll cross NH Heroes Bridge, pass a power‑line corridor, and enjoy excellent riverside views. Our separate Mast Yard State Forest trail review covers this and other trails in the park. Expect a grassy, hard‑packed rail trail suitable for foot traffic and rugged bicycles. The single‑track riverside trail can also be traversed on similar bikes and is an enjoyable way to complete a loop.

We are advised that the railbed beyond the western limits of the Mast Yard Rail Trail, leading to Penacook Road, is privately owned and that the owner does not welcome public access. We have no information about any rights‑of‑way across this property and suggest that trail users respect any posted 'No Trespassing' signs.

7 3★ O'Reilly-Fleetham Trail 0.6-1.4 mi options, easy, low gradient
Driving Directions

The O'Reilly‑Fleetham Trail is best suited for foot traffic, but we've included it in this article because the short loop features a section of railbed and offers the best views of the abutments of the old river‑spanning railroad bridge—without needing to launch a boat from the neighboring Contoocook River Canoe Center.

These trails are in good condition, with mostly firm ground underfoot and very few rocks or muddy sections. We brought our bicycles onto these trails and found the route to be a fun diversion and a pleasant complement to our rail‑trail explorations. A circuit of the Loop Trail is 0.6 miles long, and you can add an out‑and‑back along the Riverside Trail for a total of 1.4 miles. More details are available in our slightly longer O'Reilly‑Fleetham Trail review.

8 4★ Fisherville Road Rail Trail 2.5 mi ea way, moderate, low gradient
Driving Directions

Presently the easternmost segment to be developed along the route, this 2.5‑mile stretch between Fisherville Road and the Contoocook River offers a hard‑packed trail through woodland north of Concord. Beginning at a well‑appointed trailhead with parking and a cycle Fixit station, the wide gravel surface makes walking or riding the entire length. This trail offers forest views almost exclusively, though we recommend continuing north on Carter Hill Road just a short distance to reach the Contoocook River.

CLSRT Road Biking Connections
There's a hidden layer to our map that shows suggested road biking routes that connects the fragmented segments of the Concord to Lake Sunapee Rail Trail. To view you can enable the road biking layer in the sidebar of the expanded map, or with the downloaded Map Pack. Road biking connections are always under 2.5 miles, except for the link between Little Tooky Trail and the Mast Yard Rail Trail, which requires a 4.7‑mile ride. We note that it may be possible to shorten this last connection substantially if riders can access the west end of the Mast Yard Rail Trail at its intersection with Penacook Road—see our Mast Yard description above concerning access issues due to private property. Elevation changes on these road biking connections are modest.

Admiring the massive Railroad Covered Bridge.

A restored caboose by the shores of Lake Sunapee

External links:
Concord to Lake Sunapee Rail Trail website

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Mount Sunapee (1-10 mi)
4★ Mount Kearsarge (1-9 mi)
4★ Marjory Swope Park (2-5 mi)
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New Boston Rail Trail, NH

2026-10-02T12:30:00.000-04:00

• 4-star trail
• 5 miles each way
• Moderate | Low Gradient
• New Boston, NH | Merrimack Region
.

Refurbished Lang Station Passenger Shelter.

With an October 2021 grand opening, the extended New Boston rail trail celebrated a new lease of life for the former railroad route, offering 3.9 miles of compacted gravel trail suitable for two legs, two wheels, or even four hooves. Beyond the official route, we also mapped the old railroad alignment to its historical terminus at the old passenger depot.

West of Manchester, and built as a spur off the New Hampshire Central Railroad in 1893, the New Boston Railroad served two stations over five miles, tracing its way up the gentle slope of the South Branch Piscataquog River valley to the attractive town of New Boston itself.

⬤ Hardpack ⬤ No Access ⬤ Parking

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⬤ 4★ New Boston Rail Trail 4.8 miles each way, moderate, low gradient
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

Although the trail follows the river, including passing by the site of the former Wilson Dicker lumber mill, virtually the whole journey is under the shade of forest. Intermittent views of the river can be spotted from time to time, but for the best river valley views, you would have to take your chance on the adjacent auto road.

There are still several things to see along the way, including dense evergreen forest at the north end, a new rustic footbridge resting on abutments that once served the prior rail bridge, the Lang Station building, and then the 4H fairgrounds that were once the base of the Pinball Hill ski area.

Picturesque trail bridge over Middle Branch Piscataquog River.

Continue beyond the southern limits of the rail trail for another 0.9 miles to the New Boston passenger depot, now a private residence, and grab some well-earned refreshment at the cafe in town, or from the old Dodges Country Store. This extended route crosses the 4H fairgrounds and runs along a wide gravel paved road, but remains a legitimate right of way that traces the old railroad alignment.

⚠ Trail Conditions:
Hardpack surface throughout, with a dirt road and gravel segment closest to New Boston. Take care at the two road crossings, which are not ideal or well marked for passing motorists.

Cycling through fall foliage and occasional river views.

The old New Boston passenger depot, now a private residence.

A bird's-eye view of New Boston in fall.

Looking for donations for a Parker Road pedestrian tunnel.

External links:
New Boston Rail Trail website

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Goffstown & Piscataquog Rail Trails (6 mi)
4★ Frog Rock (1 mi)
4★ Purgatory Falls (1-5 mi)
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Best Trails NH: Merrimack Region
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Mount Tripyramid, Waterville Valley NH

2026-09-22T14:47:23.633-04:00

• 5-star hikes
• 10 to 12 mile options
• Moderate & Hard | Gain 2,910 to 3,420 feet
• Waterville Valley, NH | White Mountains
. NH 4,000 Footers

The 4,160 foot Mount Tripyramid gets its name from its three pyramid shaped peaks and offers a genuinely varied set of routes depending on how much of a challenge you are after. The most accessible way to reach all three summits is a counterclockwise loop up the mountain's north side by combining the Pine Bend Brook and Sabbaday Brook Trails.

An out and back on Pine Bend Brook alone is the shortest option, but you might want to lean toward the full loop so you get to walk beside the mossy Sabbaday Brook and pass Sabbaday Falls on the way down. Approaching instead from Waterville Valley to the southwest, the Scaur Ridge and South Slide route comes next in difficulty, followed by the loop that includes both the North and South Slides.

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⬤ 4★ Pine Bend Brook O&B 9.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 3,420 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions* GPX?

⬤ 5★ Pine Bend & Sabbaday Brook Loop 11.1 mi loop, moderate, gain 3,220 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions**

⬤ 5★ Slides Loop 10.7 mi out & back, hard, gain 2,910 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions**

⬤ Scaur Ridge & South Slide [Y] 11.6 mi loop, gain 2,920 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions**

P *Free parking $ **Paid parking Y Yet to review

Two of the three summits are shrouded in trees and provide no views, but Middle Tripyramid has an impressive viewpoint that looks west toward fellow 4,000 foot peaks of Mounts Whiteface and Chocorua. There are still other views to be had on these scenic trails - particularly on the Sabbaday Brook Trail.

The best views however, can be found on the North and South Slides. Although you'll have your eyes glued to the rocky terrain, there's still plenty of time to take in the impressive, unobstructed distant views of New Hampshire's White Mountains as you pause for breath on the hardest sections of the trail. The views towards the Sandwich Range can also be experienced by hiking beyond the peak of South Tripyramid to the top of the South Slide.

North and Middle Tripyramids from South Summit's flank.

⬤ 4★ Pine Bend Brook O&B 9.4 mi, 3,420 ft
Shortest route and steepest gain.
This is the shortest way up, though it also packs in the most elevation, so you might prefer to pair it with Sabbaday Brook Trail on the way down rather than doing it as a pure out and back. This narrow trail sets off from the side of the Kancamagus Highway and into forest on a steady moderate grade.

After around two-and-a-half miles the trail turns rockier and steeper, with a handful of easy scrambles before you top out on North Tripyramid. From there the ridgeline trail linking the three peaks is easy to follow, with the occasional scramble along the way. Pine Bend Brook roadside parking is free and rarely fills up.

Tackling the vertical on Pine Bend Brook Trail.

⬤ 5★ Pine Bend & Sabbaday Brook Loop 11.1 mi, 3,220 ft
Trail variety, Sabbaday Falls.
This route brings the most variety, finishing along the mossy and strikingly picturesque Sabbaday Brook. Park at the Pine Bend Brook trailhead and go counterclockwise so the steepest climbing comes first. Coming down Sabbaday Brook Trail has its own moments, particularly a steep slab of rock near the top that you will be glad to be descending rather than climbing, and a couple of potentially wet brook crossings lower down.

Your reward at the end of the trail is the celebrated and spectacular Sabbaday Falls. Closing the loop means a walk along the Kancamagus Highway back to your car, but the wide verges keep it feeling reasonably safe. Parking at the Sabbaday Falls trailhead instead of Pine Bend Brook requires a National Forest fee or equivalent pass, and this lot tends to be busy. Note that our mileage and elevation measurement for this route includes the out-and-back trip to South Tripyramid.

Sabbaday Brook Trail is startlingly picturesque.

⬤ 5★ Slides Loop 10.7 mi, 2,910 ft
Our favorite. Big views, big challenge.
This is our favorite route, combining excellent views with a challenging slide that requires some sustained effort and confidence. Beginning at a trailhead close to the Waterville Valley Resort, the first four miles of trail is a wide gentle approach that gives you plenty of time to warm up. On the way there are a couple of water features we've marked on our map - the Norway Rapids at the end of a short spur trail, and a trailside unnamed waterfall. After a creek crossing the real climbing starts. We strongly recommend a clockwise loop - descending the North Slide is discouraged.

You will know you have reached the North Slide once the trees thin out and the spectacular, distant views open up. We'd describe the North Face as difficult, even for seasoned hikers, but not technical. Slopes are consistently around 40 degrees, with occasional slabs of 45 degrees that were enough to make us nervous. In reality there's little danger here providing you tackle this route in dry conditions.

North Slide is a hard, steep scramble with excellent views.

Our biggest concern would be the possibility of falling rocks dislodged by other hikers, but since we were alone on the North Slide we didn't even have to worry about that. The North Slide is wide. We tried to follow the pink scuff-marks on rocks that indicate a well-used approach, but at some times we just had to eyeball the terrain to figure out the best way up.

After visiting the three summits, descending the South Slide is thankfully a much easier experience, but not without its own challenges. Expect to take your time picking your route around rocky scrambles, while admiring the expansive views across to the Sandwich Mountain Range beyond. The Tripyramids trailhead is large and requires a National Forest fee or equivalent pass.

⬤ Scaur Ridge & South Slide 11.6 mi, 2,920 ft
Avoids the North Slide.
This route covers much the same ground as the Slides Loop but sidesteps the North Slide, instead joining the Pine Bend Brook Trail before heading up to North Tripyramid's summit. You can expect a few moderate scrambles on Pine Bend Brook Trail near the top.

Middle Tripyramid has the only summit view.

Sabbaday Falls is an impressive sight near the trailhead.

External links:
Sabbaday Brook Out & Back (11.4 mi 3,220 ft) at AllTrails

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Mount Whiteface (9-11 mi)
4★ Mount Tecumseh (5-7 mi)
5★ Welch-Dickey Loop (4 mi)
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Gap Mountain, Troy NH

2026-09-20T11:12:41.857-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 3 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 670 to 810 feet
• Troy, NH | Monadnock Region
.

Mount Monadnock views from North Mountain.

Gap Mountain gives hikers two choices to reach the top, with routes approaching from both the north and the south. The two trails are nearly identical in length and elevation gain, and both offer a fantastic experience. We suggest choosing whichever trailhead is closest to you. On either path you can expect a mostly shaded woodland walk, capped off with a few short, rocky sections near the top.

North Mountain is the highlight of the hike. Its rounded summit features open views in all directions and plenty of room to wander around. Wild blueberry bushes blanket the top, and if you happen to visit in July or August they should be loaded with fruit. Bring a container to collect a harvest or just bring your appetite.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ North Trail to North Mountain 2.6 mi out & back, moderate, gain 680 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ South Trail to North Mountain 2.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 670 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ 3★ South Mountain Spur + 0.5 mi out & back, moderate, gain 130 ft

$ Donation requested

The best view on the mountain is probably the view of nearby Mount Monadnock. You will find this viewpoint a tenth of a mile north of the North Mountain summit, taking only a short stroll to reach. Monadnock fills the horizon beautifully, making this the perfect spot for a quick snack and a photo.

South Mountain offers a different kind of summit. It's covered in trees and provides little in the way of scenic views, but it does mark the highest true point of Gap Mountain. Reaching the peak requires an extra half mile out and back along a spur trail marked on our map. Peakbaggers will want to make the detour, but everyone else can skip it without guilt.

Thankful for boardwalks along North Trail sections.

Just below the summit and a short distance off the south trail sit the abandoned, rusted remains of an old rope tow. It served a private ski hill for the landowner back in the mid twentieth century. A local trail expert pointed this hidden piece of history out to us, and we have marked it on our map and in our GPX download. On the map it can be made visible by using the Expand Map function.

Both trailheads feature moderate sized parking lots with portable toilets available. The trails and facilities are maintained by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Donations to support their work are always appreciated and can be placed into the iron ranger boxes located at both trailheads.

Looking North. Panoramic views from North Mountain.

Looking towards the tree-covered South Gap Mountain.

Trail bridge on the South Trail.

Abandoned and rusted ski-tow mechanism close to South trail.

External links:
Gap Mountain at Forest Society

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Mount Monadnock (4-8 mi)
4★ Miller State Park (3-8 mi)
4★ Cheshire Rail Trail South (20 mi)
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Mount Paugus, Albany NH

2026-09-18T10:37:13.361-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 7 to 8 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 2,200 to 2,700 feet
• Albany, NH | White Mountains
. 52WAV
Paugus South Peak views of Passaconaway & Whiteface.

Mount Paugus sits quietly in the shadow of its more famous neighbor, Mount Chocorua, and tends to get overlooked by hikers heading for bigger names in the Sandwich Range. That's a shame, because this loop turns out to be one of the most enjoyable hikes you can experience in the area.

We chose a looping trail that begins on the side of Route 113A and combines Big Rock Cave Trail, Old Paugus Trail and a section of Lawrence Trail before returning down Cabin Trail. Starting out counterclockwise on Big Rock Cave Trail the going is surprisingly easy. The lower elevations are gentle and largely free of rocks - more of a pleasant forest stroll than a mountain climb. Before things get more serious, make a point of stopping at Big Rock Cave. It's formed from massive mansion-sized granite monoliths that tumbled down the mountainside long ago and formed a human-sized talus cave beneath.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Cabin Trail & Big Rock Cave Loop 7.8 mi loop, moderate, gain 2,700 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ Kelley Trail & Old Mast Rd Loop [Y] 8.1 mi loop, gain 2,480 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ Bolles & Bee Line Loop [Y] 6.8 mi loop, gain 2,200 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking Y Yet to review

The trail stays mellow for a good while longer before the terrain finally steepens and turns rocky. Along the way you'll pass a rocky slide up a gully full of fallen trees that looks more intimidating than it actually is, partly because halfway up the trail takes a sharp right and thankfully detours away. An occasional moderately steep granite cap and a couple of modest scrambles remain to be tackled before you close in on the summit, but nothing to elevate this trail into a 'hard' category.

Mount Paugus' wide, domed South Peak is ringed with trees and offers only partial views, but walk just a short way to the south down its granite face, and unobstructed views reveal themselves. Perhaps the most impressive views are westward toward the pointed Mt Passaconaway. Distant views south also reveal the Belknap Mountains and rolling hills in between.

Counterclockwise up Big Rock Cave Trail first.

Worth noting is that Mount Paugus' actual summit isn't connected to any maintained trail. Some hikers like to bushwhack over for the bragging rights, but we opted to stay on trail this time around. We've marked the true summit on our map in case you're curious, and most people who do visit it approach from the west side of South Peak, where the trail passes closest.

Though a counterclockwise route of the Big Rock Cave and Cabin Trail loop is preferred to tackle the steeper climbs on the way up, coming back down the Lawrence Trail section does require some care. Loose, fine glacial till makes footfalls on the steepest trail angles a little uncertain. Once you're back on the Cabin Trail portion, things settle down again into an easy, uneventful walk back toward the trailhead.

We haven't yet hiked the Kelley Trail or Bolles Trail routes up Mount Paugus, but thanks to OpenStreetMap we're able to show both on our map and provide GPX downloads. Descriptions we've made above about the approaches to Mount Paugus' summit apply to both of these overlapping routes.

Investigating the Big Rock cave.

A pre-summit viewpoint on the Old Paugus Trail.

Better Whiteface & Passaconaway views just below the summit.

Distand southern views towards NH's Lake Region.

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Mt Chocorua (7-10 mi)
4★ Mts Whiteface & Passaconaway (9-11 mi)
4★ Mt Israel (4 mi)
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Mount Peg, Woodstock VT

2026-09-17T12:56:14.730-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 1 mile part-loop
• Easy | Gain 340 feet
• Woodstock, VT | Southern Region
.

Mount Peg has the best view of Woodstock's hills.

Mount Peg sits right on the edge of Woodstock village, making it one of the easiest hikes in the area to walk to and knock out on a whim. The trail is mostly easygoing, winding through quiet woodland on dirt paths before finally breaking out of the trees into a sweeping summit meadow. Here, a panoramic vista opens up across the rolling hills surrounding Woodstock, highlighted by a striking view of Killington Peak to the northwest in the distance. It is a relaxed, grassy spot that offers a much more expansive and satisfying sense of space than the view at the end of the more popular nearby Faulkner's Trail.

Once you are done soaking in the scenery, you will find a picnic table and a couple of benches around a small fire pit, making it a comfortable place to sit and take a break before heading back down.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Mount Peg 1.4 mi part-loop, moderate, gain 340 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

This open, view-filled meadow is not technically the true summit of Mount Peg. The actual high point is a short distance away, tucked in the trees and unmarked. If you feel so compelled, you can reach it by following the road just west of the meadow for a bit. We have marked its location on our map for anyone who wants to tag the actual summit rather than just the viewpoint.

Mount Peg is a multi-use area, and hikers share the mountain with mountain bikers and, in winter, cross-country skiers. There is history behind that mix of uses, too. Long before it became a network of hiking and biking trails, part of the mountain was used as a golf course—despite the hilly terrain that seems like an odd fit for the sport. These days, the trails covered in this article are signposted as off-limits to bikes, so you should not have to worry about sharing the path with anyone on two wheels here, even though biking is common elsewhere on the mountain.

Three or four parking spots are available on the corner of Golf Avenue and Billings Place, and the trail begins a short distance up Billings Place. As this is a quiet residential area, please be extra considerate of local residents and do not obstruct driveways or roads.

Mostly in woodland, the trail offers lots of shade.

Sunlight on the trail, approaching the summit.

Green Mountain views. Killington on the right.

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Faulkner's Trail to Mount Tom (3 mi)
4★ Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park (4 mi)
4★ Luce's Lookout (3 mi)
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Marsh Billings National Park, Woodstock VT

2026-09-17T10:09:37.564-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 4 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 650 feet
• Woodstock, VT | Central East Region
.

Enjoy the rolling Vermont scenery from Mt Tom's South Peak.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park sits just outside downtown Woodstock, Vermont. The park honors three visionaries connected to the land. George Perkins Marsh grew up here and later warned against the dangers of deforestation. Frederick Billings purchased the farm and put the ideas of Marsh into action by reforesting the hillsides. Laurance and Mary French Rockefeller eventually owned the estate and donated it to the National Park Service. Today, it remains the only national park unit dedicated to the history of American conservation.

This loop offers a fantastic snapshot of the park. It winds through quiet woodlands and open meadows, passes The Pogue as a serene pond tucked into the hillside, and climbs to the South Peak of Mount Tom. From the summit, you are rewarded with sweeping views over the rooftops of Woodstock and the surrounding hills.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Loop 4.2 mi loop, moderate, gain 650 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

Most of the route follows wide, historic carriage roads built for the estate during its working farm era. They feature gentle grades and smooth surfaces, making them comfortable for most walkers, and heavy tree cover provides pleasant shade even on bright days. The only technical exception is the closing stretch, where the loop descends from Mount Tom via the Precipice Trail. This narrow, rockier section can get slippery in wet weather, though rebar posts and cable railings have been installed to assist hikers on steeper spots. If you prefer to avoid this challenge, you can simply double back the way you came from the South Peak. More trails are also available for those wanting to explore narrower trails off the carriage roads.

Mount Tom actually features two summits. The South Peak offers the best views, while the true North Peak sits a bit further along. The North Peak provides very little view, but it is a quick addition via the Billings Trail, which can be a bit overgrown in places, for hikers who like to bag summits.

Begin with a gentle walk up the wide Carriage Path.

The trailhead begins at the large shared parking lot for the National Park and the Billings Farm and Museum, just off Route 12. Exploring the park hiking trails is completely free. You can also easily combine your hike with a tour of the historic Billings mansion, which requires an entry fee or a valid national park pass, or a visit to the Billings Farm and Museum, which has its own separate admission fee.

For a different way up Mount Tom, the Faulkner Trail starts directly in the village of Woodstock and switchbacks up the hillside over about three miles. You can find that route covered in a separate review linked in the Trailspotting Nearby section below.

Great views all along the Pogue Lakeside Trail.

A dragonfly rests on grass by The Pogue.

A rare black bear sighting across the Maple Lot Meadow.

Mount Tom's South Peak Star illuminates at night across Woodstock.

Trail view of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller mansion.

External links:
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park
Billings Farm & Museum website

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Faulkner Trail to Mt Tom (3 mi)
4★ Mount Peg (1 mi)
4★ Luce's Lookout (3 mi)
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Faulkner Trail, Woodstock VT

2026-09-10T12:06:56.306-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 3 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 490 to 520 feet
• Woodstock, VT | Central East Region
.

The star on Mount Tom marks the trail's end.

The Faulkner Trail begins at the edge of Faulkner Park, just off Mountain Avenue in the picturesque town of Woodstock, Vermont. Roadside parking is available nearby, and the path officially starts at an informational kiosk toward the back of the park's mowed lawn.

The route is named for Marianne Faulkner, who created it in the 1930s as a memorial to her late husband, Edward Daniels Faulkner. Having experienced the gentle walking paths designed for cardiac health in the German spa town of Baden-Baden, she modeled these switchbacks on European designs to build a restorative nature trail for the entire community.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Faulkner-Precipice Loop 2.6 mi loop, moderate, gain 520 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Faulkner Out and Back 2.9 mi out & back, moderate, gain 490 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking

From the park, the path climbs the hillside through a series of broad, well-graded switchbacks. The gradient remains easy to moderate as it winds through the woods without ever feeling strenuous. Near the summit, the gentle grade gives way to a shorter, rockier stretch where steel posts and hand cables line the path to assist with foot balance on the uneven terrain.

At Mount Tom’s South Peak, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of downtown Woodstock, the surrounding hills, and the Ottauquechee River Valley. The peak is also home to the Woodstock Star, mounted on a frame facing the valley. Originally erected in the 1940s to welcome local troops returning from World War II, the star remains an iconic fixture today. In 2024, the Woodstock Rotary Club led an effort to replace its aging wooden frame with a sturdier metal structure, ensuring the star continues to glow over the village every evening.

Hillside switchback hiking through shaded forest.

Hikers have two primary ways to approach the trek. The simplest route is an out-and-back hike following the Faulkner Trail switchbacks both up and down for a predictable, gentle journey. Alternatively, hikers seeking more variety can turn the trek into a loop by descending via the Precipice Trail and Link Trails before rejoining the lower Faulkner switchbacks. The Precipice Trail is steeper and rockier than Faulkner, making it a little slippery when wet. From there, the Link Trails offer a rougher, backcountry feel with far less foot traffic.

Faulkner Trail is part of a larger network in the area. To the north, it connects into the trails of Billings Park and the Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park, offering plenty of options for hikers who want to extend their day beyond Mount Tom's South Peak. Check out our 'Trailspotting Nearby' links for more information.

Faulkner Trail viewpoint close to the top of the trail.

Enjoy the rolling Vermont scenery from Mt Tom's South Peak.

External links:
Hiking Trails at National Park Service website

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park (4 mi)
4★ Mount Peg (1 mi)
4★ Luce's Lookout (3 mi)
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Okemo Fire Tower, Ludlow Mt VT

2026-09-09T15:04:48.477-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 6 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,940 feet
• Mount Holly, VT | Southern Region
.

Uninterrupted panoramic views from Okemo Fire Tower.

Perched high atop Ludlow Mountain (widely known as Okemo Mountain), the historic Okemo Fire Tower offers one of the most rewarding views in Vermont. Originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this impressive steel tower actively guarded the surrounding woodlands until around 1970. Today, the fully restored structure is open to hikers, where climbing to the unlocked cab delivers breathtaking, unobstructed 360-degree panoramas of the Green Mountains.

The journey begins off Route 103 near Station Road and the active railroad tracks, where a recently expanded overflow lot doubles the parking capacity. As the peak’s only dedicated footpath, the Healdville Trail provides a peaceful ascent, operating entirely separate from the eastern slopes' bustling patchwork of ski runs and chairlifts.

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⬤ 4★ Healdville Trail 6.0 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,940 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

Marked with clear blue blazes, the Healdville Trail ascends the northern flank at a steady, enjoyable grade free of steep pitches or rough scrambles. While grand vistas are saved for the grand finale at the summit, the route delights along the way with exceptionally lush, serene forest scenery.

For those seeking a gentler approach, Mountain Road provides free vehicle access during the summer months, leaving just a short, easy stroll to reach the summit and experience the incredible tower views.

Verdant Healdville Trail stays moderate throughout.

A small waterfall on Healdville Trail.

Okemo Fire Tower atop Ludlow's Summit.

Climb another 60 feet into the fire tower cabin.

Beyond the tower for views down Okemo's South Face Lift.

Trailside shelf fungi along the route.

External links:
Okemo Fire Tower at National Historic Lookout Register

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ White Rocks Cliffs & Ice Beds (2-5 mi)
5★ Killington Peak (4-8 mi)
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Haystack Mountain, Wilmington VT

2026-08-30T13:07:52.480-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 4 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,030 feet
• Wilmington, VT | Southern Region
.

Rewarded with summit views across Southern Vermont.

Wilmington, Vermont sits at the southern edge of the Green Mountain National Forest, with Haystack Mountain rising just beyond the edge of town. It's close enough to reach from a quiet residential street, yet far enough to offer a genuine ascent into the woods.

Parking near the trailhead is tight, with just a handful of roadside spots tucked into the quiet Chimney Hill neighborhood. Space fills fast, so play nice with the locals, keeping driveways clear and observing posted road signs.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Haystack Mountain Trail 4.2 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,030 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

The trail begins on a wide gravel service road just past a vehicle gate. This section climbs gradually through a hardwood forest, with Binney Brook running alongside part of the way. After just over half a mile, turn left at the no-trespassing signs and leave the gravel road for a narrower foot trail. The no-trespassing signs mark the boundary of Wilmington’s municipal watershed and do not apply to hikers on the marked path.

From here, the trail continues across dirt, roots, and granite with some occasional mud possible. The trail steadily gains elevation through a series of switchbacks as it climbs the ridge toward the upper mountain. Near the top, pay close attention to the trail junction. Turn right onto the short spur trail to reach Haystack Mountain's summit. Blaze through the junction and miss the turning, and your next stop will be Mount Snow some 3.7 miles away to the north.

Some rocks, roots and mild gradient on this forgiving trail.

The summit rewards you with a small, rocky, wide-open perch facing east, and the payoff is immediate. Below spreads the Deerfield Valley, with Wilmington and Dover laid out beneath you, and on a clear day Mount Monadnock stands out sharply on the New Hampshire horizon. Look down and you'll spot Haystack Pond tucked just below the summit, while Mount Snow rises up to the north.

Don't turn around at the main summit, though. A short rock scramble just beyond the peak leads to a secondary viewpoint facing south over Harriman Reservoir and into Massachusetts. This spot offers a completely different perspective, pairing shimmering water below with long, sweeping views to the south.

Wide panoramic views looking east from the summit.

Harriman Reservoir from a second summit vantage.

Forest fungi flourish in this fern-filled forest.

Short and easy enough for a family adventure.

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Mt Olga Fire Tower (1-2 mi)
4★ Shelburne Fire Tower (3 mi)
4★ Mt Greylock (3-7 mi)
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Luce's Lookout, Woodstock VT

2026-08-30T12:52:23.407-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 580 feet
• Barnard, VT | Central East Region
.

Climbing the steps to the rooftop lookout view.

Luce’s Lookout is a rustic private cabin perched above the Appalachian Trail north of Woodstock, and within the boundaries of the town of Barnard. Although the cabin sits on private property outside the official Appalachian Trail corridor, the owners generously allow visitors and thru-hikers to enjoy the site. Maintaining 'Leave No Trace' principles by packing out all trash, keeping pets leashed, and respecting the structure ensures this spot remains open to the public.

The trailhead for this hike is located on a sharp bend near the end of unpaved Green Gate Road, where a few roadside parking spots are available. Please park responsibly without blocking local driveways or road access. ! Note that Google Maps incorrectly directs drivers up Lakota Road - a correction for which we've submitted. Both OpenStreetMap and Apple Maps provide accurate directions to the trailhead.

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⬤ 4★ Luce's Lookout 2.6 mi out & back, moderate, gain 580 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

The hike begins on an eroded logging road that climbs steadily from the start. Shortly into the climb, the trail intersects the Appalachian Trail at a signed Y-junction. Bear right to follow the AT southbound. When in doubt, stay on the widest path, which consistently leads toward the lookout.

After joining the Appalachian Trail, the terrain levels out briefly before climbing again. At a sharp left turn, a signed spur trail branches off to the right. Follow this short spur directly to Luce’s Lookout.

The spur terminates at a small, rocky clearing where the weathered wooden cabin appears. A steep exterior wooden staircase ascends to a rooftop observation deck, offering expansive views across the Green Mountains. Please treat the cabin with care, leave no trace of your visit, and respect the privacy of the surrounding land so future hikers can continue to enjoy this unique landmark.

A section-hiker on the Appalachian Trail.

Unending rolling hills viewed from Luce's Lookout.

Shooting into the sun for another landscape vantage.

Exercise care on the steep steps.

House Rules at Luce's Lookout.

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Mount Peg (1 mi)
4★ Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park (4 mi)
4★ Faulkner Trail to Mt Tom (3 mi)
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Mount Greylock, Adams MA

2026-08-30T12:37:30.495-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 3 to 7 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 640 to 2,280 feet
• Adams, MA | Western Region
.

Drive or hike to the Veterans War Memorial Tower.

Mount Greylock is the highest peak in Massachusetts, rising above the surrounding Berkshire hills. Hikers reaching the summit find sprawling lawns, views stretching into four neighboring states on clear days, and two historic landmarks: Bascom Lodge and the Veterans War Memorial Tower. The Appalachian Trail crosses directly over the peak, connecting Greylock's summit to extensive trail networks running north toward North Adams and south toward Cheshire.

Several trails ascend the mountain from various trailheads, guiding hikers along rushing brooks, scenic ridgelines, and old ski routes. For those who prefer not to hike, a paved auto road offers motorists and cyclists access to the same summit and views from May through October.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Gould Trail 5.7 mi out & back, moderate, gain 2,140 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Gould & Bellows Pipe Loop 6.5 mi loop, moderate, gain 2,280 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ 3★ Overlook Loop 2.5 mi loop, moderate, gain 640 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ Hopper Trail [Y] 4.7 mi out & back, gain 1,100 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ Cheshire Harbor Out and Back [Y] 6.5 mi out & back, gain 1,920 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ Haley Farm Route [Y] 8.8 mi part-loop, gain 2,540 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking Y Yet to review

At the summit stands the Veterans War Memorial Tower, a 93-foot granite structure erected in 1932 to honor Massachusetts residents who served in World War I. Its beacon shines at night and is visible for miles across the region. Visitors can climb the internal spiral staircase to observation windows near the top, which look out over the surrounding valleys and hills.

Just below the tower is Bascom Lodge, a stone and timber building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s using materials harvested directly from the mountain's slopes. The lodge serves seasonal meals and offers overnight accommodations. The open lawns surrounding the lodge and tower give hikers a comfortable place to rest before starting back down.

⬤ 4★ Gould Trail 5.7 mi 2,140 ft
Gould Trail follows a rocky single-track path beside Peck's Brook as it climbs toward the summit. Of the routes on Greylock, this is the one we enjoyed most, largely for the thick forest ambience and the sound of the brook flowing nearby.

A gradual ascent on the Bellows Pipe Trail.

⬤ 4★ Gould & Bellows Pipe Loop 6.5 mi 2,280 ft
Gould & Bellows Pipe Loop ascends via the Gould Trail and returns along the Bellows Pipe Trail. Bellows Pipe is a long, winding route graded primarily for skiers descending toward the adjacent Thunderbolt ski trail, rather than for uphill hikers. Although a climb up Bellows Pipe is gradual and mostly featureless until it steepens near the top, using it for a low-impact descent and pairing it with Gould Trail creates a varied loop that avoids a repetitive out-and-back trek.

⬤ 3★ Overlook Loop 2.5 mi 640 ft
Overlook Loop winds across the upper western flanks of Mount Greylock. Despite its name, the trail offers only a single, partial viewpoint along the way. The section passing Rockwell Pond stands out as the main highlight. Named after a state official rather than the famous artist, the pond sits in a tranquil forest setting that seems tailor-made for a painting. For those driving the auto road, Rockwell Pond is also easily accessible via a short walk from a nearby parking pull-off.

Open seasonally, spiral stairs ascend to panoramic views.

Room for solitude when admiring summit views.

CCC-built lodge in the signature National Park Rustic style.

Don't miss the picturesque Rockwell Pond.

External links:
Mt Greylock State Reservation website
Bascom Lodge website
Mts Williams, Fitch & Greylock at AllTrails (12 mi 2,990 ft)
Mts Saddle Ball & Greylock at AllTrails (7.5 mi 1,740 ft)

Trailspotting nearby:
3★ Gobble Mountain (3 mi)
4★ Lenox Mt & Pleasant Valley (3 mi)
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Hancock Fire Tower, Brodie Mt MA

2026-08-29T10:37:00.000-04:00

• 3-star hike
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,100 feet
• New Ashford, MA | Western Region
.

The former Hancock Fire Tower on Mt Brodie.

Likely of interest only to tower completionists, the hike up Brodie Mountain caught our attention when we set out to map every Massachusetts fire lookout tower accessible by trail. The Hancock Fire Tower has kept watch over northwestern Massachusetts since 1923, though it recently fell out of service and now functions primarily as a frame for radio and microwave equipment.

The tower stands on East Mountain, which at 2,595 feet is curiously taller than the 2,152-foot summit of Brodie Mountain three miles to the north. Locating the unmarked trailhead is slightly unorthodox: it sits along a short farm track just off Williamstown Road. The linked driving directions lead directly to this intersection, where you can drive up the track to a wooded clearing.

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⬤ 3★ Hancock Fire Tower 3.2 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,100 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

Be aware that there are no signs marking the trailhead, the path, or the tower itself, and the trail crosses several private property parcels. While we encountered no signage in this area and suspect the route is primarily used for tower maintenance, public access is not officially designated. If you choose to attempt this hike, do so at your own risk, stay strictly on the trail, and respect private property. If you encounter 'No Trespassing' postings or are asked to leave, turn back immediately.

The hike ascends along a rough, gravel-covered service road beneath a shady forest canopy before merging with a power line corridor leading to the summit. As the trees thin along this straight-line stretch, you will enjoy clear eastward views toward Mount Greylock, particularly on the return journey.

At the summit of East Mountain, the former fire tower - with cabin still intact - is the first structure you encounter. Beyond it sits a tall green pole with the yellow lettering "Brodie Mt." partially obscured by radio hardware. Also, we were briefly startled by some unusual deep noises that we imagined to be those of a territorial bear, but turned out just to be from the slow rotation of the massive wind turbines that are strung along Brodie Mountain's peak. Tall tree growth at the summit unfortunately limits the chances for additional views and prominent signage restricted us from investigating for further viewpoints.

Begin on a service trail under woodland cover.

More mountain furniture atop Brodie Mountain.

Returning views towards Mount Greylock.

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Mount Greylock (3-7 mi)
4★ Lenox Mt & Fire Tower (3 mi)
3★ Savoy Fire Tower (0-1 mi)
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Ward Reservation, North Andover MA

2026-08-28T20:34:00.000-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 1 to 4 mile options
• Easy | Gain 170 to 500 feet
• North Andover, MA | Northeast Region
.

The Solstice Stones on top of Ward Hill.

Nobody knows who in distant history placed the mysterious Solstice Circle stones that adorn the small summit of Holt Hill just outside North Andover. Only kidding. The real story is a bit more recent and a bit less mysterious. Mabel Ward visited Stonehenge in 1911 and came home so taken with the place that she had a ring of granite stones set up on her own property, arranged to catch the sunrise on the first day of each season. They have been marking solstices and equinoxes on this quiet Massachusetts hilltop ever since.

We have mapped two of the most popular routes within Ward Reservation, the short Yellow Loop and the route that extends to cover the Blue Loop.

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⬤ 4★ Yellow Loop & Pine Hole Pond 1.3 mi loop, easy, gain 170 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Yellow & Blue Loop 3.7 mi loop, easy, gain 500 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

$ Paid parking

⬤ 4★ Yellow Loop & Pine Hole Pond
This short trail begins with an out-and-back spur across the Bog Trail boardwalk to a viewpoint over the picturesque Pine Hole Pond. After tracking back to the main loop, head up the steps and follow a tree-lined route into a section of forest. Before that you will get some great views across pastures that look toward a distant Boston skyline. Continue counter-clockwise on the loop and head up a gentle incline to the broad, round summit of Holt Hill, where you will find both the Solstice Stones and a fire lookout tower.

The tower traces back to 1924, when a steel structure was first raised here to keep watch over the surrounding woodlands, and it was rebuilt to its current form in 1971. It is now fenced off with no trespassing signs, still part of the state's active fire lookout network but closed to visitors. Thankfully you are not missing much by staying on the ground, since the best views are already available across the grasslands on top of the hill.

Into the morning sun, on the Pine Hole Pond boardwalk.

⬤ 4★ Yellow & Blue Loop
Extending your hike into the Blue Loop leads you eastward into a variety of woodland scenes. Follow the mostly single track trail down the side of Holt Hill, then up to the equally small summit of Boston Hill, where Elephant Rock rests, surrounded by some open space and grasslands. A map can come in handy on this route to help negotiate a small network of trails that are mostly, but not always, well signposted. We chose a counter-clockwise route on the Blue Loop, though you could go either way.

Ward Reservation was donated by Mabel Ward a memorial to her husband, Charles W. Ward, and we're grateful to The Trustees for protecting and preserving the reservation's forests and grasslands. The reservation's main trailhead is located at the end of the residential Prospect Road, and includes a moderately large parking area. A small parking fee is payable, and there is no annoying penalty for visitors with out-of-state license plates.

Meadow and distant Boston skyline, from Yellow Loop.

Holt Hill Fire Lookout Tower, unfortunately inaccessible.

Much of the Blue Loop is a shaded forest trail.

Bring some imagination to the Elephant Rock.

External links:
Red Loop (3.0 mi, 280 ft) at AllTrails

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Swamp Walk (1 mi)
4★ Middleton Rail Trail (3 mi)
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Mount Norwottuck, Amherst MA

2026-08-26T11:23:18.287-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 3 to 5 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 730 to 1040 feet
• Amherst & Granby, MA | Western Region
.

Views towards Long Mt, from Rattlesnake Knob.

Mount Norwottuck rises in Mount Holyoke Range State Park, nestled between the towns of Amherst and Granby, Massachusetts. Standing at 1,106 feet, it is the highest peak in the Holyoke Range. Hikers can choose between a direct out-and-back route to the summit or a loop that includes the Horse Caves. An optional out-and-back spur to Rattlesnake Knob adds variety and ends at another scenic viewpoint.

All trail options begin at the Notch Visitor Center, which offers ample free parking. The grounds feature a picnic area alongside a visitor building equipped with drinking water and clean, flushing restrooms.

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⬤ 4★ Mt Norwottuck 3.4 mi loop, moderate, gain 730 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Mt Norwottuck & Rattlesnake Knob 5.2 mi loop, moderate, gain 1,040 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ 4★ Mt Norwottuck Out & Back 2.7 mi out & back, moderate, gain 730 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking

The 2.7-mile out-and-back trail to Mount Norwottuck's summit is moderately easy, featuring mostly dirt and gravel paths with wooden steps along the steepest section of its 730-foot elevation gain. Navigation can be tricky near the start due to sparse trail signage, so carrying a GPS map is recommended.

Taking the 3.4-mile loop counterclockwise (which also covers 730 feet of elevation gain) introduces rockier terrain beyond the summit, including a short rock scramble before reaching the Horse Caves.

Northward views from Mt Norwottuck's summit.

Despite their name, the Horse Caves are actually a series of overhanging rock ledges. They were formed as soft sedimentary rock eroded underneath the ridge's basalt cap, creating hollows deep enough to shelter a horse and rider. Local lore suggests Daniel Shays and his followers hid here during Shays' Rebellion in the winter of 1786–87, when western Massachusetts farmers protested high taxes and debt enforcement following the Revolutionary War. While historical evidence is limited, the name stuck. Descending from the summit to the caves requires some light scrambling.

Near the Horse Caves, an out-and-back spur to Rattlesnake Knob adds 1.8 miles and 310 feet of elevation gain to the loop. Continuing just past the knob's true summit leads to a lookout with views stretching toward Long Mountain at the eastern end of the Holyoke Range.

Scrambling down between boulders to Horse Caves.

Views of Amherst from Mt Norwottuck.

Leave behind the loud quarry noises near the trailhead.

External links:
Mount Holyoke Range State Park website

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Long Mountain (2 mi)
4★ Mount Toby & Fire Tower (3 mi)
4★ Provin Mountain (3 mi)
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Long Mountain, Amherst MA

2026-08-23T14:40:43.952-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 2 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 590 feet
• Amherst & Granby, MA | Western Region
.

Mt Norwottuck from Long Mountain's viewpoint.

For a quick outing, consider a short hike on Long Mountain. Sitting inside Mount Holyoke Range State Park on the border of Amherst and Granby, Massachusetts, this 920-foot peak is the easternmost summit in the Holyoke Range. It offers a quieter alternative to the park’s busier trails, such as Mount Norwottuck or the Seven Sisters ridge to the west.

The trailhead begins at a small pull-off on Harris Mountain Road, right where the road crosses the Amherst-Granby town line. From the parking area, the route to Long Mountain follows a section of the white-blazed 235-mile New England Trail. This section of path is also shared with the orange-blazed Robert Frost Trail and the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail.

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⬤ 4★ Long Mountain 2.3 mi out & back, moderate, gain 590 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

The hike features a quick, fun climb through a mixed forest of oak, hickory, and maple. While overall trail conditions are moderate, hikers will encounter a few steep sections with occasional loose rock underfoot. This is particularly true where the path crosses exposed traprock. Traprock is a dark basaltic rock found throughout the Holyoke Range that naturally fractures into stair-like ledges. Built-in wooden steps help hikers navigate the steepest stretches of the trail.

The path continues to the summit of Long Mountain and leads to an overlook offering views of the surrounding landscape. From this lookout, the ridgeline rolls gently to the west, with the expanse of the Pioneer Valley spreading out below.

Long Mountain is part of the 47-mile Robert Frost Trail.

Mostly easy trail, but with occasional steep sections.

External Links:
Robert Frost Trail on Wikipedia

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Mount Norwottuck (3-5 mi)
4★ Mount Sugarloaf (2-4 mi)
4★ Sunderland Caves (2 mi)
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Lenox Mt & Pleasant Valley, MA

2026-08-22T08:10:15.896-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 3 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 970 feet
• Lenox, MA | Western Region
.

Pike's Pond reflecting Lenox Mountain.

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary sits on the slopes of Lenox Mountain. While the sanctuary features roughly seven miles of trails, the loop to Lenox Mountain’s summit and fire tower is its most demanding hike and actually crosses outside the sanctuary's official boundaries near the top. For the best experience, hike the loop clockwise starting from Pike's Pond via the Trail of the Ledges.

Heading clockwise puts the steepest section on the uphill leg, making it easier and safer to navigate. The Trail of the Ledges climbs steadily through hardwood forest, gaining most of its elevation in the final stretch toward the summit. While the trail includes a couple of brief rock scrambles, it shouldn't present any major difficulties for reasonably fit hikers.

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⬤ 4★ Pleasant Valley to Lenox Mountain 2.9 mi loop, moderate, gain 930 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

$ Entry fee per person

As it nears the top, the trail leaves Mass Audubon land and crosses onto adjoining conservation property. Before reaching the true peak at 2,126 feet, open ledges along the path offer a broad preview of the views to come.

Lenox Mountain has hosted a fire lookout tower since 1915, known as Richmond Fire Tower. The current structure, built in 1970, was decommissioned for lookouts in 1998 and is now fenced off to support communications equipment. Although the tower itself is closed to climbers, an outstanding viewpoint lies just past the summit. Looking northwest, the vista stretches toward the Taconic Mountains along the New York border, with the town of Richmond and Richmond Pond sitting in the valley below.

Early morning at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

For the return trip, the Overbrook Trail offers a gentler descent, following a stream drainage down the mountain. It re-enters sanctuary land before connecting with the Bluebird Trail for the final stretch back to the trailhead.

If you prefer a shorter hike with less elevation gain, Pleasant Valley offers several gentler options around its lower-elevation ponds and meadows. Near the trailhead, Pike's Pond features a flat, accessible loop suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, making it an ideal spot to watch for beavers and other wildlife activity.

Accessible wooden boardwalk borders Pike's Pond.

A clockwise route is the easiest approach.

Former fire tower, now just a communications structure.

Lenox Mountain summit views of the Taconic Range.

External links:
Pleasant Valley at Mass Audubon website
Lenox Tower at Forest Fire Lookout Association website

Trailspotting nearby:
3★ Gobble Mountain (3 mi)
3★ Savoy Fire Tower (0-1 mi)
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Bancroft's Castle, Groton Fire Tower, MA

2026-08-20T09:17:06.766-04:00

• 4-star hike
• 1½ mile out-and-back
• Easy | Gain 180 feet
• Groton, MA | Central Region
.

Views of Bancroft's Castle tower through the trees.

Rising above the trees on Gibbet Hill in Groton, Massachusetts, a stone tower looks like the remains of a medieval fortress. It isn't. In 1906, Groton native General William Bancroft, a former mayor of Cambridge, began building a retirement estate on the hill. He named it Shawfieldmont and planned a grand mansion alongside a modest bungalow, but ran out of money before the larger house could be built.

The project was abandoned, but the bungalow remained and took on a second life. It was repurposed as a sanitarium in 1918 and later served as a social hall for the Groton Hunt Club through the 1930s. A Fourth of July firecracker accident in 1932 burned down much of the structure, leaving behind the stone framework that locals now call "Bancroft's Castle."

The trail begins at the large parking lot for the Gibbet Hill Grill, just outside Groton center, making this a welcome short hike after an indulgent meal at the restaurant. From the lot, the path crosses rolling fields, passes a tranquil pond, and enters a shaded stretch of woods parallel to Lowell Road as it ascends toward the castle.

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⬤ 4★ Bancroft Castle & Gibbet Hill Fire Tower 1.5 mi out & back, easy, gain 180 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

While some hikers attempt to shorten the trek by parking in roadside turnouts along Lowell Road closer to the hill, these spots are unofficial and vehicles are reportedly ticketed. Parking at the Gibbet Hill Grill remains the safer, hassle-free option for visitors.

The castle ruins sit about 0.4 miles from the trailhead, where visitors can explore the grounds and step inside parts of the remaining stone structure, including the base of the tower. Just beyond the castle, the trail climbs further uphill, opening to westerly views of sweeping pastureland and distant mountains. Satisfied with the vista, many hikers turn back here, often unaware that another landmark lies further along the path.

Continuing past the overlook leads visitors to the Groton Fire Tower, a 68-foot steel structure at the summit of Gibbet Hill that is still staffed during fire season. Because foot traffic thins out past the castle, it is easy to miss if you don't know it's there. During our visit, we were lucky enough to find the cabin occupied. After calling up to the lookout operator, we were invited up to chat and enjoy 360-degree views over northern Massachusetts, a far wider and higher vantage point than anything visible from the castle grounds below.

Hiking parallel to Lowell Road under woodland shade.

Exploring the dilapidated Bancroft Castle remains.

Rolling pastoral views from the meadows on Gibbet Hill.

Gibbet Hill Fire Tower is mostly hidden from view.

When occupied, the lookout may invite you up.

External links:
Bancroft's Castle at Wikipedia
Gibbet Hill Grill restaurant website

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Nashua River Rail Trail (12 mi)
4★ Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (15 mi)
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Cedar Swamp, Manchester-by-the-Sea MA

2026-08-19T09:46:00.000-04:00

• 3-star hike
• 2 mile part-loop
• Moderate | Gain 160 feet
• Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA | Northeast
.

On the boardwalk trail spanning the Cedar Swamp.

This hike begins with an easy stroll. From the parking lot, head south on a wide flat double-track trail that offers a forgiving comfortable way to warm up your legs. Before long, bear right onto the Founders Boardwalk, which carries you across Cedar Swamp. When we visited in late summer, the lush vegetation crowded in closely on both sides, making views of the swamp somewhat scarce. You will likely spend more time admiring the surrounding greenery at arm's length rather than than gazing across open water and marshland.

The boardwalk eventually leads into the Millstone Hill Conservation Area, where the trail network opens up. We chose a loop combining the Cedar Swamp Trail with the Prospect Ledge Trail. Despite its name, the Cedar Swamp Trail offers no further swamp views, but it delivers pleasant hiking under cover of forest. The path winds through the trees at an easy pace, with enough variety underfoot to keep things interesting.

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⬤ 4★ Cedar Swamp & Millstone Hill 1.7 mi part-loop, moderate, gain 160 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

Switching to Prospect Ledge Trail introduces a modest rocky climb and a continuing woodland walk. The trail leads to Millstone Hill, a broad sunlit granite dome, ringed with mature trees that obscure the possibility of any distant views.

This trail is just one small part of the 1,300 acres of open space protected by the Manchester-Essex Conservation Trust, leaving plenty of neighboring land to explore on a future visit. Free parking is located in a larger lot on the side of School Street.

One of few swamp views from the boardwalk.

Hiking the woodland Prospect Ledge Trail.

Lilly pads and flowers in the pond.

External links:
Manchester-Essex Conservation Trust area map

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Danvers-Topsfield Rail Trail (11 mi)
4★ Wenham-Danvers Swamp Walk (1 mi)
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White Rocks Cliffs & Ice Beds, VT

2026-08-17T16:06:58.554-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 2 to 5 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 530 to 1,780 feet
• Wallingford, VT | Southern Region
.

White Rocks Cliffs, best viewed from Ice Beds Trail.

The striking quartzite talus slopes of the White Rocks Cliffs are a signature landmark of southern Vermont, offering hikes to two distinct destinations. Climb to the cliff tops for sweeping distant views, or cool off at the curious ice beds at the base of the talus field, where deep crevices trap winter ice well into the warmer months, creating refreshing drafts and chilly boulders perfect for a cooling break.

We recommend starting at the large parking area in the free White Rocks Day Use Area, which serves as the trailhead for both destinations. If your primary goal is scaling the cliffs, consider hiking the Ice Beds Trail first, at least as far as the two viewpoints, to get a full appreciation for the mountain you're about to climb.

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⬤ 4★ Cliffs via Keewaydin Trail 3.6 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,250 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Cliffs via Long Trail 4.2 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,410 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ 4★ Ice Beds Trail 1.7 mi out & back, moderate, gain 530 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P Free parking

⬤ Cliffs via Keewaydin Trail
Preferred cliffs route, lots of parking.
From the trail sign for the Keewaydin Trail at the far end of the main parking lot, follow the path as it curves around the northeastern side of the cliff face. Early on, you'll spot the cascades of Bully Brook on your left. The path soon reaches a junction with the combined route of the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail. Make a mental note of this junction for your return, then continue upward. The incline along this stretch remains moderate without any steep scrambles, which also makes the eventual descent easy on the knees.

At the top, you'll find a clearing in the forest littered with small stones. Here you'll leave the main trail and head west and downward toward the cliff overlook, following the blue blazes the whole way. The overlook spur descends slightly to a series of viewpoints along the cliff edge, offering wide views across the valley toward the Taconic Mountains, with the distant Adirondacks visible on clear days.

Trail gets rockier, but the ascent never gets steep.

⬤ Cliffs via Long Trail
Slightly longer route, limited parking.
This alternative route to reaches the same cliffs from a few roadside parking spots along State Route 140 where the Long Trail intersects with the road. Be sure to park entirely beyond the white line and check for posted restriction signs. From the roadside trailhead, head up the shared Long Trail and Appalachian Trail route towards the cliffs.

⬤ 4★ Ice Beds Trail
Unique spot, great viewpoints.
This trail also begins at the White Rocks Day Use Area. It can be tricky to follow in places, so watch closely for sporadic blue blazes on trees and rocks, and keep an offline digital map handy in case you get off course. The terrain features mostly continuous elevation changes with almost no flat stretches. Footing is often rocky, though a pine-needle carpet along parts of the trail provides some cushion.

Partial views reveal a precipitous drop.

We suggest all hikers at least visit the lookouts to appreciate the impressive view of the White Rocks Cliffs from below. From there, continuing on to the ice beds reveals a unique geological feature, where ice stays packed deep between the boulders well into summer, venting cold air and feeding a cold creek that trickles out of the talus field.

Scrambling onto the rock pile itself is optional and requires careful bouldering. Some hikers have even been known to clamber up the talus slopes to the cliffs above to complete a full circuit, but this an opportunity for only the most adventurous and isn't something weve tried.

Wide westerly view across Vermont's Green Mountains.

Alpine-like moss and gnarled trees above the White Rocks talus.

Ice Beds: creek-cooled rocks at the base of the talus field.

External links:
Keewaydin Trail to White Rocks Cliffs at US Forest Service
White Rocks Ice Beds at US Forest Service
White Rocks Mountain (2,683 ft) at Peakbagger

Trailspotting nearby:
5★ Killington Peak (4-8 mi)
4★ Bromley Mountain (5-6 mi)
4★ Lye Brook Falls (4 mi)
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Mt Olga Fire Tower, Marlboro VT

2026-08-12T12:50:45.450-04:00

• 4-star hikes
• 1 to 2 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 280 to 530 feet
• Marlboro, VT | Southern Region
.

Hanging out atop the Mount Olga Fire Tower.

The summit of Mount Olga is capped by a fire lookout tower with an open cabin for hikers year-round, offering expansive views of Mount Snow, the Deerfield Valley, and the Green Mountains on clear days. It's a short hike for a big reward, and we describe three different routes to reach it.

The Molly Stark State Park Loop is the classic approach and starts at a trailhead with bathrooms and picnic tables, though a state park fee applies. From the Hogback and Mt Olga Trailhead Parking on Molly Stark Trail Road, parking is free but there are no facilities on site. The presence of the Hogback Mountain Country Store and Vermont Distillers sitting just across the road might compensate however. Both Tower Trail routes begin here.

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⬤ 4★ Molly Stark State Park Route 1.8 mi loop, moderate, gain 520 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions* GPX?

⬤ 4★ Tower Trail Out and Back 1.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 280 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions**

⬤ 4★ Tower Trail Loop 2.1 mi loop, moderate, gain 530 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions**

$ *State Park fee P **Free parking

⬤ Molly Stark State Park Route
Beginning across from the park office, this route crosses a trail bridge over a small brook and climbs gradually through forest on a series of switchbacks. The woods shift to spruce and fir near the top. A short spur off the main loop leads to the summit and fire lookout tower before the trail continues back down to the park.

⬤ Tower Trail Out and Back
The shortest route to the summit, climbing steadily from the Hogback trailhead through mixed forest. Watch for old ski lift equipment still standing in the woods, left over from a ski area that operated on the mountain until 1987.

Beginning the loop out of Molly Stark State Park.

⬤ Tower Trail Loop
Follows the same Tower Trail up from the Hogback trailhead, then completes a loop back down by a different route. Slightly longer and with a bit more elevation gain than the out-and-back, it passes the same ski lift ruins along the way.

Whichever trailhead you use, the routes converge at the base of the fire lookout tower. This is a steel structure originally built at Townsend State Forest and moved to the Mount Olga summit in 1955. An open-grille decked series of steps to the top aren't the best choice for anyone uneasy with heights, but the payoff at the top is likely worth the effort for all.

Looking up at the summit's lookout tower.

Open grille decking on the stairs to the cabin.

The cabin provides excellent Southern Vermont views.

Old ski lift structures on the Tower Trail.

External links:
Molly Stark State Park website

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Mt Haystack (4 mi)
4★ Mt Greylock (3-7 mi)
4★ Lye Brook Falls (4 mi)
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