[VAULT] Mt. Magalloway (Pittsburg, NH)

Mt. Magalloway (Pittsburg, NH)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 2.2 miles

Elevation: 796 feet

Time: Unknown
Hiking Challenges: 52 With-a-View; NH Fire Towers

The Hike

A redemption story! On August 20th, 2020, Emma and I hiked Table Rock in Dixville Notch. We then aimed to hike Mt. Magalloway, which was a long drive away. We wiggled through country roads, went through Pittsburgh, drove on the wide Magalloway Road, dodged logging trucks, and made it 1.5 miles down the infamous, brutal Tower Road, only to be turned around by road crews. Still being relatively new to my hiking life, I didn't even think about parking on a pull-out and hike the road. We bowed our heads, put our tails in between our legs, and eventually hit our consolation hike to the 4th Connecticut Lake (which was super cool on its own!). 

Now, just over a year later, it was redemption time! I was visiting Emma for a few days, and I convinced her to meet me in Pittsburgh and I'd drive us to the trailhead. Our drive was successful, albeit comically long. We were delighted to find a bathroom at the trailhead, and we were off! We hiked up the Coot Trail, which was wide with rough footing - not our favorite. Soon enough we were at the summit - marked by a large sign and fire tower. Before climbing the tower, we followed a spur path to a neat view of some sharp cliffs. We hiked the tower, enjoying the far north views, and also encountered our first Gray Jays! They were VERY friendly, almost swooping down to swipe the snacks right out of our hands!

We descended via the Bobcat Trail, which felt more like a footpath with some wet undergrowth. Some people report prefering going up and down Bobcat, but I still liked the loop. Soon enough we were back on the road heading toward Vermont! It was wild having the drive being significantly longer than the hike, but it is what it is! We planned to hike Averill and Brousseau in Vermont on the way home, but it started to rain, so we got Maple Creemees instead!

Step-By-Step

- Park at the parking area at the end of Tower Road.

- Start hike on the Coot Trail.

- At summit of Mt. Magalloway, follow spur to view, then return to tower.

- Descend to parking area via Bobcat Trail.

Originally posted on Tuesday, October 28th, 2024 at 2:39pm.