Round Hill via School Mountain Road (Fahnestock State Park)

Round Hill via School Mountain Road (Fahnestock State Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 4.61 miles

Elevation: 712 feet

My Time: 1 hour, 39 minutes

Book Time: 2 hours, 39 minutes

Parking: Plenty roadside parking at School Mountain Trail trailhead.
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026, Downstate 28er

The Hike 

I was in New Jersey/PA for the weekend to celebrate my cousin's wedding and I wanted to find a stopping point on the way home to break up the drive. I could have done a Catskill High Peak, but I didn't want to go that far out of the way on a Sunday, and then I remembered the Downstate 28er list (which appears to be by the same folks who made the Taconic 12er!). I looked at the hikes that were furthest from Mom's house and landed on two in Fahnestock State Park. The plan was do to hike Round Hill and Candlewood Hill before launching myself back to Boston. I had a nice drive, a little over an hour long from our breakfast spot in Towaco to the School Mountain Road trailhead, which was a long dirt road with plenty of pull-offs and a parking lot (with a porta potty!) a bit further down. It was a humid, sunny 82 degrees when I arrived. I put on my new hiking clothes from Target (underwear that I feared was too short for my thighs, new 7" inseam shorts that I feared would be too soft and absorbent, and a new "active" shirt that I feared would be too heavy and absorbent. Starting off strong!

I started my hike on School Mountain Road, which was an old gated gravel road that was delightfully flat. I was planning to avoid bug spray for as long as possible, if that would be possible. I was excited to see that the trail markers were the Taconic Region ones, for no reason besides a little teehee. 

A minute or so into the hike, there was a kiosk with a map for the Hubbard Perkins Trail, which partly coincides with this and other trails in the park. There was a wonderful floral smell in this area. I soon caught up to a man and his off-leash dog at a sign that specifically detailed why it is important to leash your dogs... I passed him, gave a "how's it going," and got zero response. Yikes!

The School Mountain Road trail crossed over a couple lovely bridges and then I crossed paths with another duo. They were both friendly, and the one ahead shouted "oh shit John! Hurry! You can see a bass!" which made me giggle. The trail continued into the woods with a very easy gain, passing old stone walls and eventually crossing a larger bridge. Just after the bridge was the turn I would take for the blue-blazed Fahnestock Trail up to Round Hill!

Right around here, specifically at the 0.4 mile mark, 9 minutes into my hike, my camera battery died! I was incredibly displeased with this. I hate doing phone-photo hikes. I also just don't like being on my phone more than I need to on hikes, besides taking notes. And I only like taking notes becuase it helps me relive my hikes with more detail when I journal them, like this! Either way, I continued onto the Fahnestock Trail, turning sharply to follow the stream back toward the meadow and the bridges from before. There were a large number of dragonflies that had a teal/metallic thin body and black wings (a very specific google search looks like they were ebony jewelwings, also known as black winged damselflies).

The bugs started to increase, but I just kept my pace up, really avoiding the Deet. The trail stayed flat for a bit, eventually turning away from the water at another old stone wall. After the turn, the trail began to easily rise around the base of Round Hill.

As the vegetation increased, I eventually gave up and coated myself in bug spray, and it was a good thing I did! The trail became pretty overgrown and generally unpleasant to hike through. After rounding the corner, the trail began to start a moderate climb up the spine of the hill, switchbacking here and there with an overwhelming floral smell (which would have been lovely any other day, but not in the humid huff-and-puff). 

I hiked over what I'm pretty sure was a wild cockroach (?) as I was actively dripping pollen-soaked sweat. The baby blubes were taking shape, at least! There was a slightly overgrown view towards Bear Mountain, which was nice to see! I also passed a neat orchid-looking flower (a Goat's Rue, thank's Seek!). As the grassy climb continued, I found myself feeling less excited about getting in the car to get another hike in, so maybe I'll just extend this one? We'll see.

After rounding the shoulder of the hill, the trail worked through a pretty open-ish area that was ridiculously grassly (a la Harriman State Park's Long Path). I had to bug spray my upper thighs becuase the grass was so high. There were some tree views to the left as the trail crossed another old stone wall, and then I had to fight my way through a few thickets of raspberries (or blackberries, or wineberries... either way, thorns!). The grass got so thick at points that I couldn't even see my feet. I was not emotionally prepped for this hike.

I was quickly losing steam to extend the hike along the ridge, especially if this grass kept up. Naturally, after I had that thought, I crossed another stone wall and the grass became waist high. The trail slightly descended before the final climb up. I wrote: "I rarely actively hate a hike but this is really trying for it."

There was a short steep climb before hitting some more grass. Thankfully, the trail flattened at some blueberry bushes before turning for the final push. There were some obstructed views before a wonderful view, where I encountered my first person in a while, going in the opposite direction. 

The Fahnestock Trail rounded the height of land. I took a spur/herd path to the true summit, which was marked by a fire ring and a makeshift cairn. Back on the main trail, I noticed a view out to a nearby hill with a massive observation tower-looking thing. There was a WONDERFUL breeze here as I entered more and more grasslands. There were at least nice pink flowers (carolina roses, thank you, Seek!). 

The trail descended into a low point and then rose just a few feet to the junction with the green-blazed Round Hill Bypass, which I HAPPILY took. At this point, I was pretty sure I was just going to do this hike as-planned and call it a day. I was NOT in the mood and I was already overheated - I'm not ready for full summer. 

This trail was MUCH more enjoyable. It easily descended with rocky footing into a fern-filled wonderland, and I could see my feet the whole time! Further down, I crossed a stream with an adorable frog swimming about and then hiked over another stone wall.

The trail then entered a really pretty open forest with stone walls in every which direction and a vast carpet of green undergrowth (only a few inches tall, which was so much nicer than the multi-foot tall grasses from before. I could tell this used to be farmland clearly, but curious how long ago? The park was opened about 100 years ago. I was missing my camera - it was so pretty!

The trail then turned and rose above a mossy stream that would be absolutely stunning after a rainfall. There was a parent and child playing in the water. The Round Mountain Bypass trail terminated just a couple minutes later at another nice bridge!

The bridge was designed by the West Point Cadets Civil Engineering Class of 2021. I thought about adding a loop over East Mountain, but the trail looked similarly horribly grassy - no thanks! I was back on School Mountain Road and happily hiking back to the car.

I crossed another bridge, this time designed by the West Point Cadets Civil Engineering Class of 2020. I spooked a snake that I thankfully did not see and continued my romp along the beautiful road. I unfortunately was in a slightly negative headspace, so I was not able to fully enjoy the back end of this hike, but it really was lovely. There were seemingly endless stone walls throughout. 

The next bridge was a longer one with wooden steps to reach it, and it was also designed by the West Point Cadets Civil Engineering, this time the Class of 2019. I passed another sightless snake and enjoyed the tall trees lining this trail. After a bit of walking, I officially closed the lollipop and hiked over the final three bridges (I forgot to check if the design pattern continued, but the styles of the bridges sure did match!).

I soon made it back to my car and started to wipe the sweat (and pollen) off and change my clothes. Comically, I realized my backpack had been open the whole time! I did not have the energy in me to squeeze another possibly unpleasant hike in, so it was now time for a long drive back to Boston, naturally with a stop at Stewarts on the way!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on School Mountain Road (white).

- At jct., turn sharply right onto Fahnestock Trail (blue).

- At jct., turn left onto Round Hill Bypass (green).

- At terminus, turn left onto School Mountain Road (white).

- Return to car.

Fahnestock State Park Map

Photo Album

Skyline Trail Loop via Wright's Hill Trail (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Skyline Trail Loop via Wright's Hill Trail (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 8.18 miles

Elevation: 1,089 feet

My Time: 2 hours, 48 minutes

Book Time: 4 hours, 38 minutes

Parking: Parking for ~15 cars at Bellevue Pond.
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026, Middlesex Fells Skyline Trail, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike 

The end of the school year has been mentally beating the life out of me, so I decided it was time to physically beat myself up too and revist the Middlesex Fells Skyline Trail. I hiked the loop once before, but I did missed the final segment coming down from Wright's Tower, so I guess I had never officially hiked it all. Plus, I found a patch for it on Ebay! It seems to be an older Boy Scout patch, but it still counts! It was warm out in the low 80s.

Bellevue Pond had become mostly a grassy meadow now with just a very small pool of water in the back. I hiked in and decided to take the Wright's Tower Trail first to access the Skyline Trail for views and a little bonus elevation. This was also the pollen-iest day of the year - I was already coated in the yellow toxins. The sunny part of the trail was HOT. The shade was okay. I made my way up and ran into a bunch of teens, so I took my picture at the view and blasted off! I liked seeing the view of Boston in it's new green foliage.

Now officially on my loop, I admired how shaded the woods were. As I climbed up and over the first little knob after D6-2, I passed some baby blueberries. I had to really pay attention to blazes since there are so many criss-crossing paths in the Fells, many of which are not even on thge map. I passed a very stinky duo, which was crazy, because usually I'm the stinky one!

I worked my way up and over the Panther Caves and then passed a bone-dry swamp just after. I took a swig of my warm Nalgene and hit the junction with the Cross-Fells Trail right at the first mile marker. It was fun to hike in this area, it felt a bit like Memory Lane! There was a little swamp before C5-1 and the first of many confusing junctions - which is always my beef with the Middlesex Fells - blazing is either aggressively abundant or severely lacking, and there is simply no in-between.

The Skyline Trail paralleled the Mountain Bike Loop in a swampy area and then joined on a gravel path, then passing a concrete water tank(?) and a stone block in the ground that might mark the town line btween Winchester and Medford, even though it didn't exactly match the map. I descended to West Dam Road, which had a small wetland with a very shy turtle. There were a few annoying bugs buzzing about, but not enough to warrant bug spray.

The trifecta of the Skyline Trail, Reservoir Trail, and Mountain Bike Loop coincided and rose steadily on a gravel path after crossing West Dam Road, and later Skyline and Reservoir veered left away from a metal water tower, splitting from each other a minute or so later. I could feel the pollen granules in my eyes and a large amount of spider webs on my skin. 

I was enjoying this western portion of the loop becuase I had hiked most of it previously in winter, so I really wasn't recognizing most of it! I was also atonished how in the right lighting I could see how thick the pollen was in the air. I climbed up and down another knob to cross Molly Spring Road, and I could hear an owl when I was working my way up and over Nanepashimet Hill, which was SUPER sunny.

There was an old metal beam and rock harlqeuin flowers on the knob after B3-12, and then I had to maneuver a few blowdowns before B3-6. I passed a big cloud of what smelled to be the Devil's Lettuce, but the source was unknown. I could start to see the reservoir though the trees, which was exciting!

I've always been confused about the roads around the reservoir. It seems the roads circling the North Reservoir are open, and were signed as such, even though they're resitricted on the map. I crossed paths with a wild amount of shirtless trail runners in running vests in this stretch, which had really pretty flat pine-y woods.

As I hiked along Hillcrest Parkway, I admired some of the massive hydrangeas in peoples' yards. There is also a good amount of roadside parking here, which was good to know. I hiked past the North Reservoir's dam, which is closed to the public, and I eavesdropped on a duo's gossip session about a friend who inherited a bunch of money recently, it was a very fun 10 seconds!

The Skyline Trail goes back into the woods and zig-zags down to the reservoir's outflow stream, which was just a trickle. I crossed the creek on a NEMBA bridge, enjoyed a nice breeze, and began to make my way towards the Bear Hill Area, which was still pretty foreign to me. 

I almost got lost at C1-4 due to an unsigned and unblazed turn, but thankfully my brain thought "this feels wrong." The trail hit a low point just after with some rotting bog bridges just before rising to the Dike Road.

I climbed up the side of Bear Hill, passing an older hiker and his well-behaved and possibly overheating golden retriever and after the height-of-land, the trail became full of a wonderful, floral scent with no flowers to be seen!

As I approached the Sheepfold area, the Skyline Trail became more of an open trail, crossing knob after knob, many of which were open, and they were HOT. Winthrop Hill had a sunny bench overlooking some grasses at the top, and I almost got lost again at D3-1.

I maneuvered around an impressive blowdown just after C2-8 and then skimmed the outside perimeter of the Sheepfold area next to a swamp. There seemed to be a good amount of folks out at the main Sheepfold area, but the Skyline Trail was still full of spiderwebs! I was happy to be in the shade, though.

The Skyline Trail briefly followed a paved path as I-93 roared in the distance. The trail cut through a parking area, crossing a couple of paved single-land roads, and then turned left onto a nice boardwalk. I noticed a bit of a hot spot on both of my big toes and right heel, but naturally decided to avoid it. I felt myself finally starting to tire out around the six-mile park, but I kept on moving!

I joined the Cross-Fells Trail again and almost got lost... again soon after. The Cross-Fells left soon after joining and I officially finished all my water (only 1L, oops) on Silver Mine Hill. It was hotter than I was ready for! I joined the Cross-Fells yet again at C5-18 and crossed paths with a trail running trio I saw over by the North Reservoir - only this time they were power hiking. The two guys were leading and the woman was suffering behind, I felt kind of bad for her.

I finally made it to my final push up to Pine Hill and I was tired! Eight miles after school in the heat took more out of me than I was ready for! I decided to look for all three discs again: I found the northernmost one, an arrow, and it was pointing to a summit disc. But... I don't think I'd seen this one before? On a higher rock to the east was another arrow, which I think I had seen before. Wait this is three? I already knew about the magnetic station, so there's four up here? I worked my way over, and found ANOTHER arrow?! Five discs?! This was beyond exhillerating to me and fully brought me back to life. 

Riding the high of discovery, I continued onto the tower and was SHOCKED to see how insane the pollen haze had become - it was so thick I couldn't even see the Blue Hills! 

From here, I descended back along the yellow trail and made it back to the car, dusting myself off before driving back home. Another patch "earned"!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Quarry Road.

- At jct., turn right onto Wright's Tower Trail (yellow).

- At tower, turn left onto Skyline Trail (white).

- Follow Skyline Trail clockwise around, back to tower.

- At tower, descent via Wright's Tower Trail (yellow).

- At terminus, turn left onto Quarry Road and return to car.

Middlesex Fells Reservation Map

Photo Album

Chickatawbut Hill, Bouncing Brook Path, Skyline Trail Loop (Blue Hills Reservation)

Chickatawbut Hill, Bouncing Brook Path, Skyline Trail Loop (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Mostly Lollipop Loop

Distance: 4.54 miles

Elevation: 640 feet

My Time: 1 hour, 39 minutes

Book Time: 2 hour, 35 minutes

Parking: Room for 20-30 cars at Chickatawbut Overlook.
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026, Trail Trace the Blue Hills 2, Blue Hills Grid

The Hike 

I made my way back to the Blue Hills after school, suffering through another afternoon of "unusually heavy traffic." The inspiration for this hike was the Blue Hills Grid that I've been "working" on for years now, plus my second Trail Trace map. I had field day today, so I had been outside for a lot of the afternoon, but I was excited to keep the momentum going! It was 78 degrees out and overall pretty pleasant!

I made my way into the woods and up to the tower before following the yellow blazes counter-clockwise. I stopped for a quick potty break and managed to pee on my hip belt strap... Ugh. I worked my way up Thayer Path, which was grassy up around the summit fence (I had tick anxiety). I went down Carve Path, which had it's trademark giant rock piles that I've always been wildly curious about. 

I then made my way down onto the Bouncing Brook Path, which I'd be following for a while. It was darker and more humid down there, and I was following horse prints for most of the walk. I passed some lovely purple flowers, which were lesser periwinkle, not violets. I passed a really nice stone wall I hadn't noticed before just before the junction with Lee Path, and then a lady slipper just before the junction with Sassaman! Just kidding! At the junction with Curve Path! I missed a turn! That's fine, my hike was going to be a bit longer.

Everytime I'm hiking these interior Chickatawbut trails I'm reminded of how long they feel - it must be because there's a thinner density of trails in this area, or something. The bugs were present but not much of a bother as long as I kept on moving. I worked up Wampatuck Path and then the Pocapawmet Path to join the Skyline Trail!

I don't think I have traveled this direction on the Skyline Trail since a hike with Gen and Wylie in the winter of 2021 or 2022 - it's been a minute! I passed a super cute eastern towhee on my way up Broken Hill #4 and then maneuvered the rockiness that surrounds #3 - there were baby blueberries! A deer magically lept across the trail as I was climbing up #2 and there were some young rock harlequin flowers at the top. 

The climb up #1.5 was also rockier than I had realized traveling in the other direction, and I found myself wondering how different the forest would be on #1 in 10, 20, 50 years since the last fire. It looked like most of the pines were dead/dying and the undergrowth was growing in strong! I passed more pink lady slippers and rock harlqeuins as I descended #1, and then I started my climb up Nahanton.

The climb up the Chickatawbut Ridge was actually more gradual than I was emotionally ready for. I climbed on up Nahanton, past some more baby blubes, and found myself wondering yet again about the old foundation-like things. I admired the stone steps up Kitchamakin and suffered through the brush to reach the true top of Fenno Hill before making my way up to Chickatawut Hill. I descended via Stowe Path and made it back to the car - this was officially a zero-person hike! I dusted the pollen off of myself (literally) and heard a barrel owl calling somewhere on the other side of the road.

Step-by-Step

- Park at Chickatawbut Overlook.

- Start hike on Tower Path (yellow).

- At 3075, turn left onto Sassaman Notch Path (yellow).

- At second jct., turn right onto Thayer Path.

- At fence, turn left.

- At second jct., continue right onto Skyline Trail (blue).

- At 3065, turn left onto Carve Path.

- At 3051, turn left onto Bouncing Brook Path (red). 

- At 3152, turn left onto Wampatuck Path.

- At 3171, turn around and turn right onto Pocapawmet Path (unmapped).

- At terminus, turn left onto Skyline Trail (blue).

- At Chickatawbut Hill, turn right onto Thayer Path, then turn right again onto Stowe Path.

- At jct., turn left to stay on Stowe Path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Sassaman Notch Path (yellow).

- At 3075, turn right onto Tower Path (yellow).

- Follow Tower Path back to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Red Dot and Skyline Loops via Trailside Museum (Blue Hills Reservation)

Red Dot and Skyline Loops via Trailside Museum (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: o-O Loop

Distance: 4.97 miles

Elevation: 1,220 feet

My Time: 1 hour, 46 minutes

Book Time: 3 hours, 5 minutes

Parking: Ample room at Trailside Museum
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026, Trail Trace the Blue Hills 2, Great Blue Hill Summits

The Hike 

Happy Pride Month! It was time to officially begin my second Trail Trace the Blue Hills Map! I had a dreadfully sleep drive with "heavier than usual traffic," landing at the Trailside Museum at 3:35. There were very few cars, which brought me joy! I was planning on just doing a fitness hike with a possible detour to get the full red-circle route for my new map, we'll see! It was sunny, 62 degrees, and there was a light breeze. It was lovely!

Somebody unfortuantely got started right before me, but I had to pull off to pee anyway. I eventually caught up and passed him and continued my way up. There were a bunch of leaves on the ground after Saturday's storm. My legs were in a weird mood, feeling a bit like a baby deer learning to walk. I couldn't really get a rhythm together on my climb. Thankfully, I could hear a bunch of eastern towhees, which made it feel better!

I passed a bunch of white daisies after summiting the first time. The work on the summit area has been continuing, with another widening of the Eliot Circle for trucks (I assume). I made my way onto the Skyline Trail North, admiring how shaded it is this time of year. Naturally, I was gassy on this hike, and at one point I made three stomps, farting on each stomp, and the pitches of each fart were different and accurately mimiced the final three notes of the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band's rendition of Frank Sinatra's My Way - it was remarkable.

I worked my way up and over Wolcott, Hemenway, and then Hancock. My body was just feeling tired and heavy, maybe because I had wine before bed last night? I passed some beautiful blue jays coming down Hancock Hill and I was simply not emotionally ready for the climb up Houghton. Thankfully, the climb did not humble me as badly as I thought it would. I did gas me out, but I was not passing away.

The leaves made the Skyline Trail super dark at the first stream crossing, and to my absolute delight I found some lady slippers between 1123 and the Five Corners Path!! This is where I usually find them this time of year, so I was just elated.

The second stream crossing was fully dried up and I noticed a path straight ahead before the crossing to what looks like a cave? I had never noticed it before... interesting! I made a note of it, being too lazy to investigate. I zig-zagged up to the final headwall, suffered on up, and then continued up along the shoulder for the final push, which always feels longer than I am ready for!

I listened to the northern house wrens at the summit (thank you, Merlin!) and decided to follow the other half of the red loop for my trip down, which was lovely. The swamp along the trail was mostly dry, and it looked like DCR is working on formally closing a few of the abandoned trails in that area. My final stretch of trail was cheered on by a friendly Robin, which was just lovely.

Step-by-Step

- Park at Trailside Museum.

- Start hike on Eliot Path (red dots).

- At terminus, turn right onto Eliot Circle.

- At summit road, turn left.

- At jct., turn right.

- At summit, hike around observatory clockwise, following gravel path.

- At terminus of gravel path, turn left onto Skyline Trail (blue).

- At 1063, turn right onto Skyline Trail North.

- At Hillside St., turn right onto Hillside Street.

- At jct.,. turn right onto Skyline Trail South.

- At 1066, turn left onto Eliot Circle/Skyline Trail.

- At gravel path, turn right onto Gravel Path.

- At summit, continue straight and hike spur towards ski trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Eliot Cirlce.

- After 1055, turn left onto Raccoon Hollow Path (red).

- At 1082, turn left onto Cliff Trail (red).

- Cross Summit Road, continue onto Trailside Path (red).

- Follow red dots back to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Ponkapoag East, Hemlock Road, Randolph Path (Blue Hills Reservation)

Ponkapoag East, Hemlock Road, Randolph Path (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Spaghetti Loop

Distance: 8.03 miles

Elevation: 420 feet

My Time: 2 hours, 18 minutes

Book Time: 4 hours, 13 minutes

Parking: At Donovan Elementary School (weekends).
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026; Trail Trace the Blue Hills

The Hike 

I feel like we keep having rainy weekends! I didn't get out hiking yesterady due to... RAIN, and I had plans today with Christien in the afternoon, so my only window was a morning in the Blue Hills. Thankfully, I still had one more medium-big section left of my map, so off to Randolph I go! It always feels strange going to Randolph, since I used to work there. I parked at the Donovan school, booted up at the car, and was on my hike! It was a cool 54-degree morning full of wet plants and clouds overhead. I threw some bug spray on (the first of the year!) just in case I caught any ticks. I also needed a few hanging chads on the main Ponkapoag side, but wasn't going to get married to that idea - one thing at a time!

My hike started on Meadow Road and then on an unmapped connector and then unnamed trail, both of which had plenty of horse poop. I hiked the unique trails around the Ladybug Trail, Sumner Path, Cranberry Circle, and Coolidge Path (and fought for my life to stay on the correct trail, as there's a bunch of random paths), did NOT spook a deer right off of the trail, and then worked my way over to the old ballfields. There was SO MUCH horse poop.

To no surprise, Pasture Road was muddy. Not super wet-wet, but very muddy. The slippery kind of mud that you don't expect, and suddenly you're mudsliding three feet ahead. I turned onto the first unnamed trail at 5424 and noticed that this area was recently burned! According to Facebook, just a few days ago, which made sense since the smell was pungent. I was sweating from the humidity (and probably from dodging poop), and loopty-looped my way around this area, running into another deer at the footpath end of Pasture Road! There was also some impressive Japanese Knotweed.

Once I survived, I returned to Pasture Road and made my way to the Pequimmit Trail, following muddy deer tracks on the way. Pequimmit Trail was nice and dry and bisected another unmapped trail on the way to the Pipe Line. I passed some young tent catepillars and started a long figure-8 loop, turning left onto the Pipe Line, hiking the triangle at the base of the horse bridge, and then continuing onto the Wannamanhut Path. The sun would poke through occasionally, followed by another patch of darker clouds. The trail came near Route 24, and when it ended, I turned left onto Middle Road, which came to a hole in the fence SUPER close to 24. Spooky! I turned around here, crossed the Pipe Line, and continued onto the main part of Middle Road, which had a few criss-crossing trails not on the map. One day I WILL explore the Nike area, but not today.

I crossed Middle Street and continued onto an unmapped footpath. When it terminated, I turned onto the seldom-used eastern spur of Smith Trail, which gently rose and steeply dropped to some private property at an impressive rock (I almost fell down the steep drop, oops). I turned around, hiked to the Pipe Line, hiked the Pipe Line to I-93, and then turned around and hiked the full Pipe Line all the way to MA-24. Naturally, the last bit after the horse bridge entrance was the worst, but it wasn't unbearable, at least?

After my grassy excursion, I did push onto the main Ponkapoag area, where I only needed a few trails (including another bad stretch of the Pipe Line). I crossed the horse bridge, hiked Vose Path (both branches), and then continued along Hemlock Road. Just before the Pipe Line junction, there was a comically deep... dry? mud pit? Like it wasn't dirt, but it also wasn't sopping wet. Weird. I hit the stretch of Pipe Line towards 24, then the rest of Hemlock Road, across a little stream, to the road, back across the little stream, into the little stream (oops), and then I turned left to finish out the Pipe Line, which was slippery and muddy and wet (and stinky?). In my insanity, I started to conjure up a silly route called the "Pipe Line Traverse," which would either require extensive backtracking to avoid 24/93 or painful road walks.

Thankfully, life got better after the Pipe Line was done. I turned to hike near the AMC Camps and then onto Randolph Path, hitting two spurs I needed, then I returned across the horse bridge and back onto Meadow Road. I watched a little red squirrel chase a massive grey squirrel, which brought joy, almost got run over by a mountain biker, and then was back at my car! 

Now I only have four little and one medium section left: the Field Path area, the Brookwood Farm area, the Blue Hills Reservoir, the Braintree Triangle, and of course, the Quincy Quarries. Almost there!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Donovan Elementary School and start hike by entering woods and turning left onto Meadow Road.

- At Reed St., turn right onto unmapped path.

- At terminus, turn left onto path.

- At Reed St., turn around.

- At jct., turn left onto Ladybug Trail.

- At someone's back yard, turn around.

- At jct., turn left.

- At terminus, continue left onto Meadow Road.

- Hike network of trails with Sumner Path, Coolidge Path, Cranberry Circle, etc., then continue left on Meadow Road.

- At 5414, turn right onto Pasture Road.

- At 5424, turn right.

- At terminus, turn left.

- Follow to Pasture Road, then turn right.

- At turn, continue left onto Pasture Road, now a footpath.

- At 5440, turn around.

- At jct., turn left.

- At jct. at ballfield, turn right.

- At jct., turn right.

- At terminus, turn left onto Pasture Road.

- At 5423, turn right onto Pequimmit Trail.

- At 5421, turn left onto Pipe Line.

- Hike triangle at 5413, then turn onto Wannamanhut Path.

- At 5422, turn left onto Middle Road.

- At break in fence turn around, cross Pipe Line, and continue onto Middle Road.

- Cross Middle Street, continue onto unmapped foot path.

- At terminus, turn left onto Smith Trail.

- At terminus, turn around.

- At 5425, turn right onto Pipe Line.

- At terminus, turn around.

- At 5413, continue straight on Pipe Line.

- At MA-24, turn around.

- At 5413, turn left onto Randolph Path.

- Before 5401, hike large triangle at Vose Path, then continue south on Hemlock Road.

- At 5395, turn left onto Pipe Line.

- At terminus, turn around.

- At 5395, turn left onto Hemlock Road.

- At terminus, turn around.

- At 5395, turn left onto Pipe Line.

- At 5355, turn right onto Swamp Path (green).

- At 5360, turn right onto Randolph Path.

- At jct., hit spur to Ponkapoag Path, then continue.

- At 5401, turn left onto Hemlock Road.

- At 5362, turn around.

- At 5401, turn left onto Randolph Path.

- At 5413, veer right onto Meadow Road.

- Follow Meadow Road to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Crystal Spring Loop, Doleful Pond, Healthy Heart Loop (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Crystal Spring Loop, Doleful Pond, Healthy Heart Loop (Middlesex Fells Reservation)

Hike Type: Loop w/ spur, Loop, Little Loop

Distance: 5.09 miles

Elevation: 361 feet

Time: 1 hour, 43 minutes

Parking: Ample parking at Greenwood Park in Stoneham.
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026; Middlesex Fells Reservation

The Hike 

I foolishly thought yesterday was hot. Today was HOT. 80 degrees! I was killing time while Christien was at work, so I fugred I'd get the trails in the Crystal Spring/Doleful Pond area of the Fells for the first time. Plan was loosely a double loop, first following the red Crystal Spring blazes and second following the green Healthy Heart trail.

The hike started through a really cute loosely zoo-themed playground and then I started to follow the red loop around! The trail passed a meadow restoration area and then followed a small little boardwalk around a swampy area that's drying up. I then broke my plan of following red blazes and hit the spur trail to Doleful Pond, since it was a one-way trail anyway. I was loving how green everything was, but not obsessed with the bugs or being able to feel the pollen. 

At Gate 46, there was a backyard with dozens and dozens of birdhouses. I turned around and hiked to Gate 45, and enjoyed my time along the pond, which was more or less a murky pond that was 50% tall reeds. I did see a great blue heron flying away! There was a viewpoint that had two old stadium seats, which I found interesting. 

Dolefiul Pond Road paralled a stone wall, turned right, and then followed people's back yard fences to the gate. This was a nice side trip! Now, back on task.

There was a nice breeze and I was SWEATY from the hot sun. Back on the Crystal Spring Trail, I climbed up Whip Hill on a more trail-like trail as the treetops were clanking in the breeze. Near the top of the hill, there was a sign discussing rogue trails and what students at Stoneham High School are doing to help, which was cool. I passed a few people, but soon remembered that hikers are NOT nearly as friendly here as they are in the Blue Hills. Thinking about it, I think it's partly because this side of the city runs more metropolitan, and also more people are here for "walking" versus "hiking."

After Whip Hill, the Crystal Spring trail descended slowly all the way to Crystal Spring, which had some cool stone structures and many flowers, including the common blue violet. There was no water flowing, but still cool to see! The trail climbed after this and turns right near the height of land. The forest floor here is dotted with common mayflowers pre-budding, which was really pretty. 

Afterwards, the trail began to gradually climb up Saddleback Hill, which soon had a nice view over the road and to Spot Pond Reservoir. The wind was whipping! Afterwards, there were a couple more partial viewpoints, and then I was back at the playground!

I walked through the playground, which was more full of children this time around, probably because school was out. I started to follow the green blazes for Loop #2, but did hit the extra spur of Whip Hill Road before continuing on. The green blazes brought me around a wetland area and later made a few crossings with the Crystal Spring Trail. It circled an impressive boulder on the far side of the loop, and once near Saddleback Hill I checked the map and managed to get a stick in the eye... ugh...

Anyway, I soon finished that loop, and now it was time to just wander! I turned right at E2-2, hiked in towards some trails I hadn't hiked yet, past a wildly unphased deer, and then got the text that Christien was heading out, so it was time for me to head out, too!

Step-by-Step

Loop #1

- Park at Greenwood Park

- Start hike on red-blazed Crystal Springs Trail, clockwise.

- At E1-2, turn left. 

- At E1-1, turn right onto Doleful Pond Road.

- At Gate 46, turn around.

- At Gate 45, turn around.

- At E1-1, turn right.

- At E1-2, turn left onto Crystal Springs Trail.

- Follow Crystal Springs Trail clockwise, hiking spur to Pond Street, then continuing.

- At E2-3, turn left onto trail.

- At Woodland Road, turn around.

- At E2-3, turn left onto trail.

Loop #2

- Back at Greenwood Park, start hike at same spot, following green Healthy Heart blazes.

- At E2-1, turn left onto Whip Hill Road

- At "NO TRESPASSING," turn around and follow green blazes clockwise. 

- At E2-6, turn left.

- At E2-5, turn around.

- At E2-5, turn left.

Loop #3

- At E2-2, turn right.

- At E2-7, turn right.

- At E2-8, turn left.

- At F2-2, turn around.

- At E2-8, turn right onto Whip Hill Road.

- At E2-1, turn left and return to car.

Middlesex Fells Reservation Map

Photo Album

Hillside Pond, Valley Path, Unquity Path (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hillside Pond, Valley Path, Unquity Path (Blue Hills Reservation)

Hike Type: Loopty Loops w/ Long Spur

Distance: 5.00 miles

Elevation: 413 feet

Time: 1 hour, 42 minutes

Parking: Parking on the side of Hillside Street on Hillside Pond side.
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026; Trail Trace the Blue Hills

The Hike 

It's definitely May. I was hiking in chilly mist yesterday, cold rain on Saturday, but today it's a HOT 75 degrees out! Back at the Blue Hills, the plan was to hike the Hillside Pond, Valley Path, and Unquity Path areas today. I started with the loop around Hillside Pond, which really is a lovely little loop. There were unfortunately small bugs out. There were fortunately turtles out, too! The path around the pond is always surprisingly rugged, and I like it. I did get a bug in my ear, though.

I was surprised by how clear the water in the pond was. I was equally surprised by the wild amount of water bugs that were swimming and scattering about. They were also comically clumsy. They acted like cartoon characters when startled: the just swamp into each other, bouncing off one another until they got away from the shore line. I was cooking in the sun, so I was happy that I wasn't doing an overly strenuous hike. 

I took an unmapped STEEP trail to hit the rest of the trails, and to mix things up I did some loopty loops, crossing Chickatawbut Road to avoid having to turn around - I liked it! I also loved the old stone walls in this area. I also did not love the multiple enormous piles of horse poop? The gnats were really out and about, as was the pollen. I did my loopty loops and continue on the Barre Trail past a great broken boulder and then I continued on down to Border Path, which is truly a delightful stretch of trail. It easily descends alongside a small stream, crossing it at the low point. The skunk cabbages were looking luscious as the treetops began to gain color. 

I continued up Valley Path and was delighted to see that I got the longer trail that goes through the Bermuda Triangle. I hit the small connector to Valley Path, the lower of the two had a massive blowdown to navigate. I hiked back down Valley Path, spooked a family of four deer (only three alerted their tails, though!), and then continued along the Border Path.

I passed the private land and fence gate with no connecting fense, and then hiked the border path to Unquity Road before continuing onto the Unquity Path. This stretch of the hike was expected feeling much longer than the rest... because it was. Part of the path was nearly overtaken with Japense Barberries, the swamp area was stinky, and the coniferous areas were beautiful with giant pinecones on the ground. 

Back "above ground," I was gateful that the grass wasn't too long yet, but I was sad the cars on Unquity Road were too loud for my Merlin Bird ID app to work well. I did decide to play Pokemon Go on the return trip, which was my saving grace! The return trip took me exactly 25 minutes of Pokemon Go. Time to head to Costco for chicken!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Hillside Pond.

- Start hike with a counter clockwise loop around Hillside Pond, hiking the second spur to the road.

- At the close of the loop, take the unmarked steep gravelly path east.

- Follow path.

- At terminus, turn right onto Barre Trail.

- At jct., stay right onto path towards Dark Hollow.

- At jct., turn right onto path.

- At terminus, cross Chickatawbut Road.

- Continue onto Headquarters Path.

- At jct., turn sharply left onto Quincy Path.

- At 2112, turn left onto Dark Hollow Path.

- At terminus, cross Chickatawbut Road.

- Continue on path on other side of road.

- At jct., turn right onto Headquarters Path.

- Cross Chickatawbut Road, continue on Headquarters Path.

- At jct., turn right onto Quincy Path.

- At jct., turn right onto Barre Trail.

- Cross Chickatawbut Road, continue on Barre Trail.

- Cross Hillside Street, continue on Border Path.

- At 1224, turn left onto Valley Path.

- At terminus, cross Chickatawbut Road, continue on path.

- At terminus at Hillside Street, turn around.

- Hike left spur, then return to Valley Path.

- At 1224, turn left onto Border Path.

- At Unquity Road, turn around.

- At 1215, turn left ono Unquity Path.

- At terminus, turn around and return to car.

Blue Hills Reservation Map

Photo Album

Mt. Major & Straightback Mtn. via Old Stage, Jesus Valley & Blueberry Pasture (Belknap Range)

Mt. Major & Straightback Mtn. via Old Stage, Jesus Valley & Blueberry Pasture (Belknap Range)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 7.82 miles

Elevation: 1,745 feet

Time: 3 hours, 56 minutes (3 hours, 32 minutes moving)

Parking: Limited parking for a few cars on Alton Mountain Road ("Straightback Trailhead" on Google Maps)
Hiking Challenges: Belknap Range Redliner, Belknap Range Grid, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, 52 Hike Challenge 2026

The Hike 

Time to drag Christien up north again! Naturally, I wanted to spend the day in the Whites. Naturally, it was going to be cruddy weather (with snow on the highest of peaks, NATURALLY). Instead, I decided to take him to Mt. Major via the south side (really just to mix things up for me). The plan was to leave at 5:30am, so he got up at 3:30am to get ready (which was WILD). I got up at 5:00. We slowly got our lives together, and we were off!

Skies were crystal clear in Boston, but there were going to be clouds in the Belknaps, which was fine - I assumed Mt. Major would be low-elevation enough to still give us a nice view. Christien was pretty nauseous for the drive - I felt bad for him. He was a tropper, though! We took a longer break at Hooksett for some food and not-driving, and we eventually made our way up to the parking area on Alton Mountain Road to start our adventure! Parking was nice and easy with space for just a few cars (and plenty of signs telling you NOT where to park). I booted up at the car - he came in his full hiking attire - and then we were off!

[8:21am - Blueberry Pasture Trail]

The Blueberry Pasture Trail starts about 20 feet away from the parking area kiosk on the right and is clearly signed. The Trail follows an old road to a very interesting area with... t-shirts on crosses? According to the Belknap Range Trails map on belknaprangetrails.org, they are Finnish Scarecrows (Silent People), and I can't find much information on them - WAIT. I found a Reddit thread that linked an article in the Laconia Daily Sun (found here). In essence, the landowners visited Finland and saw the original Finnish Scarecrows/Silent People, which were erected as a memorial to lives lost during a Russian/Finnish war in the late 1930's. The landowners were inspired to recreate it in this old field, partly as hommage to the original, but also to protest the 2003 war in Iraq. Kind of interesting that we stumbled upon them for the first time as the U.S. is dealing with another controversial war, now in Iran.

Anyway, here, the Blueberry Pasture Trail is joined by Old Stage Road, which is a colonial-era road with a neat history, detailed also at belknaprangetrails.org. Information below:

"The Old Stage Road (blazed red/blue) through Griswold Scout Reservation has a complicated history.  In colonial times the now Old Stage Road was an extension of the now Manning Lake Road and went east and ended at the farmstead, now a cellar hole, in the center of the Reservation, at what is called the logging camp outpost.   On the east side of the property, Alton Mountain road extended northwest to the farmsteads on the eastern boundary of the property in the area where the red trail crosses the now Old Stage Road and ended there.  So in the era of Stage Coaches, that road never went through.  Around the 1940’s a logging company punched a rough road through what is now the Reservation to move their portable sawmill and connected the then abandoned portions of the two roads.  That old road then became the red/blue trail for the boy scouts, but was flooded by beaver in one section east of West Brook and was quite wet in another section between that beaver swamp and the eastern boundary.  In 1977, the Scouts built a road from the Hidden Valley camp to the eastern portion of the now Old Stage Road and made it passable to trucks easterly to West Brook.  In the mid 1990’s, I set up a timber sale in the West Brook valley and along the red/blue trail.  As part of that sale, the loggers built a new road easterly across West Brook and around the north side of the beaver swamp and by-passed the other wet spot and ended the road where the gate is now located.  There was only a hiking trail between the gate and the eastern boundary.  The Gilmanton snowmobile club soon discovered the improved road and widened the hiking trail at the end of the road to accommodate their groomer and to connect with the old Alton Mountain Road section.  I have not been easterly beyond the old gravel pit on the east boundary of the Reservation for many years and do not know what has happened in that area of late. (I was able to drive a VW Rabbit to the red trail-Old Stage Road junction in 1995)  If the Alton section was once a public road, it is still the legal Right-of-Way to the Reservation.  I do not know when and if that section of Alton Mountain Road was abandoned, but I assume it was around the same time the farmsteads were abandoned.  Research on the history of now abandoned section of Alton Mountain Road may uncover something of further interest."

The two trails coincide, hiking past yet another curiosity - a sign that reads COUGAR IN AREA. I immediately rolled my eyes. I know there's a group of Mountain Lion enthusiasts that believe they're in New England. It wasn't until I read the fine print that my attitude changed...

"PLEASE STAY ON TRAILS. TRAVEL IN SMALL GROUPS AND DO NOT ALLOW MEN UNDER 30 TO TRAVEL ALONE."

Excellent. No notes, truly!

A bit further down the trail/road we saw a bright orange "Trail Information" sign, likely from snowmobile season signing "Little Avery Hill Loop" and "Secret View" - we mentally pinned this for later.

There was a light pitter patter of rain (IT WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO RAIN!) as we continued this easy stretch of our hike. We passed a sign (there are so many signs in the Belknaps) saying "TRAIL USERS. This trail is on private land is being made available through the cooperation of: Elise Arry... and has been developed through the efforts of: THE Mt. Major Snowmobile Club. Do not litter. Drive with Care. Respect Private Proeprty," followed by another sign for the other end of the Little Avery Hill Loop.

[8:32am - Old Stage Road]

Just after, we hit the intersection where Old Stage Road leaves Blueberry Pasture Trail. Old Stage Road continued on the right, while Blueberry Pasture Trail turned left. This officially began our lollipop loop! Christien had pivoted from feeling nauseous to having a bit of vertigo, he said "the trees are moving," and the trees were in fact not moving. I felt so bad for him! We were passing the time with me guessing the names of his family members, which I got most of within a few minutes, but there was one that really kept me occupied (well over an hour of guessing) - hopefully he didn't find it too annoying!

We hiked past a few pools with frog eggs, past a few wonderful glacial erratics, and then hit a junction with an unblazed trail that helped us avoid private property at the end of Jesus Valley Road.

[8:46am - Unblazed Connector]

The unblazed connector, signed with a wooden arrow pointing towards Mt. Major and Straightback, rose steeply with typical "road" footing, meaning it was calf steep. This is the first time we actually were hiking, so naturally I was immediately out of breath.

[8:49am - Jesus Valley - Beaver Pond Trail]

The Unblazed Connector came to a junction with the Jesus Valley - Beaver Pond Trail, which we turned right onto to descent back onto the lovely, flat corridor we'd been enjoying! We hiked through an open yard of sorts and turned left into the woods, continuing along over snowmobile bridges and eventually coming up Beaver Pond! 

[9:02am - Jesus Valley - Beaver Pond Trail/Beaver Pond]

I'm guessing Beaver Pond is named for the beavers that clearly had formed the pond - their lodge was a wonderful centerpiece on the pond! The pond was a nice spot to "stop and stare." It was delightfully quiet and still with grey skies above and just a few bits of drizzle falling. We each took sepearate excusions into the woods to take care of personal businesses, and then we continued on! The trail followed the pond for a bit before contuing through a beautiful birch-lined corridor. We even saw an eft!

[9:28am - Boulder Trail]

We took a quick break at the Boulder Trail junction, and Christien had some of my tums-coated Advil - he was thinking he was dealing with a sneaky migrane, which truly sounded likely. We had some water, he had his drugs, I took a quick potty break, we crossed paths with the first person du jour, and it was time to FINALLY climb up Mt. Major!

I was a big fan of the Boulder Trail. I had only ever hiked down it, and let me tell you it was MUCH nicer going up than down! Last time I came down this trail it was after a rain storm, I was grossly dehydrated, and I took a pretty hard fall onto my back, which was caught by my pack, but gave me some intense whiplast for the next few days. The trail alternated steep, rocky climbs with mellower stretches. This is also where I learned that Christien likes to mountain goat up the rocks with his long legs - my god! I had NO problem letting him get ahead, as I was plugging along slow and steady.

Salvation was near after a gravelley, scrambly pitch. We came to the first "DO NOT DISTURB THE CAIRNS!!" sign, and from this point on the trail was absolutely delightful. Mostly flat, trending upward, and walking along beautiful slabby, scrubby woods with moss-lined trails. We started to catch preliminary views towards Alton Bay.

[10:23am - Mt. Major Summit]

"Wow"s soon began, as we reached the summit! The view from here is always spectacular. Lake Winnipesaukee is really something cool to see. We could see Mt. Moosilauke in the clouds (turns out it was snowing!), the peaks of the Franconias and the Sandwich Range, and of course the Ossipees (where Sarah was apparently hiking! I told her on Strava that I waved to her!). There were showers rolling through the area, but thankfully they were staying above and north of the lake, with only wind and a few small drizzles hitting us at the top. We took a bunch of photos and meandered around the summit for a bit. I found two discs! There were two groups of hikers taking refuge from the cold wind in the old foundation, but once they left I jumped in. There were two friendly solo hikers chatting nearby - it was one's first solo hike ever, and she just ran a marathon. The other one was a chatty guy who read as a local and just happy to meet people. Very fun to eavesdrop!

We then sat for a bit and bundled back up. I got some tortellini pasta salad from Hookset, which felt silly but was a WIN! I paired that with an Almond Joy and we both shared adult beverages (a Nutrl hard lemonade and this Blackberry Bramble canned cocktail, both were... fine) and enjoyed being out, even if it was cold!

Christien said he was feeling better (I bet it was the nasty Bramble), we finished up our break, enjoyed the view for just a bit longer, and then started hiking again!

[10:54am - Blue/Yellow Trail]

We followed the confluence of a blue and yellow-blazed trail, which I think was the Mt. Major Trail and Brook Trails. They continued along wonderful open slabs (similar the upper reaches of the Boulder Trail) before descending a bit steeply to a junction where the yellow-blazed Brook Trail turned right to descend and the blue-blazed Major-Straightback Link turned left to start the journey up to Straightback. We briefly crossed paths with the woman who was on her first solo hike, who was also playing music loudly, so we blasted off.

[11:04am - Major-Straightback Trail]

The Major-Straightback Link rose through pretty, mossy forests with occasional open spots at easy to moderate grades. There were a few older wooden blue diamond blazes guiding the way, but the footbed was always clear. The trail later evened out and opened up to the summit of Straightback Mountain!

[11:24am - Straightback Mountain Summit/Straightback Mountain Trail]

Mentally, I didn't realize that Straightback was higher up than Mt. Major, but my legs felt it! From the summit, we turned left and followed the sign for "to Jesus Valley Rd 1.5 mi," which was the Straightback Mountain Trail. 

The upper Straightback Mountain Trail was an absolute joy to walk across. It was very open with a small discernable footpath through occasional patches of dirt with occasional views - it reminded me of sections of Monadnock along the Pumpelly Ridge. I only wish there were blazes or cairns! The trail turned a corner and descended along a slightly wetter stretch before ocming to the junction with the Blueberry Pasture Trail.

[11:37am - Blueberry Pasture Trail]

The Blueberry Pasture Trail was a wonderfully pleasant old road with mostly good footing, save for a few wobbly rocks here and there. We descended with a few turns here and there, and lower down hiked across some snowmobile bridges and past some old artifacts. Some wheel/pulley thing and a few barrels. It was simply a lovely descent from Straightback down!

[12:01pm - Blueberry Pasture Trail/Old Stage Road]

[12:02pm - Little Avery Hill Loop]

Soon we were back on Old Stage Road and after a bit of waffling we decided to hit the Little Avery Hill Loop to check out the "Secret View." This was clearly a snowmobile trail with blegh footing, and it was a steep one at that! Christien was NOT pleased with our decision, but I was suffering along excited for a view1There wre a couple of old orange blazes, but this trail is not on either map on belknaprangetrails.org. We turned a corner, suffered up some more, and came to a grassy clearing with a view!

[12:10pm - Little Avery Hill]

There was a lovely view up to straightback, and it was really fun to see the open slabs up there, where we were not too long ago! Christien was NOT having it, he officially hated Little Avery Hill after that steep climb! There was a tree view behind to normal Avery Hill, which does have a trail in the old Dave Robert's map on the aformentioned website, but nothing on the current map.

The descent was quick and easy down a narrower snowmobile trail, and soon we were back on the Blueberry Pasture Trail to finish out our hike!

[12:13pm - Blueberry Pasture Trail]

We did forget about the Silent People, though. We had a quick, uneasy hike past them, but then soon enough we were back at the parking area, which had about four cars now.

[12:17pm - End of Hike]

We did it! Christien was feeling much better compared to the start of the hike, and was just wishing he felt fine for the whole thing. I'm really glad and grateful that he rallied - I had a wonderful time on these trails and hiking with him! I got changed in the parking area and then we set our sights on getting lunch on the lake, so we drove down Alton Mountain Road to Alton Bay and landed at Shibley at the Pier in Alton, and it was a great, easy lunch! Except for the fact that I basically drenched myself in my cocktail...

The drive home was nice and easy. I got BOGO popcorn from the Common Man and Christien had a nice nap. Best part - we were home by 3:00pm so I could keep delaying my Sunday scaries!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Blueberry Pasture Trail from trailhead.

- At jct., turn right onto Old Stage Road.

- Near terminus, turn left onto unblazed trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Jesus Valley - Beaver Pond Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Boulder Trail.

- At terminus, continue onto Blue/Yellow blazed trail.

- At jct., continue to follow Blue blazes.

- At summit of Straightback Mountain (S. Peak), turn left onto Straightback Mountain Trail.

- At jct., turn right onto Blueberry Pasture Trail.

- After jct. with Old Stage Road, turn left onto snowmobile path to "Secret View."

- At "Secret View," continue to follow path down to Blueberry Pasture Trail.

- Turn left onto Blueberry Pasture Trail, return to car.

Belknap Range Map (2023)

Photo Album

Alander Mountain via Alander Mountain Trail (Mount Washington State Forest)

Alander Mountain via Alander Mountain Trail (Mount Washington State Forest)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 5.95 miles

Elevation: 1,194 feet

Time: 2 hours, 2 minutes

Parking: Parking at Mount Washington State Park Headquarters for many cars.
Hiking Challenges: Taconic 12er, Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge, 52 Hike Challenge 2026

The Hike 

I had the day all to myself and it was flirting with being kind of nice out with a bit of residual rain first thing in the morning. I had my sights on the four southern Taconic peaks on the Taconic 12er Challenge: Alander Mountain, Mt. Frissell, Mt. Brace, and Bear Mountain. Planning looked like I could do these in two hikes, and the trailheads were just a few minutes apart! I set a comical 3:00am alarm and was out the door at 3:20am. It was naturally pouring on my drive, but I was staying optimistic! The further west I drove the drier the roads became, thankfully. Originally it said 8:00am would be the end of the rain, but as I got closer it got bumped up to 7:00am - yay! I needed gas once I got off the pike and was horrified to see that it was averaging $4.50/gallon in the Berkshires, but I eventually found one for $4.20... ugh. 

I made my way towards Mt. Washington State Forest and East Street was down to a one-lane road in two sections due to road work, but since it was so early there was no one else out. I passed four deer and two turkeys living harmoniously on the side of the road, and eventually made it to the parking area at the State Forest Headquarters - with a porta potty! My stomach had been in a bad mood (I got a half and half pizza from Bertucci's last night and had two slices of Verde and two slices of Nolio for dinner and brought the other four slices for today, but I think the Nolio is now on my "treats my body like ricotta cheese does" list). I had my breakfast pizza, used the porta potty, which was in pretty good condition, and got started on adventure #1!

[6:25am - Alander Mountain Trail]

It was a brisk 41 degrees out with a few residual raindrops, but peeks of blue skies! There were endless birds singing, including a rooster (Merlin said White-throated Sparrows, Northern Flickers, Hairy Woodpeckers, Chipping Sparrows, Black-capped Chickadees, and Common Ravens). I was back with my orange 32-liter pack (versus my blue 40-liter pack) for spring - I did a little hiking pack restock last night for the warmer seasons. The Alander Mountain Trail started right at the parking area and traversed a nice, open meadow and is marked with blue blazes. 

Following the meadow, the trail entered the woods on a wide, well-blazed trail that felt like an old road. The trail turned left at a closed section of trail (but recently mowed) at another meadow and then crossed a stream on a bridge at another unmapped intersection. The trail had been averaging flat with minor easy ups and downs so far. Footing got a little muddier after the bridge, but nothing was too bad so far!

[6:35am - Alander Mountain Trail/Charcoal Pit Trail]

I soon passed the junction with the Charcoal Pit Trail, which did not look appetizing to me. It looked wildly wet, muddy, and grassy. I did have a couple option to extend this into a loop hike, but now I have eliminated one option! The Alander Mountain Trail crossed another stream and then came to the junction with the Ashley Hill Trail, which looked to be another wide road.

[6:38am - Alander Mountain Trail/Ashley Hill Trail]

I would keep this one in mind for my return trip if I was feeling inspired to extend my hike! I took my fleece off here, but kept my Frogg Togg jacket on as the rain had mostly stopped, but the leftovers from treetops were still falling. Off-trail, I saw a little herd path to a nice waterfall that was only a little sketchy to descend to - it was so pretty!

The Alander Mountain Trail descended for a minute to an area where two brooks meet - Lee Pond Brook, which had the waterfall from before, and the Ashley Hill Brook. I crossed over Ashley Hill Brook on a nice, large bridge and enjoyed the beautiful area. The water was so beautifully clear! There were also old stone foundations, maybe an old dam or mill?

The trail began to gently rise from this point, so I officially took my rain jacket off. Higher up, the trail entered the clouds (bummer) and passed a sign indicating the campground was a half mile away. There were a few cars from Connecticut at the trailhead, I wonder if they were camping?

After the sign, the trail flattened out in a really pretty area of open woods and young spring greens dotting the floor. The clouds were really trying to burn off, but without much success. I climbed a little steeper (but not steeply) to the junction with the Campground Trail.

[6:58am - Alander Mountain Trail/Campground Trail]

I pinned the Campground Trail for a possible return loop, as it links up with the Ashley Mountain Trail later on. The birds were back singing as I descended gently after the junction (I kept singing "the birds are back" to the tune "the boys are back" from High School Musical 3) before crossing a flat wet spot that led to a mountain laurel grove.

The climb officially-officially began when the trail momentarily became a literal stream. I kept thinking about how pretty it would be when the mountain laurel is in bloom! A massive bumblebee zoomed past me as the trail began to parallel a stream in a really lovely conifer grove. There was a metal sign with "last water in dry season" "written" via pinholes, and then the trail opened up again on a now rocky and eroded footbed.

The trail entered a very confusing wet, eroded area just after - some bird was trying to tell me which way was correct, but it wasn't overly helpful. Higher up, I re-entered the clouds as the trail steeply climbed up to the ridge. To my surprise, I came to a building!

[7:23am - Alander Mountain Trail/Watchmen's Cabin]

The building was the Alander Fire Watchmen's Cabin, thankfully indicated by a sign. It looked like the door could be opened, but I have a firm policy of not f-ing around to find out what creepy things may be lurking inside. The sign read:

"Historic Structure

Alander Fire Watchmen's Cabin

c. 1920's

Please respect this historic structure!

Alander Mountain Fire Tower, 1928-30 and associated Fire watchmen's Cabin at Mount Washington State Forest. The former site of this tower, located just tenths of a mile within Massachusetts from the state line, was managed by New York State froom 1928-1930. It was then dismantled and stored at Taconic State Park. In 1933 the tower was again erected on Washburn Mountain in Copake Falls, NY. Moved once more in 1963-64 to Beebe Hill, where it stands today.

Although the fire tower is gone form the original site on Alander Mountain, the 4 concrete footings remain. Also, this original Watchman's Cabin is actively used as a campsite for the Mount Washington State Forest.

Please be respectful, carry out all trash, and be diligent about your fires!"

There was a short, steep, ledgy push just after the cabin, which led to the terminus of the Alander Mountain Trail! I turned left onto the South Taconic Trail, which would lead to the summit of Alander Mountain.

[7:25am - South Taconic Trail]

This South Taconic Trail was fully socked in, but a beautiful short walk! It had tall bushes lining much of the stretch and puddles on the trailbed, kind of like Buck Hill in the Blue Hills, but I could tell there would be some nice views if I weren't in a cloud. 

[7:27am - Alander Mountain Summit]

And just like that, I was at the summit of Alander Mountain! The true summit is marked with old fire tower footings, an USGS marker, and a summit sign that was off on a tree slightly in the woods. I didn't stand here for long, in part because the only view was of the cloud I was residing in, but it was also damp and cold up here with a breeze. Plus, I had more hiking to do! I took a swig of Nuun and started my trip back to the Alander Mountain Trail and back to the car, still unsure if I was going to do a loop or not.

[7:33am - Alander Mountain Trail]

I wiggled down to the cabin and started... well, attempted to blast off back to the car! I made it to the top in one hour and one minute, I wondered if I could match it, or be faster on the return... I was also noticing I was two minutes ahead of the schedule I set for myself for the day - yay!

Back in the woods, the clouds were visibly higher up and if I stuck around for maybe 30 more minutes I would have caught a view, but oh well! I had work to do! I had been noticing all day the hip belt on my pack was feeling weird, and I learned why on the way down - the bottom tooth on the main buckle snapped off at some point in the past! That also explained why it unbuckled a few times. Bummer.

My toe got a little wet in the wet, eroded section, and I was moving slower than I wanted because of the water and footing, but overall it was good-going. 

[7:57am - Alander Mountain Trail/Campground Trail]

I decided to not do a loop at the Campground Trail junction since I had another hike to do just after this one. It smelled like a pine candle after the campground junction, and to my delight I saw some of the first red trillium of the season! I noticed first the three leaves, and then the droopy flowers! No pink lady slippers, though... There were also some droopy purple flowers in the area.

I was still impressively gassy throughout most of this hike, and it was really giving me a boost on this descent. I could start to hear the Ashley Hill Brook and soon made it back to the low point of the trail where the two brooks met. I crossed the bridge and started huffing it back uphill, which I was really cranky about, but it was also literally fine. 

[8:14am - Alander Mountain Trail/Ashley Hill Trail]

[8:17am - Alander Mountain Trail/Charcoal Pit Trail]

I hiked past the Ashley Hill and Charcoal Pit Trails through some wonderful rambling pine forests, passed the second meadow, rambled some more, and then finally entered the trailhead meadow. I didn't see a single human on this hike, and even with the wet trails, it was an absolute delight! I'd love to come back sometime to see the view, or even flirt with hiking the South Taconic Trail in it's whole (EDIT: wait of course that's what I want to do, it's only 14 miles).

[8:57am - End of Hike]

Back at the trailhead, I used the porta potty once more for good measure, changed into another set of dry hiking clothes, had my second two slices of pizza, and started my trek down to the MA/CT state line at the Mt. Frissell Trailhead!

Step-by-Step

- Start hike on Alander Mountain Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto South Taconic Trail.

- At summit, turn around.

- At jct., turn right onto Alander Mountain Trail.

- Return to car.

Map of Mount Washington State Forest

Photo Album

Mt. Pemigewasset (2x) (Double Pemitration) (White Mountain National Forest)

Mt. Pemigewasset (2x) (Double Pemitration) (White Mountain National Forest)

Hike Type: Out-and-back-and-out-and-back

Distance: 6.85 miles

Elevation: 2,497 feet

Time: 2 hours, 55 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026

The Hike 

How this hike came to be: I knew I wanted to hike either before or after skiing Cannon, and while perusing Strava I came across a local athlete who did Mt. Pemigewasset eight times (insane). Naturally, I looked at his segments, and to my DELIGHT I saw that the segement for doing it twice in a row is called "Double Pemitration." Now, I love two things: a segment, and a silly and slightly dirty play on words. I was sold! I knew Mt. Pemi wasn't that difficult of a hike, so it was fully within my wheelhouse (plus the full trip would be just over six miles and 2000 feet - so doable. Since there was an overnight freeze, I decided I'd let Cannon thaw out in the morning and do my hike before skiing. I woke up around 5:00am (after a lousy night of sleep - I blame mostly the ramen) and started my drive, landing at the Flume Gorge parking lot just around 7:30am.

[7:42am - Franconia Notch Bike Path]

I suited up at my car with only one other car in the parking lot and soon walked right up to the Franconia Notch Bike Path, past an informational sign that read:

"Constructed as part of the Franconia Notch Parkway this path, completely separate from the Parkway, traverses the length of Franconia Notch and provides access to all park facilities and natural treasures."

After a very short walk easily uphill and almost slipping on black ice, I came to the Mt. Pemigewasset trailhead.

[7:44am - Mt. Pemigewasset Trail]

Mt. Pemigewasset was the first mountain I ever climbed in the Whites (and the third hike, after Lonesome Lake and Artist Bluff) back in 2020, so it was fun to be revisiting. The Mt. Pemigewasset Trail easily descended with some icy footing to cross underneath US-3, and then rose again to cross a brook on a bridge that featured both forest fire prevention and bear prevention signs. 

The trail turned after the bridge onto a stable monorail that faded in and out, eventually dipping and turning to cross underneath I-93 Northbound, which had a few inches of ice on the ground, and then rose gently to cross I-93 Southbound, which had much friendlier footing. 

I continued to follow the seemingly fresh blue blazes up some stone stairs for about 20 feet until I pulled over to shed my layers down to my long sleeve base layer. It felt delightfully warm in the sun - so warm that I wished I wore shorts instead of long pants!

The Mt. Pemigewasset Trail continued to climb at an easy to moderate grade, easily crossing three streams that are likely dry in other seasons. The trail meandered for a bit, sometimes over not-too-slippery monorail, eventually crossing a slightly larger stream than the previous three (still easily, though). The forest was really pretty, too!

I climbed up through some unproblematic mud - the kind where you're not fighting for your life but you're glad that you wore waterproof boots! There were some tree views over to the Franconia Ridge, but not for much longer - spring is on its way!

I started to get a bit sweaty as the grade increased again and I finally put my spikes on. After the muddy section, the snowpack is pretty consistent for the rest of the climb. On average, there was probably 6" of snow, with some bare spots and some deeper spots. The monorail was doing it's thing, though! It made me glad I started with the hike instead of skiing because I feared this would turn to mush in the coming hours. 

The trail continued it's easy-to-moderate climb and steepened a bit more as the forest transitioned over to mostly coniferous trees - I remembered this part vividly becuase Emma and I kept talking about how much we love it when the "biomes" change on hikes! The snow in the coniferous stretch was very much spring snow - frozen, but covered in needles and twigs. It smelled like a Christmas Tree! I missed this smell.

[8:28am - Mt. Pemigewasset Trail/Indian Head Trail]

Not long after entering the coniferous forest, I came to the junction with the Indian Head Trail. I very much do want to do the hike from this side, or at least the loop, but I was hellbent on getting the Double Pemitration Strava segment! The final push involved a small bit of navigable ice and one pseudo-scramble, but soon, I made it!

[8:31am - Mt. Pemigewasset Summit]

The summit area really is just wonderful. I dropped my spikes on a tree just before it opened up, and the view is vast on a huge open ledge. On the right was South Kinsman followed by Mt. Wolf and Mt. Moosilauke just after Mt. Wolf - Mt. Wolf really looks huge from this vantage point! Next on the left was I-93, Lincoln, and Loon. 

I noticed that the blue blazes continued around the corner of the ledge, so I followed them with a little "bushwhack" in the woods to avoid some icy ledges. From a second obstructed viewpoint I could see Loon Mountain Ski Resort, and from a third, which I believe is the true summit (no disc to be found under all the snow), was a tree-framed view toward Liberty and Flume. I didn't stick around for long, because I had a second lap to do!

[8:38am - Mt. Pemigewasset Trail]

[8:39am - Mt. Pemigewasset Trail/Indian Head Trail]

I put my spikes back on and started my descent, passing the Indian Head Trail after just a minute, and eventually existing the conifer forest. I had my first crazy red squirrel yelling at me of the year! The tops of my feet were hurting on the descent, likely from my ski boots, but they felt better once I took my spikes off further down. It was warming up NICELY down low - I was a little nervous about the softening snow. Slowly, the sounds of running water were replaced with the cars on I-93, and before I knew it, I was back at the Bike Path! Lap #1 took me 3.46 miles over 1 hour and 31 minutes (I guess technically 1 hour and 29 minutes if we're just counting the trailhead sign). 

[9:13am - Mt. Pemigewasset Trail/Franconia Notch Bike Path]

Up #2 started with a bunch of birds cheering me on. I went under the three tunnels and began to climb. I noticed once my spikes were back on that the snow was DEFINITELY feeling softer - I kept just hoping that the monorail would hold! I was starting to feel HUNGRY on this climb - thankfully I had a breakfast sandwich back at the car. The squirrels and chipmunks were all waking up to do their morning chores as my legs were definitely starting to feel more tired. 

I noticed a white-capped Lafayette through the trees, which brought me joy. The warm temperatures of the sun-drenched deciduous forest gradually got replaced by a cold breeze in the coniferous forest, and soon enough, I passed the Indian Head Trail and was back at the top!

[9:54am - Mt. Pemigewasset Trail/Indian Head Trail]

[9:57am - Mt. Pemigewasset Summit]

Naturally I took a bunch of the exact same photos as before. The only thing that had changed over the past hour and a half was the lighting! The first summit visit was angled direct sunlight, and this time it was leaning slightly overcast. Either way, it was a delight! If I didn't have skiing to do (I say like I wasn't itching to get skiing...) I would have stayed for a bit.

[10:02am - Mt. Pemigewasset Trail]

[10:03am - Mt. Pemigewasset Trail/Indian Head Trail]

I put my spikes back on and went into the woods for a nice, quick descent. The snow was even softer than before, to the point where I wish I had my gatiers. I took my spikes off at saw my first people du jour at 2 hours, 32 minutes and 5.78 miles. They looked wildly unprepared for a winter-esc hike. They probably could make it to the top in bareboots, but it would not be a pleasant time!

Further down, I began to hear the highway and began to pass MANY more people (I guess the (9:30/10 start time is alive and well). I passed another duo and then another, the second of the two was an older couple in jeans and normal shirts who appeared to be having a BAD time. I crossed the largest stream and crossed a trio followed by a solo, all of whom looked prepared. Two more just after them, and another two following the last small crossing. Everyone since the jeans were looking well prepared, at least! I went under I-93, passed a solo hiker in jeans and a leather backpack, and then I went under US-3 and passed a prepared hiker with her leashed puppy clearly training the puppy to be a good hiking companion - cheers!

[10:35am - Mt. Pemigewasset Trail/Franconia Notch Bike Path]

[10:37am - End of Hike]

I passed one more on the Bike Path, stomped over the previously frozen portion, and was back at my car! I did all of my changing at my car for skiing (I parked far away from the main spots for this reason), had my second breakfast, and synched my watch. To my HORROR I didn't see the Double Pemitration segment! Turns out, that is a running segment and NOT a hiking segment. I was FURIOUS. I'm still deciding if I'm spiteful enough to pay for a Strava subscription just so I can make it a segment... to be determined...

Step-by-Step

- Park at Flume Gorge parking lot.

- Start hike on Franconia Notch Bike Path.

- At jct., turn left onto the Mt. Pemigewasset Trail.

- Hike to summit, and back, and to the summit, and back.

- At Bike Path, turn right and return to car.

Photo Album

South Uncanoonuc & Uncanoonuc Lake (Goffstown Conservation Land)

South Uncanoonuc & Uncanoonuc Lake (Goffstown Conservation Land)

Hike Type: Loop w/ Spurs

Distance: 3.00 miles

Elevation: 755 feet

Time: 1 hour, 16 minutes (1 hour, 11 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2026; Operation Alaska Benchmark Challenge

The Hike 

Another weekend of driving up to Vermont! My detour today was exploring South Uncanoonuc - a little hill in Goffstown just off the highway. I had a sleepy drive after a pretty rotten Friday afternoon with anxiety and truly insane children, but it was a SCORCHING 75 degrees out and visually beautiful. I made it to the trailhead, tried to take care of a code-yellow but got interruped by another hiker (tragic), finished once the hiker left, and then got to work!

The trailhead at the end of Mountain Base Road had room for 10-12ish cars and was right near Uncanoonuc Lake, which was picturesque on this Friday afternoon! I started the hike on the Incline Trail, assuming that it would be unpleasant to descend later. The Incline Trail entered the woods, crossed a little bridge, and then began to follow power lines basically the whole was up the mountain. I passed a spooky cabin on the right and a woodpecker on the left. I soon learned why it was called the Incline Trail! It felt like an old, steep road all the way up, with only a few rocks and roots to give the calves a break. I described it in my notes as "relentless."

Eventually, the seasonal tree views began to appear and I stopped to stretch out my burning calves, checked my watch, and saw I had only hiked 0.25 miles! Brutal! There were some metal artifacts on both sides of the trail at different times and later the Incline Trail passed an unsigned junction with the Walker Trail. Near the top, I passed some private residences on the left, which was surprising to see. A partially busted sign indicated the Incline Trail and the Summit Trail on either side, and the Summit area just ahead. 

EDIT: after some digging on Facebook, I learned that the Incline Trail followst the path of an old Incline Railway! An article in the "Simplon Funiculars, Cablecars and Inclined Railways" Facebook group read:

"The Uncanoonuc Incline Railway and Development Company initially built a 4km single-track, electric standard gauge tram line from Shirley Junction, at the intersection of South Mast Street and Wallace Road in Goffstown, from where there was a connecting tram route to Manchester (New Hampshire). The new line ran along the present Worthley Hill Road at the foot of the mountain. The line was used from on September 15th, 1905 and was officially opened shortly afterwards. To promote tourism, the company then built a hotel on top of the Uncanoonuc mountain, accessed by a 725m long inclined railway which was cable-hauled in similar fashion to the Llandudno Great Orme Tramway. It was built with overhead electric supply, also like the Great Orme, which I presume was used for signalling as at Llandudno. The travel time for the lower tramway with an average gradient of 4.5 percent was uphill for 15 minutes and downhill six minutes. The inclined elevator/lift tramway took five minutes for a ride and had a maximum slope of 35 percent. In February 1923, the hotel burned down on the mountain top, and a bridge subsequently suffered the same fate in 1930. They were not replaced. The adhesion tram route to the lower station of the inclined railway ran until January 8th, 1938 and the inclined cable trams lasted until 1941, when a forest fire destroyed much of the railway plant.. The only Wikipedia article on the railway seems to be in German, and Google/Bing translators produced the usual gibberish when dealing with technical details. Why there apparently is not a US article is a mystery."

I worked my way up to the summit area, which was encircled by Perimeter Road and a wild amount of different communication towers. A blogpost titled "Towerspotting: Mt. Uncanoonuc from https://blogs.n1zyy.com/ lists the different towers as: (1) WGIR-FM's old tower, now used for backup, (2) A tall Crown-Castle tower (red/white), home to WGIR-FM's primary antenna system, (3) a self-supporter that [he] think[s] is owned by SBA; home to cellular, microwave, and some land-mobile stuff, (4) WMUR-TV's antenna and tower (red/white), (5) a short, abandoned(?) tower, (6) WMUR-TC's old antenna/tower from the analog-to-DTV cutover, (7) WZID-FM's tower, (8) a commercial land-mobile tower, (9) another commercial land-mobile tower, but much taller, (10) WNEU-TV tower, the most powerful on the summit, (11) a wide self-supporter that is likely owned by Goffstown, (12) a very short tower, and (13) an industrial communications tower.

There were towers on both sides of Perimeter Road with a few spurs inward to the true summit area. I took one from the south heading north towards a concrete rectulangular prism and found a Army Corps of Engineers Survey Disc! Yay! I wandered around a bit more, eventually returning to the junction with the Incline/Summit Trails.

I continued onto the Summit Trail, that had only a few old red/plum-colored blazes. A trail runner passed me and I soon came to a nice overlook that was inhabited by four teenage boys that were a little rowdy, so I didn't stick around. I continued into the woods, noticing a few more super old blazes and some more recently painted ones, and then crossed Summit Road before continuing my descent in some nice woods. I noticed a granite obelisk just off the trail, but we seemed to be firmly in Goffstown, so maybe a former property line?

I passed a trail junction for a trail that looked hardly used with orange blazes as I easily descended along the Summit Trail. Later on, I continued past the junction for the Walker Trail and crossed paths with a guy hiking his bike up! I could just make out North Uncanoonuc through the trees, but I wanted to get to Vermont at a reasonable hour tonight, so I continued on. I passed the junction with the Link Trail and noticed a few red-triangle blazes now appeared? This area/trail network is neat, but I wish they'd work on sprucing it up a bit! Mostly to unify blazing and trail junctions.

Afterwards, I hiked past a logged area on the left and could start to hear some spring Peepers down below! I made a plan to hike around Uncanoonuc Lake, knowing that a lot of it would be road walking. I was really just hoping to hit three miles!

I turned left onto the Bickford Trail to make my dream a reality, and then I turned right to steeply descend the orange-blazed Scout Trail. The Scout Trail appeared to cross a dam/dike at the western end of Uncanoonuc Lake, which offered nice views of the lake on the right and wetlands on the left, and then turned left back into the woods to avoid some private property. 

The Scout Trail continued left in the woods, but an unmarked spur led straight/right to the road, which felt weird taking since it was basically someone's back yard, but it was on the map, so I took it! I then had a nice walk along McFarland Road, which was a dirt/gravel road that passed a bunch of small, classic New Hampshire lake homes (as least classic per my experience on Governor's Lake in Raymond, NH). 

McFarland Road ended and I turned right onto Mountain Base Road, which brought me back to my car. There were some nice views of South Uncanoonuc through people's yards, but I was not going to be photographing them. There were a few boats out on the lake fishing, and soon I was back at my car and driving up to Vermont!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Incline Trail trailhead.

- Start hike on Incline Trail.

- At road, turn right and hike Perimeter Road counterclockwise, taking occasional spurs to the summit.

- At same jct., turn right to begin descent on Summit Trail (red/plum).

- At jct., turn left onto Bickford Trail (blue).

- At jct., turn right onto Scout Trail (orange).

- At McFarland Road, turn left onto McFarland Road.

- At terminus, turn right onto Mountain Base Road.

- Return to car.

Goffstown Conservation Land Map

Photo Album