Hike-Swim-Eat Series: North and South Mountain Loop - Pawtuckaway Lake - The Tuckaway Tavern6/6/2015 If you're looking for a nice day trip in southern New Hampshire, you should definitely check out Pawtuckaway State Park, a 5000-acre preserve that spans Deerfield, Raymond, and Nottingham. We live about a 10 minutes' drive from a trail head on the western side of the park, making it a quick and easy hiking option. Within the preserve, there is a state park that includes camping, swimming, canoe and kayak rentals, and hiking trails. There are two small mountains in Pawtuckaway, part of a ring dike, or the remains of an ancient volcano. North Mountain is located on one side of this ring dike, South Mountain on the other. Today we hiked both of the mountains via a loop trail that connects them. Here is a link to a trail map. Interestingly, as a ring dike weathers, the process supports the formation of a large number of plant species. This has resulted in this preserve boasting a large number of rare plants, as well as offering several different types of ecological niches. This loop hike takes you through a hemlock forest, an Appalachian oak rocky ridge system, and an oak-sugar maple forest. It never gets monotonous. At the base of North Mountain is an area called Boulder Field, where boulders are scattered across the terrain like gigantic cookie crumbs. Some of them are 30 feet tall. This is a popular place for rock climbers to come and practice different techniques.
This longer loop hike features about 7 miles of what I would classify as "ambling" trails, with a few good climbs that will get your heart racing. It's nothing like hiking in the Whites, but it's close to home for me, and lovely. There are some beautiful views from outcroppings of the ring dike as you go along. The summit of North Mountain is fairly anti-climactic, the many outcroppings you pass over on the way up being much more scenic. The summit of South Mountain is more open and features a fire tower that is climb-able, as well. I noticed yesterday that there are blueberry bushes everywhere, and so I completely intend to return again throughout berry season. We park at the Reservation Road trail head. Reservation Road is located off of route 107 between Deerfield and Raymond. Follow it, even after it becomes a dirt road, and you will find a small dirt area with room for cars to park, with signage for North Mountain Trail on either side of the road. We've hiked the loop in both directions. North Mountain is the more vigorous climb of the two, so it depends on if you prefer to do the harder work at the beginning or the end of the loop. The trail is enjoyable and beautiful in different ways, depending on which direction you go. Just like Bear Brook State Park, the trails are not always dependably labeled. I printed out the map and carried it with me, as there are a number of junctions and it can get confusing. Starting at the Reservation Road parking area, jump onto North Mountain Trail. This will carry you over North Mountain, then on an enchanting wander through a hemlock forest. At the bottom of North Mountain, get onto Boulder Trail which passes by Boulder Field and around Round Pond, to join with South Ridge Trail. South Ridge Trail guides you over the summit of South Mountain. From there, continue on South Ridge Trail to Mountain Trail to Tower Road. You can either walk back to the parking area via Tower Road and Reservation Road, or jump back onto North Mountain trail and walk in the woods back to the parking area. After hiking on a hot day, a swim in Pawtuckaway Lake is refreshing. There is no access from the western side of the park, and you'll need to drive about 15 minutes to the main park entrance in order to get beach access. For a nice meal out, check out The Tuckaway Tavern for yummy food and drinks. Expect to wait a little bit for a table at this popular restaurant.
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AuthorI'm Emily. I currently work in online education management, but I also have a Masters degree in Nutritional Sciences (my true passion). In addition, I am a mom, cook, avid reader, novice gardener, and enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. On my blog, you will find articles on food, fitness, weight management, and eating issues. ALL recipes on my blog are gluten-free. Many are low-carbohydrate. Most are grain free. Enjoy! Categories
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