Distance 1.5 Mile Loop
Difficulty: Easy
I am surprised with the amount of hiking trails that Milford, NH has. I feel like I am constantly finding a new one. I recently explored a new trail. Located on Mullen Road off of Osgood Road in Milford is Hitchiner Town Forest. This is a great forest that provides some nice hiking trails, many rock walls, connections to other trails and some surprisingly nice views.
There is a large parking lot, which is always nice at a trailhead. There are some covered picnic tables, but I read they are part of the Boy Scouts so I am not sure they are for public use. From the parking lot you can take a trail off to the right that heads towards the Burns Farm Trails which is park of Beaver Brook. If you go straight towards the covered picnic tables there is a small kiosk with the start of the trail.
There are two loops. One small one and one little big bigger. Both loops are only 1.5 miles.
All Trails Map
The trail is fairly flat. You hike through the forest and there are several areas where you can see evidence of an old stone walls.
There were also several areas that has glacier erratics.
There are two small areas with a little incline. As you are walking along the trail there are two ways to get to the summit of Burns Hill. The first trail split is the East Summit Trail on the left. This trail is a little steeper, but only for a few hundred feet.
You can continue down the trail to the South Summit Trail which takes a left. If you go straight you can hike on to Mile Slip Forest.
We found the forest was very beautiful and peaceful.
At the top of Burns Hill is a beautiful view of the Wapack Range, Rose and Pinnacle Mountains and way in the distance you could see Mt. Kearsarge. For such little effort I was surprised at the expansive and scenic view. I wish it was a little clearer as I think we could have seen further.
We looped back around to the East Trail and back to our car. I really enjoyed this trail. There is a variety to see. Plenty of rocks and trees for kids to explore and a beautiful view with minimal effort. A great trail for beginner hikers, hiking with younger children or anyone who wants to get a quick hike with beautiful scenery.
