Upper and Lower Ammonoosuc Falls

I love a good waterfall and swimming hole. The Upper and Lower Ammonoosuc Falls provide both. Located on Base Road off of Rt 302 in Twin Mountain is both of these falls. This is the same road that goes to the Cog Railway. They both have dirt pullouts to park and kiosks on the right hand side of the road. I cannot remember exactly how far up Base Road the falls are, but it is at least a couple miles.

We first visited the Upper Falls. I had read in multiple blogs and websites that this area can very dangerous when the waters are high. The day we visited the current did not seem too strong as there were several pre-teens and teens jumping off tall rocks into the water. There is a bridge that goes over the falls. There is not a lot of room to sit and get into the water. If you visit this swimming area use caution and pay attention to the currents and water levels.

Upper Ammonoosuc Falls

The rocks to jump off were a little too tall for my daughters’ liking so we decided to check out the lower falls, which is roughly a mile south. There is a short path you walk to get to the swimming area. The day we visited there was only one other family there. My daughter enjoys this section a lot more as there are various heights of rocks to jump off. The path goes further up the stream, but we did not explore it. The other family told us that under one of the falls is a small cave to explore.

Above the swimming hole.

The pool was about six feet deep. My daughter, husband and I all touched the bottom a couple times when we jumped in but we did not get hurt. We have seen various water levels when we have visited different times during the summer.

Swimming hole at Lower Ammonoosuc Falls

We spent a couple hours laying on the rocks, swimming the rapids and jumping off the rocks.

If you love fun swimming hole and adventure I highly recommend checking out these waterfalls. Remember to use caution when swimming and pay attention to the water levels and currents.

Glen Ellis Falls

Distance: .25 miles

Difficulty Easy with several stairs

The first summer that my husband and I were dating we spent most weekends in the White Mountains hiking, kayaking, swimming and exploring. One of our favorite spots to frequent was Glen Ellis Falls. We would jump off the rocks into the deep pool and swim under the waterfall.

Fast forward 17 years and we brought out daughter back to visit. The trail is located on Rt 16 about a mile before Wildcat Mountain Ski Area in Pinkham Notch. The trailhead is located on the southbound side. There is an iron ranger to pay the parking fee of $5.

It is about a quarter of a mile to the falls. You cross thru a tunnel under Route 16 and follow a path along the Ellis River. There are three look out points, one near the top of the falls, one closer to the bottom and another at the bottom. There are several stairs to get down to the falls.

At the bottom of the trail you get a spectacular view of the waterfall.

The day we visited the water was rushing pretty fast and I could not imagine swimming here. Since we have not been in a while I am unsure if this is still a popular swimming hole. This is a nice easy walk if you are looking to check out a beautiful waterfall.

Coleman Inflatable Hot Tub

This spring we decided to treat ourself to something for our home as we knew we would not be traveling as much during these times of COVID-19. As soon as I posted our gift to ourselves on my Instagram I was flooded with DM’s.

We have been looking at inflatable hot tubs for a while, but were not sure if they were worth the cost. We were not ready to purchase a hard sided one. After some research we decided to purchase one. It took us about a month before we found one. They are as popular as toilet paper. After watching yard sale sites, online and in-store ads we finally found one at a store calling Runnings in Southwestern New Hampshire. My husband had called ahead and I had to get there quickly as it was the last one.

We got the Coleman SaluSpa 4 person. It pretty easy to set up, I was able to set most of it up myself and I am not the best at putting things together. I did buy an outdoor rug to put it on. We hope soon to build a small deck for it.

Almost ready to put water in it.

The hot tub it rated for 4 people, but we find with two adults and one child it is just enough room. We have had the hot tub almost two months and are in love with it. We use it almost daily.

We paid about $450 for it and notice that the price has gone up . There are jets all along the bottom providing a massaging feeling. The temperature goes up to 104, but depending on the temperature outside, it can decrease rather quickly. After about a 30-45 minutes it goes down to 95 degrees which does not feel warm enough. The warmer it is out the slower the temperature declines. Once the outside temperature reaches reaches 40 degrees you have to take it down and bring it inside as the filter cannot withstand temps below 40 degrees.

The filters are easy to clean, we did by extra ones off Amazon. Since we already have a pool we are use to managing chemicals and find it pretty easy to manage and keep clean. I have been told by others that the sun can do some damage to the cover so we have recently bought a gazebo to put over it. I have not quite figured out the electric cost of it yet, but I am guessing it is between $50-$70 a month.

Overall we are very happy with the purchase we use it almost daily and feel it was well worth the money.

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North Beach

Visiting the beach during COVID-19 is a little different than it use to be. After a quick decision to head to the ocean on a Friday night I soon regretted not planning ahead as many of the state parks required reservations. The beaches with meter parking were first come first serve. It took us about 20 minutes to find a metered spot as half of the parking spots are blocked off to prevent over use of the beaches.

We ended up at North Beach in North Hampton located on Rt 1A and we really enjoyed this beach. The parking is pay by meter, which is by coins or credit card. There was a changing room, but we did use it so I do not know if it was open. The beach is not very wide, which means you do not have to carry your items far. We did not have issues with distancing ourselves from others. The beach is soft sand and decent waves.

We did see a lot of dogs on this beach. It was hard to tell how long the beach was, but there was plenty of people walking on the sand or on the sidewalk above. For a spur of the moment beach trip we were very happy with North Beach and would visit again.

Bass Brook Trail

Distance: 2 Mile Loop with option for more

Difficulty: Easy

I have found a trail without a name. I do not normally do this, but in order to have this great trail on my website I needed to give it a name, therefore I called it the Bass Brook Trail. Located about a mile south of Casalis State Forest on Rt 123 on the Peterborough/Sharon New Hampshire line is a small turnout on the left with enough parking for a couple cars. From the parking area you walk down a hill into the forest and then across a fun foot bridge over a bog. Some of the boards started to feel loose when we recently hiked this trail so use caution.

After the bridge there is a trail intersection. To the left is the Bass Brook Trail, which is where I got the name.

To the right is the Canada Trail which I have never taken. We took the Bass Brook Trail were we walk along a bog and through the woods to a beautiful stream.

The stream is beautiful year round.

There are a couple trails that go across the stream. My guess is that they connect to Casalis State Forest, but I am not certain. We continued through the forest not crossing the stream. After meandering through the woods we came to an old tote road. We crossed the tote road and continued on the trail, which came to another beautiful stream.

The trail came to another tote road, we took a left onto the road that went over a wooden bridge. Our hike ended on Route 123 a few hundred feet south from the parking lot. The loop a little over 2 miles

I have researched and asked other hikers about a trail map or a trail name, but have been unsuccessful. This area is popular with local mountain bikers. If you know of a map or the trail name I would love to know it. I am excited to go back and explore these more. I would only recommend these trails if you are comfortable navigating through the woods with minimal trail markers.

Wantastiquet Falls

Distance: Roadside

Difficulty: N/A

Located in Hinsdale, New Hampshire on the Vermont boarder is a hidden gem of a waterfall. The waterfall is located in the Wantastiquet State Natural Area. From 119 in Hinsdale take a right onto Mountain Road right before you cross the bridge into Vermont. The parking lot is at the end of Mountain Road. From the parking lot you can hear and sometimes see the waterfall. You walk a few feet up the trail with the gate on it. Once you are standing on a bridge/culvert look to your right and you can see the waterfall.

My guess is that this waterfall does dry up when there is not a lot of rain. You can walk up a small trail to the base of the waterfall, but use caution as there are a lot of loose rocks and it is pretty steep.

If it was warmer I would have loved to stick my head under this.

I would not travel just to see this waterfall as there is a chance it is not flowing, but if you are in the area it is worth the stop. There is no hike to this waterfall, but if you are looking for a hike I would recommend continuing the two miles to the top of Wantastiquet Mountain. It was towards the end of the afternoon when we visited so we did not hike the mountain, but after exploring about the mountain it looks like it would be a good hike up a series of switchbacks with views of the area. This trail also connects to the trails at Madame Sherri Forest.

Wellington State Park

Newfound Lake is my favorite lakes in New Hampshire. It is the deepest lake in the state and rumored to be the cleanest. Wellington State Park is located on the lake and is a day use park with one of the largest fresh water swimming beaches in New Hampshire. That park also offers a boat ramp, nature trails, a snack bar, picnic area, kayak rentals and access to hiking trails. There is a small day use fee to enter the park.

The beach and swimming is my favorite part about this park. The beach is nestled in a cove of the lake providing some beautiful scenery.

The long beach provides opportunity to spread out and enjoy the water, which can be on the cooler side.

On warm days this can be a popular beach. It is not uncommon for the park to close due to capacity before noon due to the large crowds. If you are planning a visit on a weekend during the summer months I highly recommend going early or visiting during the week.

Sculptured Rocks

Distance: Roadside

Difficulty: N/A

Sculptured Rocks has been on my “to visit” list for a long time. Recently we finally took a drive to check them out. Located on Sculptured Rocks Road in Groton, NH is Sculptured Rocks part of the New Hampshire State Parks System. The parking lot is on the left hand side of the road with a sign marking it.

Across the street is the natural area. There is an Iron Ranger to self pay the fee to visit the State Park and a small kiosk. There are trails that go up and down each side of the river. Since we visited right after a rain storm there was a lot of run off on the sides and over the rocks, make it very slippery. Use caution when visiting this area. I’m not sure how far the trails go as it go to wet and slippery for us to safely walk the whole distance.

From the bridge that crosses the river you get a good view of how the water has carved a canyon into the rocks.

With the recent rains the water was rushing. I have been told when the water is lower and during the summer months this is a popular swimming hole. My daughter is already begging for us to go back and jump off the rocks.

I did not see any bathroom facilities here. My guess is on a warm summer day it can get crowded. If you are in the Newfound Lake area, I would highly recommend checking out this natural wonder.

Perry Reservation

Distance: 2 Miles Oneway

Difficulty: Easy

Located on Route 124/Turnpike Road in Sharon is Perry Reservation. This land is managed by Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forest. If you are heading towards Jaffrey the trail is located after Gridley River on the left. There is a sign marking the trailhead.

There is no parking lot therefore you have to park on the side of the road. This can be a busy road so be cautious of how you park. During hunting season this is a popular hunting area so make sure you wear orange if you plan to walk here.

Once you leave the road you follow an old tote road. The trail is not marked, but the tote road is pretty easy to follow.

Off to your left is a swamp with vibrant green colors.

The downfall to this trail is about a half mile of it there are many blow downs and wet area’s. We were able to navigate around the area’s without getting too wet.

Once you get past the wet areas you walk through a fun tunnel of pine trees.

About a mile down the trail you reach Annette Road which is a class six road meaning there could be off road vehicles on it.

If you take a right you head towards Hubbard Pond Road and a residential area. If you take a right and you head towards Hubbard Pond and Annette State Forest, which is what we did.

After walking about a half mile there is split in the road where you bare left. This road is gated. You continue to walk about another half mile until you get to the dam and Hubbard Pond. To my knowledge you cannot get to the other side of the dam and Annette State Forest from here.

After enjoying the dam we turned around and headed back to our truck. The total distance is about 4 miles. This was not my favorite hike due to the amount of mud, water and down trees on the first section of the hike. Later on in the summer it may be better. I do enjoy Hubbard Pond as it is quiet and pretty. I would only hike this trail if you are comfortable navigating on your own and do not mind climbing around blowdowns and through mud.

Deering Wildlife Sanctuary Black Fox Trail.

Distance: 1 Mile to the Dam

Difficulty: Easy

Located on Clement Hill Road in Deering is Deering Wildlife Sanctuary which is a host to a variety of trails and outdoor exploration. The road to the trailhead is dirt and can be difficult to navigate during the winer and spring months. We visited the end of March without issue. The parking lot is on the right hand side on the road and is marketed by a small sign and a kiosk. This parking lot is for the Black Fox Trail. There are a couple other trailheads a little further down the road. I highly recommended printing off a map before you go.

We hiked the Black Fox Trail. This trail takes you through a recent forestry operation where they did selective cutting for the natural habitat. Parts of the trail can be muddy depending on when you visit.

You walk a gentle incline down towards Black Fox Pond. You are near private property so please be respectful and stay on the trail.

The trail takes you around Black Fox Pond, which is such a peaceful and beautiful pond.

There were bird boxes scattered around the shore and the islands. There was a lot sign of beaver. My guess is if you visit at the right time or do not have a talkative child with you, you can see some wildlife.

We walked to the Dam, which is almost a mile.

The trail continues around the pond and you can walk up an old dirt road back to Clement Hill Road and then back to your car. I am unsure of the distance.

There are still a lot of trails left for me to explore, but I really enjoyed walking along the pond as it was so peaceful. There is slight incline back up to the parking lot, but I feel this is a good hike for beginners.

Bruce Edes Memorial Forest Trails.

Distance: 1.5 Mile Loop

Difficulty: Easy

Located near the center of Bennington is a easy hiking path. The parking lot is located at the VFW on Summer Street. There is a sign that says “No Unauthorized Parking,” but that does not apply to those using the trails. There is plenty of parking at the VFW. Behind the VFW is a trail sign with a map and trail information.

You start out by walking down a set of old railroad tracks, which are perfect for balancing on.

Off to the left is a dam that provides a pretty waterfall and a bench to sit and enjoy the scenery.

As you walk down the railroad tracks you come to split in the trail where you can go right and walk along the river on the Blue Trail, go left and walk up into the woods or continue straight. We choose to walk along the river. There are various spots where you can get close to the water and enjoy the rapids.

At the end of the Blue Trail we connected back to the White Trail. A few hundred feet up the trail is a side trail, the Gold Trail, it takes you to a calmer spot in the river with a bench.

We continued around a loop on the White Trail, which meandered through the forests. There were many rocks to jump on and small streams to explore. It also looked like someone had raked the trail as it was really clean.

We did the loop, but did not do the trails in the middle of the forest. The loop was about 1.5 miles. The trail was fairly flat with very little incline. This is a great trail for younger children looking to jump on rocks and explore little streams or someone wanting to get a quick walk in.

Honey Hill

Distance: 1.5 Miles Oneway

Difficulty: Easy

Located in Swanzey is a nice hike with a beautiful view. Located just south of Monadnock High School and the trailhead for Mt. Caesar on Old Homestead Highway is the trailhead for Honey Hill. The parking lot looks like you are parking in someones front yard, but you are not. There is enough room for 4-5 cars. You walk up the left side of the lawn to the start of the trail. There is a sign at the start of the trail.

From here there are some down trees and it is pretty muddy.

About the first third of a mile of the trail was a steady incline. Then the trailed level out for about seven tenths of a mile.

Half of the trail is owned by the town of Swanzey and the second half of the trail is privately owned. Please be respectful when hiking this trail.

There are two ways to get to the top. You can go left and follow the blue trail which is a gentle switchback up to the top. The other options is to go right and take the yellow trail, which is about the same distance about a half mile,, but maybe a little steeper. We made a loop and went up the blue and down the yellow.

Once at the top you have a beautiful view of Mt. Monadnock .

There is also a bench to sit and enjoy the view.

Roundtrip the hike is about three miles. This is a good trail for beginner hikers or those with children who can hike a small incline and up to three miles. I enjoyed the view with this trail, I just wish it was more of a panoramic view to see the other mountains in the area.

Gleason Falls

I love a good waterfall and I love when I can find one in Southern New Hampshire. I am excited to add another one to my list. Gleason Falls is located on Beard Road in Hillsborough, NH. From West Main Street it is about 2.5 miles. The falls is right off the side of the dirt section of the road. There is a small area for parking and a sign marking the falls.

On the upstream part of the bridge you can see the start of the waterfall and a view of the beautiful stone bridge.

Downstream of the bridge is a small foot path to the stunning view of the waterfall.

There was a small pool at the bottom that I wonder if it could be a swimming hole.

About a mile back down the road, heading towards town, is a small picnic area. We spent about an hour playing around the pond and soaking up the sun. This was a perfect spot to spend time enjoying nature.

If you are in the Hillsborough area this waterfall and picnic area are worth checking out.

Cross Country Skiing in Jackson, New Hampshire

Have you ever seen, heard or read about places and you are constantly thinking, “I need to go there.” I keep a list of places I want to visit so when we are able to I can look quickly and pick a destination. On a recent mini vacation we had goals of cross country skiing. We were staying in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and planned to cross country ski at Gunstock. Due to recent rains that was not a possibility. We decided to take the chance and drive north to more snow.

We ended up at Jackson Cross Country Ski Center located in the center of Jackson, NH. There is a small ski shop, check in area and seating area with tables and chairs. The receptionist was hesitant to let us go out on the trails as they were icy and only wanting people with cross country skiing experience on them. Luckily we have a few years experience under our feet and were able to get out on the trails. I highly recommend brining a map as there are a lot of trails. From the center you can ski around a field, which I believe is a golf course in the summer. The field was a little icy. We were were directed to ski along the Ellis River Trail.

To get to the Ellis Brook Trail you skip through a covered bridge and through a tunnel under the road.

There is also a section where you have to take your ski’s off to cross a dirt road. Once on the trail again we had great skiing conditions in the woods. We skied up along Ellis River, which was absolutely beautiful.

There was a little loop with a storybook on it, which is a nice addition for those skiing with kids.

After the Storybook Trail there was a Coco Hut where on the weekends and vacations it is open serving hot chocolate. Due to the recent rain and decrease in skiers the hut was not open. They had some cute figurines we could take a picture behind.

We skied up to the National Forest Boundary Line, then headed back to the ski lodge. We skied about 4-5 miles, which we were happy with since we were not sure we were going to get a ski in.

If you are either new to cross country skiing or been skiing for years that is a trail for you at in Jackson.

Winter Fun off the Slopes at Gunstock

We are not big downhill skiers. We have done it a few times, but it is not my daughters favorite. Therefore planning a winter mini vacation in New Hampshire is not always easy. When looking for activities tubing was high on our list. I read that Gunstock had one of the best tubing hills in New Hampshire, so we wanted to check it out.

The day we visited it had rained in the morning so we were not sure how it would be. We lucked out and it was snowing/freezing rain on the mountain so it did not impact the tubing hill. We did not order tickets ahead of time, which we probably should have as it is in 2 hour blocks, 12-2, 2-4 etc. We arrived a little after noon and were able to get in enough runs in the time allotted. My guess is when the weather is a nicer it can get very busy.

The tubing hill is a lot of fun. You are brought up on rope tow, so you do not have to walk up for every run.

Despite not having the best weather, we had a lot of fun doing multiple runs down the hill.

Included in the price of the tubing ticket is rides on the Mountain Coaster. We have done the Mountain Coaster in the summer, but never in the winter. It is a lot colder rushing down the mountain during the colder months, but still so much fun.

We had a great afternoon off the slopes. The staff were very friendly and personable. Even if you are not a down hill skier, Gunstock offers a lot of outdoor fun off the slopes.

2021 Update: With COVID Guidelines in place you need to reserve tickets in advance and there are no funds or exchanges. They replaced the tow rope with a magic carpet, which I felt was better. The mountain coaster was not running the day we visited and when I asked one of the attendants they were not sure if it was opening this winter. If this is on your list to do with tubing, I recommend calling before buying tickets. Tubing is still just as fun as it was last year.

Prescott Farm

Distance: Varies

Difficulty: Easy

Located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire is a wonderful nature play area and trails. Prescott Farm is located only minutes from Weirs Beach in Laconia. They have many events throughout the year as well as a preschool, camps, nature programs and more. I have been wanting to visit for some time now and finally got the opportunity.

From the parking lot were some nice views.

Located right off the parking lot is the Nature Play area.

The Natures Playground is filled with a variety of play area’s made out of a variety of handmade items and the use of natures own items. There was a music area, a kitchen area, a playhouse with a slide and much more. Plenty to keep kids entertained for a couple hours.

My 10 year old was not as into it, but I think it is perfect for those under 10. She at least humored me.

In addition to the play area there are some nature trails. We walked the Pond Trail, which was easy walking. I apologized that I forgot to take pictures, as I was too caught up in the moment in walking through the woods with my family, which is a good thing. The trail was easy to walk.

The best part about these trails is they connected to our hotel, The Summit Resort, If you are saying here you can access these trails without having to get into your car.

If you are in the Lakes Region and want your children to burn off some energy this is a great place to take them.

Hitchiner Town Forest

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.

Mayflower Hill Town Forest

Distance: 1-2 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Located on Shady Lane in Milford is a pretty little town forest. Mayflower Hill Town Forest has a couple different trailheads. The Shady Lane trailhead was the first one we came upon and there was a small parking we decided to explore the trail from there.

The forest and trails are small, only 1-2 miles, but so worth checking out. Check out the map to make sure you hit the lookout point. The trails are very easy to follow as they are well marked with white signs and arrows.

The loop we did from Shady Lane took us by a water tower and through a pretty little forest.

There was a lot of evidence of cellar holes and old quarries.

The best part of the hike was the view of the Wapack Range and Pack Monadnock. For such an easy hike, it was a beautiful view.

This is a fun hike for all ages and abilities or if you are looking for a quick hike with a nice view.

Warner Hill Fire Tower

We have been working on finishing the Fire Tower Patch Challenge. After we hiked our number four fire tower at Pawtuckaway State Park we wanted something close by so we could finish with number five. Warner Hill Fire Tower located in Derry, NH was only about 30 minutes away, so we went to check it out.

The Fire Tower is located off of Warner Hill Road. I had read that there was not a sign marking the road, but there is one there now. The road is gated so you have to park along the side. You walk only about a tenth of a mile up to the fire tower. I would not think of this has a hike, but a quick walk. The fire tower was recently updated.

There is not much of a view from the top of the tower, but you could see a little.

If you are in the area and like fire towers it is cool to check out, but there is no hike involved and very little views.