Difficulty: Easy

Round-trip Distance: 1.30 miles

Trail Markings: Yellow Blazes

Trail Directions:

From the kiosk at the trailhead, walk about ¼ mile up a moderate incline to the open log landing area. This was used to sort logs for a timber harvest in 1989, and is still kept open to allow young aspen saplings and fruiting shrubs for wildlife. From the landing, go right along the logging road to the northeast corner of the property. Notice the stumps and imagine what the forest looked like prior to the 1989 timber harvest. Low-quality trees were removed, improving conditions for the high-quality red oak, hemlock, and pine left behind. The Forest Society practices sustainable forestry on its properties.

Approximately 1/3 mile from the log landing, you will cross a seasonal brook. This brook feeds Gunstock River, which drains north to Lake Winnipesaukee. Along its edges, look for such plants as red trillium, spring beauty, and trout lily. All of these plants are eco-indicators of rich, moist soils.

Approximately half a mile from the log landing, you will arrive at a trail junction. To continue on the Lower Loop, take the main, broad trail that branches to the left. (The trail to the right is the Upper Hiking Loop, marked in blue.)

After about 1/3-mile, the Upper Loop rejoins the Lower Loop trail. Bear left at this junction to continue on the Lower Loop trail, crossing the stream and two sets of bog bridges. About ¼-mile past the last trail junction, you will find another trail on your right. This short spur brings you to a mowed field. Views of the Belknap Mountains are visible from the top of the field. Grasses and fruiting shrubs quickly grow back to brush and young trees without active mowing, so this field is mowed after bird breeding season to maintain fine wildlife habitat and scenic views. Look for ant mounds and garter snakes in warm sunny areas, but watch out for poison ivy and thorny shrubs. As you leave the field, note the old oak tree to the left of the entrance, with a diameter of nearly three feet. This tree is probably close to 200 years old.

Retrace your path from the field back to the main trail and turn right to head back to the trailhead.

"Help us care for this property by following these guidelines during your visit:

• This property is open dawn to dusk
• Carry out all trash
• Dogs must remain under control and owners must pack out all dog waste
• No motorized wheeled vehicles
• No camping
• No campfires
• Hunting and fishing are allowed
• Leave natural and cultural features undisturbed”