Easy hikes and walks in Northwood Meadows State Park

The Mulligan Forest Trails in Nottingham, New Hampshire, offer a wonderfully peaceful and accessible hiking experience. You'll follow mostly flat, wide paths, often repurposed logging roads, winding through wooded uplands and past wetlands like black gum swamps and the tranquil Big and Little Mulligan ponds. Keep an eye out for historical elements such as old stone walls and cellar holes that hint at the area's past, all within a quiet setting where you can truly connect with nature.

Planning your visit is simple, with a small parking lot and kiosk available under the power lines on Stevens Hill Road. This easy 1.0-mile (1.6 km) route, with only 27 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, takes just 25 minutes, making it ideal for a quick outing. While generally open, be mindful that timber harvests can occasionally cause temporary closures, and seasonal nuisances like black flies and mosquitoes might affect your comfort.

This conservation area is a significant protected parcel, linking with Pawtuckaway State Park to create a vast 4,000-acre landscape that supports diverse wildlife, including bear, bobcat, moose, and the state-threatened Blanding's turtle. The trails are also dog-friendly, making it a great option for a short, easy walk with your furry companion, offering a serene escape from more crowded areas.

If you're looking for a quick, satisfying hike in New Hampshire's Rockingham County, the North Mountain Trail delivers a pleasant experience. This easy 1.9-mile (3.1 km) route guides you through woodlands with a steady, gentle climb, culminating in the North Mount Pawtuckaway Summit. From the summit, you'll find a rewarding lookout point, offering a nice view for your effort. It's a great option for a short outing, taking about 59 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trailhead is generally easy to access, and parking is usually available, though arriving earlier on busy days is a good idea. This trail is suitable for most of the year, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions. Remember to bring enough water, even for this relatively short hike, especially during warmer months.

This trail stands out as a great choice for those new to hiking or families seeking an accessible summit experience. With only 336 feet (102 metres) of elevation gain, it provides a sense of accomplishment without being overly strenuous. It's a local favorite for a quick dose of nature and a panoramic glimpse of the surrounding area.

The North Mountain Bypass Trail offers a pleasant journey through the

The North Mount Pawtuckaway Summit – Lookout loop offers a rewarding and diverse hiking experience within Pawtuckaway State Park. You'll traverse varied forest types, encounter interesting geological formations like large cliffs and boulders, and pass through pretty woods. The highlight is a superb lookout point on a large expanse of boulder, offering views of the South Mountain fire tower and distant northern mountains, making it a great choice for those seeking scenic rewards.

This easy 3.0-mile (4.9 km) hike involves 505 feet (154 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 1 hour and 28 minutes. While the trail name includes Brown's Woods Preserve, access to these loops is usually from within Pawtuckaway State Park itself, as direct connections are not developed. Pets are welcome on a leash, but remember to bring ample water and be prepared for potentially muddy or buggy conditions depending on the season.

North Mountain is the highest point in Pawtuckaway State Park, and its trails are known for impressive glacial erratics and diverse habitats, including rare plant species. This area provides a rich natural environment for exploration, offering a glimpse into the park's unique geology and ecosystems.