North & South Mountain Loop - Pawtuckaway State Park
I woke up to a beautiful sunny spring day. My first thought was I need to get out for a hike today! Then reality of responsibilities set in, my limited time narrowed down my options considerably. I decided to check out a loop that’s been on our radar for a while—the North and South Mountain Loop at Pawtuckaway State Park in New Hampshire. Tucked away in the small town of Nottingham, this park is better known for its boulder field (a favorite among rock climbers), but the double summit loop turned out to be a surprisingly solid hike—more elevation than expected and some fun features that made it worth the effort.
Conditions in Late March
I lucked out with weather—temps in the upper 40s and no snow or ice on the trail, which meant no need for microspikes. Just dry leaves, the occasional mud patch, and that early-spring forest smell that hints at what’s coming.
If you’re itching to get outside before the higher peaks are fully melted out, this one’s a great shoulder-season option. It was about 15 minutes off route 101 in Nottingham, so it is pretty easy to get to from either 95 or 93.
The Hike
I did the full North and South Mountain Loop, a 6.9 mile loop with over 1300 feet of elevation gain. I started from the main trailhead and headed toward North Mountain first. That’s where I realized—this hike packs a little more vertical than it lets on. Going clockwise from the parking lot on Reservation Road, your incline starts rather quickly. The views are great from up there, and you can see two ponds in the distance. About halfway from North mountain to South Mountain, you walk between the ponds, pass the boulder field, and there are a few easy water crossings that connect the two ponds. I saw a Blue Heron and a few ducks in the pond. I felt like if I waited long enough, I would see a deer or moose come to the edge of the water for a drink but I just kept hiking.
The South Mountain summit features a fire tower, which technically offers 360-degree views. I have to take the internet’s word for it. By now it’s no secret I don’t do well with fire towers. I only made it up one flight of stairs—those things always feel sketchier than they look—but even from there, the view out across the bare trees was worth a stop. Definitely a good snack break spot if the summit is windy.
Not hard, but enough to make you feel like you’re in the mountains.
Lunch With a View
I had a quick lunch at the cairn on North Mountain, which looks like a stone throne—and yes, I absolutely sat in it like the King of Pawtuckaway. It’s a quirky little spot and a great place to soak in the moment before heading back down. Honestly, I was pretty tired by now and sitting in the sun for a few minutes felt great!
The descent was mellow, and I looped back toward the trailhead. The last mile or so is simply a walk in the woods. By now I had ran into another set of hikers and several mountain bikers. I also saw horse shoe tracks, so be aware for equestrians too.
Final Thoughts
Surprise Factor: More elevation gain than expected, but nothing too intense. All Trails says 1300 feet of elevation gain, but my watch said 1700 feet.
Trail Conditions: March was perfect—dry, no bugs, no snow. A few muddy and icy spots but easily avoidable.
Highlight: The throne-shaped cairn on North Mountain. Weird, cool, and surprisingly comfy.
Would I Do It Again? For sure. It’s a great loop when you’re craving some terrain but not looking to deal with above-treeline weather. It’s an easy drive from the Seacoast of NH.
Tips for Hikers:
The fire tower is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re into views and aren’t afraid of heights (like me), give it a try.
Parking: The main lot is closed in the off-season, so you may need to park at the winter lot and add a bit to your mileage. I was able to park on Reservation Road at the trailhead in late March.
Bring a map or GPS—trail intersections aren’t always marked clearly. All Trails helped me get back on trail more than once! The white blazes are plentiful in spots, and scarce in other spots.
If you’re feeling ambitious, take some time to check out the boulder field. Even if you’re not climbing, it’s fun to wander through. On this loop, you walk right by it.
This one’s going on the list of go-to shoulder season hikes. Not too far from home, no gear drama, and a good reminder that spring hiking has its own rewards.
