Around the Lake Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

This description is for hiking the loop in the clockwise direction. Starting from the south end of the beach, the trail skirts around the south edge of the lake. In a short distance, there is a small footbridge at a lake access road (listed on the Black Spruce Bogs Natural Area Map as Fishermen's Road).

Take a slight left up the road (maybe 10 yds?), then an immediate right into the woods. In about 0.4 miles from Fishermen's Road, Pitch Pine Trail starts on the left. Pitch Pine Trail (south) is a small horseshoe-shaped trail that gives access to the Black Spruce Bogs Natural Area. At the northwest corner of the Around the Lake Trail, Pitch Pine Trail (north) is on the left.

This next stretch to the beach is a little difficult to follow because of all the herd paths. This section is often wet and muddy. The bog bridges on this side of the lake were put in by the Students Conservation Association (SCA) in 2015. For a complete loop, you can either hike along the beach to the trail's start or hike the sidewalk path. For more information, you can visit nhstateparks.org.

Wintergreen, White pine, azalea, huckleberries, blueberries, large cranberry, and beech all grow here. You may also find bluejays, chickadees, and loons.