Bearcamp River Trail: Hackett Hill Section

Dogs Unknown

Features Historical Significance · River/Creek · Wildlife

You may encounter 3 black cows outside the gate, near Perkins Trail; they seem docile, though.

At one time, this was a continuous trail that extended from South Tamworth all the way to Sandwich Notch Park. After years of neglect and issues with landowners, many parts of the trail have been lost or closed. A thru-hike is no longer feasible, as travel is only permitted on the open portions of trail.

The trail starts off the western side of Mill Road and heads westward, following a woods road. In about 0.2 miles, the trail comes to the Hackett Hill WMA Sign and boundary. Pass beyond the orange gate and follow the herd path, along the main woods road tread. This portion is overgrown and exists mostly as a rough bushwhack. After passing through the open area, look for the faint yellow blazes (to the left). Follow these blazes, closely, through the forest.

As you near the western boundary of the Hackett Hill WMA, the trail follows a woods road along the river. It passes some numbers on trees, that may have (at one time) been campsites. *Camping isn't permitted anywhere along this trail except for at the Mead Explorer Base. The trail takes a right turn and abruptly ends at the double-blazed yellow blazes. *Originally, the trail crossed the river, here, but is now too deep to ford (safely).

Though this portion of the Bearcamp River Trail ends here, you can connect to Route 113 via the Perkins Trail and South Shore Trail.

*According to the Tamworth Conservation Commission, there are plans to reclaim this section of the trail in 2022.

Flora: White Pine, Eastern Hemlock, Birch.
Fauna: Cows, Horses.