Very short hike to witness beautiful waterfalls. If you are in the area, it's worth a stop.read more

Beautiful walk into nature and waterfalls. We went in the fall and it was absolutely beautiful.read more

I have hiked A LOT of mountains in New England but I had never hiked the mountain it seemed like…read moreeveryone I knew had hiked. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to change that and now I can see what all the hubbub is about. What a great mountain with fantastic views. After doing a bit of homework, I realized it was in my best interest to make a park reservation so that I could secure a parking space for the day at the start of the trailheads I was eyeing for the next day. As one of the most hiked mountains (in the world?), this park reports hosting a massive number of visitors each year and from first hand experience, I can attest that it is a busy one. The $15 was worth the peace of mind and my ability to pull right in and hop onto the trail. I had a hard time locating their "opening hours" but I arrived shortly after 8am with about 20 cars there ahead of me. I really appreciated the park ranger that checked me in for my reservation at the Poole Road entrance. Incredibly welcoming, inquisitive about plans, quick to offer advice for the best experience, and even shared a weather update (30 mph+ winds at the summit that day) before I was on my way. Supplied with a paper map and an idea which trails would be least busy and most scenic, I felt well-prepared for an enjoyable morning on the mountain. I opted to start out on the White Dot Trail. For less crowds, I branched off to the Cascade Link, then hooked a left onto the Red Spot Trail which delivered me to the summit. Gaining elevation at a slow and steady pace, I found the whole climb quite enjoyable. I rejoined the crowd at the summit but still with plenty of room for photos of the scenery and some quiet time to enjoy a snack. Wide open, bald summit with views for days. I would have stayed longer if not for the strong winds. After nestling in between the rocks away from the air currents to enjoy a brief snack, I was on my way down the mountain via the White Cross Trail. There were even glimpses of Boston in the distance! Each trail was clearly marked by it namesake (literally white dots, red dots, and white crosses) which made wayfinding a breeze. That said, I still came across a party or two that had gotten turned around. Do your homework, connect to a trail app if you have the means, practice your map reading skills, and heed the recommendations of the rangers and you should have the basic tools you need to keep you on track and still smiling. So many trails and options that can keep you coming back for more. The visitor center at this entrance was a welcome amenity, restrooms, and all. I cannot comment on the park store because it was closed for lunch when I was finishing up. All in all I got in just under 5 miles using the route that I did. Beautiful peak, beautiful day. Highly recommend.

Great day hike and not for those with weak ankles! Took the white dot trail up and used the white…read morecross trail to come down. Forgot the bug spray which would have kept the critters at bay with much of the trail having slow or puddled water. Parking wasn't too crowded, $15 for access to park. Snack and gift shop in the lot and the headquarters building just up the trail. Great restroom facility to use prior to starting the hike as well. Very rocky terrain all the way up, clearly marked with white dots (crosses as well for the return). Enjoyed the fact there were multiple volunteer guides hiking or positioned at locations (one steady at fork for dot/cross) if needed. Had low reception all through the hike for emergencies as well. Beautiful views towards the top and of course 360 once on the summit. Definitely worth the time spent. Pack in pack out, bring water and snacks along with the spray (both bug and sun)! Enjoyed a quick snack on the top with the views and a quick tsp of the marker before heading back down. Time to get up to the peak, what are you waiting for?!

Anytime of the year is perfect for the rewarding view. Maybe a little tough during snow and mud…read moreseason, but still doable. Table Rock faces the Bellows Falls are from New Hampshire, just across the Connecticut River. We're in our 60s and needed to stop a few times on the way up, but it was never too steep or treacherous, just a long steady hike. You want bring good hiking shoes with serious treads. No fees. Dogs allowed.

Phenomenal trail!! Definitely in my top 5 fave hikes - especially for the fall colors (my visit was…read morein early October)!! And it's a killer workout too! The view from the top is breathtaking- but not for the faint of heart - I have a fear of heights and it took me a while to work up the nerve to go sit on the edge lol! AllTrails has this trail labeled as "moderate" - but it was insanely muddy and very wet when I hiked it - took me ages and totally wore me out - so in those conditions I'd call it moderate-hard. And also with the rock scrambling at the top - it can be quite difficult. Very steep and especially narrow at the top - can be dangerous if you're not careful. I did a total of 2 miles round trip - it's an out and back trail. In those 2 miles, my tracker showed an 800 foot elevation gain so it's definitely a butt burner. And along the trail there are numerous areas of rock scrambling (some are very steep) and stream crossings during the wet season - get ready to be covered in mud lol! You will definitely need decent hiking shoes - and poles would've been so helpful I think! There were quite a few other hikers around. The trails are very well marked with colorful tree badges - but in some spots between the markers, I needed my trail map bc the ground was covered in leaves and mud and it wasn't as obvious. Once you get to the top of Table Rock, the stunning view will absolutely take your breath away! It's a sweeping vista of the entire forest area with the lake and resort below to the left and the long stretch of road through the park to the right - perfect for taking in all the colorful autumn splendor!! The top is a long, very narrow and flat tableau. It seems pretty stable - but has extremely steep (and deadly!) drop offs either side and no safety rails or fencing or anything so be aware. Drones aren't allowed in the park (according to the State Park website) but someone was flying one and buzzing us closely at the top which made it very distracting and scary unfortunately. Dogs are allowed - there were many on the trail and at the top. Parking is a small dirt lot pull out on the side of the road at the trailhead - Google maps took me right to it (just put in Table Rock Trailhead). It's located in Dixville Notch State Park (you can see my review of that for more detailed info). The park doesn't have bathrooms that I could find. And I think it's free. I didn't see any fee areas and their website doesn't list it as a fee area.

This trail is hidden in plain sight but definitely worth finding. First you have to park at the…read moreymca next to the elementary school. Then creep around the playground and find the sign and steps on your right. They will lead you across a small bridge. Then you end up in a neighborhood and super confused. Keep going straight. At the end of the next block you will see a sign which I've attached. Follow this street to the dead end and that's where the trail really starts. It's super interesting from the beginning and starts off easy. It follows the river. As you get closer to the waterfall (yes an amazing waterfall) it gets more challenging. We climbed up the rocks to the base of the waterfall where this is a little pond. A true hidden gem and worth the effort.

Great little hike to the cascades which were beautiful. At the peak the pools are deep enough to go…read morein about knee deep. Water is cool and refreshing.

Gorgeous in winter! Some nice thin trails out of the wind. Wear your micro spikes because it would…read morebe super hard and a mistake could end your life into the river. My dog and i loveeeee this trail in the winter!

Feels like your at Sabbaday Falls. Beautifully tucked away where you would least expect it to be.read more

Nice spot for beginners that want to hike a trail/mountain. It's a very very short journey. Also,…read moreif you want to cool down and take a dip afterwards, there are several points along the falls. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, everyone is looking to go here and it's unusually packed. And to no one's surprise, they will squeeze in and ignore social distancing. Otherwise, it's a nice dip that I'll occasionally come to because of the 2 hr drive.

This is a hike worth driving out to. It's a manicured easy trail to the falls. It's a series of 3…read morewaterfalls found across the street from the small parking area. There is also a summit and rock climbing. Pony mountain. Note: You should stop by the close by Williamsburg General Store for the scratch made fresh baked pastry.

I wasn't impressed with this site. It's in the eastern half of the state and you hear almost…read moreconstant noise from planes, a train, and automobiles. We took the Chasm trail but the trail off it to the chasm itself was closed for repairs. Hit the Summit trail and didn't see an overlook at the top, just an ugly concrete water tower. My now my knee was bothering me as I am not a spring chicken, so we went back down to the parking lot. Looked at the map and saw it was quite a ways beyond the water tower to the lookout. I probably could have made it to the outlook and back if I hadn't gone off on the chasm trail. Maybe this is a better site for younger folks, though they did have reading glasses at the kiosk for older folks like me, which I've never seen anywhere before and which, along with clearly marked trails, got them a second star.

I came and did the yellow trail counterclockwise starting at the trailhead off oak hill rd. The…read moretrails were really well marked and easy to follow. The 3.3 mile trail was pretty easy and took me an hour to complete. When I came at 3:30 on a Thursday there were only 2 cars in the parking lot. When I left at 4:30 there were 7 cars at the trailhead. Nice place. I was staying at the minuteman campground and it was only a 5 minute drive from there.

One thing about me: I'm gonna make my annual pilgrimage to Vermont for a maple latte, maple buffalo…read morewings, and some clean air hiking. Read on for the hike, the campground, and the park. Me, husbo, and dog hit a twofer this weekend - 2 hikes, 1 day. What can I say - I was feeling inspired. Hike We did the Mount Olga trail - accurately rated moderate. It was up, up, and more up. There's no lookout after all that uphill but there is a fire tower that gives 360 degree views. Ordinarily, I like to see fire towers, but not climb them. I was determined this time, tho. Unfortch right at the turn off for the tower my hamstring started to twitch which means I have about T-5 minutes until a debilitating cramp unless I get myself together. I didn't want to chance it so we continued around the loop. I REALLY liked this trail. I found all the uphill interesting, somewhat challenging, a few good rock scrambles, too. On the way down there were a few butt sits, and a water crossing, too. I love varied terrain like this. Minimal bugs and just enough people out to not feel alone, but to also go for 20 minutes at a time without seeing anyone else. The hike starts outside the visitor center and ends just above the campgrounds. About the campground: It's beautiful, wooded yet airy. Huge sites with sturdy picnic tables and glorious fire pits. They even have lean-tos! I've a right mind to book one this week before they close for the season. Bathrooms My husband used them before the hike and said they were CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN. Now I know that well-run campgrounds always keep a pristine bathroom but this was a surprise to him. Between the bathrooms and the camp sites he was really excited about finally going camping as a family (I usually go solo). Visitors Center Charming building and wonderful staff. The man checking us in provided accurate information and was very warm and friendly. I cannot WAIT to go back here once the spring rolls around. Lovely all around. Things to Know: -parking and overflow parking at Visitor Center -$5 entry fee per adult person. Day pass also valid at other state parks during the same day -dog friendly

Vermont will nickel and dime out of state visitors instead of building a stable fiscal state…read moreinfrastructure. It gets tiresome after a while. No sites are level, costs 20$ for residents nightly yet 25$ to use the dump station once. And they wonder why the politics are a mess

A nice little hike. The falls aren't as big as Doane's but still pretty. Worth a stop if you are in…read morethe area.

I highly recommend visiting these falls if you live within driving distance- They make an excellent…read moreday trip! These are one of three major waterfalls in the area (Tully Reservation). The hike is fairly rigorous, with pretty steep inclines and a lot of rocks. It's challenging, especially in winter while icy (which is when we went), and likely a moderate level hiking trail. It's a beautiful area, but the overlooks are fairly modest. Don't expect a spot on the trail to overlook a mountain range, but the trail itself runs along the river and there are nice smaller falls before reaching the main one. The trail markings are okay, not excellent, and likely harder to follow when it's not winter and leaves are on the trees. However, most of the trail does run basically right along the river, so it's pretty hard to get lost. There are some restaurants to eat at in Athol afterwards, which is within 20 minutes, but I wouldn't recommend trying to find anything very special there. I recommend bringing some sandwiches or something or go to another town to grab some food afterwards. It is a very rural area, so please remember to come prepared! Bring lots of water, food, and a flashlight just in case you get stuck out there at night- the light on your phone won't help you find the trail again at night ;) Be safe and have fun enjoying this beautiful gorge and waterfall!

Thoroughly enjoyable self-guided walk through this summer home to 19th century diplomat John Hay…read moreand his family. It is incredible how many gorgeous, welcoming mansions New England has, yet with a different wonderful experience every time. Hay House does not disappoint. This beautiful classic home looks out to Lake Sunapee, and features a rock garden, fairy tale stone gate where the roses grow, and access to everything from the children's rooms and bathrooms to the well-stocked butler's pantry. The best aspect of being self-guided is the freedom to go at your own pace, and appreciate the many details without having to stare at someone doling out long bios. Plentiful signs give you the ideal highlights of each room as well as relevant history, and you can admire the decor and architectural elements to your heart's content. We happened to be there for Artists' Weekend, where many painters were positioned in various spots on the lush grounds, painting their happy little trees. Live music was played on the porch, and it was a lovely environment for such an event. Landscaping and flowers vary with blooming times of year, and there are some nature trails around the grounds. The walk from the parking lot at the street, to the Hay house, is about 1/4 mile on the dirt/gravel road with a bit of a hill. There was another parking lot at the house itself, which we did not realize until we were hoofing it back. Restrooms on site. Beautiful venue for a wedding, which is something they do. Terrific site all the way around. Paired nicely with the Ice House Museum of antique cars about 10 minutes away, and lunch at Peter Christian's Tavern nearby.

Beautiful place to walk and explore. My only complaint is I wish the trails were marked a little…read moremore clearly, we took a wrong turn and had to walk back a ways. There was a long (unexpected!) beautiful stream, and it was the highlight of the whole place for me.