Monadnock - Sunapee Greenway: Section 4

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Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Oak Hill is steep on the south side.

From the parking area off Route 123, follow the forest road behind the gate to the right. Follow this until you arrive at a field, where the trail turns left up the eroded gravel road. The trail turns left again and passes some towers (on left) and buildings (on right). The trail gets steeper right before it climbs to Pitcher Mountain. Here, you can get some decent views. Unfortunately, the fire tower is often closed. The trail passes over a blueberry-laden ridge; there are many animal trails that converge here, so watch out for bears.

The trail continues through the woods and comes to a small side trail to an unnamed road. The trail parallels the road (east side), crosses it, parallels it (west side), then merges with and follows it to the left. This road takes a large turn left, and the landscape changes. The woods give way to another blueberry scrubland. This area seems to be frequented by equestrians, so watch your step.

There are many different paths through here; take care to follow the white blazes. Shortly before the summit of Hubbard Hill, the trail reaches the M-S G Halfway Point. The grass path climbs gradually to the summit of Hubbard Hill, 1,896 ft. From here, the trail descends to Fox Brook Campsite. I would recommend refilling water here.

The trail then steadily climbs to the summit of Jackson Hill (painted rock on ground) at 2,061 ft. In a short distance, the trail reaches a junction with an alternate route. According to the book, beavers caused damage to the trail north on the M-S G. I traveled along the M-S G in early December, and the trail was still passable. If you're a purist, the blue-blaze is not for you.

When you arrive at the beaver pond, there are remnants of a small blue-blaze trail that travels just below the dam. I'm not sure if this was the original trail, and a relocation was put in. Some of the blazes through this stretch appear to be newer. After leaving the beaver pond, the trail travels through some mucky areas to a forest/ logging road. Turn left down this road and follow it for a ways.

When you reach the junction with the (active) logging road, take it to the right. At King Street, take a left. At Faxon Hill, take a right. Follow the white blazes on the telephone poles, and turn right into the open field behind the gate. Follow this to Oak Hill (1,950 ft). Descend from Oak Hill, to the town of Washington.

Flora: Eastern hemlock, beech, spruce, birch, wintergreen.
Fauna: Bluejays, ravens, pileated woodpecker, chickadees.