Saco Lake

Length: 0.5 mile loop

Difficulty (click for info): Beginner

Elevation Gain: 20 feet (loop total)

Rating (click for info): 5/10

Elevation: 1888'

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are on Rt. 302 in Carroll, NH. Drive 8.6 miles east on Rt. 302, passing by the AMC Highland Center and Crawford Depot. Park on the left, next to the outlet of the lake. Click here for a Google map.

About the Hike:
Thousands of people drive along the shore of Saco Lake each day. The western shore is right on the roadside of Rt. 302, but on the eastern shore is a short walking trail that passes many scenic openings on the shore where you can see back across the road to the lofty mountains. It's not the most secluded hike, but for a quick scenery stop that will only add 20 minutes to your itinerary, Saco Lake is a fine choice.

From the parking spot at the outlet of the lake, walk along the wide shoulder of the road, lined with boulders, for 0.2 miles. After passing the entrance to the Highland Center on the opposite side of the road, look for a trail sign pointing to the entrance to the Saco Lake Trail. Turn right into the woods and follow the flat, smooth pathway for 0.1 miles to approach the shore of the lake. The trail runs right up close to the water's edge, spanning over wet areas with frequent log bridges. Across the road, behind the historical Crawford Depot, you can enjoy the scenic view up to the rolling summits of Mts. Field, Avalon, and Tom. The trail crosses a gap over the water on another log bridge, and passes beside a jagged rock wall. Soon, on the left side of the trail, a side path uses rock steps to climb to the top of a large boulder called "Idlewild" on the sign. From the iron railing around the top of the rock, you can look through the trees for a higher perspective of the lake. The trail continues along the shore, slips back into the woods briefly to cross a wet and stony area, and then crosses the wooden bridge over the outlet brook, which is the source of the Saco River. You've now made a complete loop around the lake.

Printable directions page