Bog Mountain

Length: 2.2 miles out-and-back

Difficulty (click for info): Easy

Elevation Gain: 580 feet (+10 feet on return)

Rating (click for info): 5/10

Elevation: 1784'

Prominence: 557'

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are on Stearns Road in Wilmot, NH. Stearns Road leaves the north side of Rt. 4A 4.8 miles west of Rt. 11. The trailhead is 0.7 miles up Stearns Road, on the right. There is a small pull-off on the other side, just past the trailhead. Click here for a Google map.

About the Hike:
This surprisingly rocky little peak in central NH is a relatively unknown hiking destination compared to its neighbors, like Mt. Kearsarge. Bog Mountain is a perfect afternoon hike with good views for a small effort. There are two possible approaches; the most convenient trail is described here. The Bog Mountain Trail heads off into a nice forest and begins climbing moderately. It winds through the woods until it reaches the top of a ridge (at 0.6 miles), where there are wide rock ledges with limited views toward Mt. Kearsarge and nearby hillsides. The trail continues through the forest at a mostly flat grade, occasionally passing over open rock. Just below the summit, the trail scrambles up an enormous rock slab and reaches the summit after another half mile.

The are wide views over the treetops in two directions. Mt. Kearsarge and Mt. Sunapee are seen to the south, and Smarts Mountain is seen to the north. A spur path leads down to a second overlook facing southeast. At the back of the summit area is a granite bench.

Printable directions page