Mine Hill

Length: 1.2 miles out-and-back

Difficulty (click for info): Beginner

Elevation Gain: 330 feet

Rating (click for info): 3/10

Elevation: 585'

Prominence: 235'

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are on Rt. 121 in Auburn, NH, 0.8 miles south of the junction with Hooksett Road in the center of Auburn and 5.4 miles northwest of Rt. 102 in the center of Chester. Park at a pull-off at the shore of Lake Massabesic, immediately north of Shore Road. Click here for a Google map.

About the Hike:
Mine Hill is a low, steep-sided peak rising on the east side of Massabesic Lake. It is most known for holding a fire tower from 1940-1989, as well as for the "Devil's Den" caves on its western slopes. The western side of the hill is the property of the Manchester Water Works, which formerly operated the wooden tower on the summit. Access to the top is on a combination of unmarked woods roads and paths, but it is not too hard to find with directions.

Begin your hike on the shore of Lake Massabesic. From the pull-off, there is a scenic view across the water. On the opposite side of the road, look for the signs for "Fire Road 42" and "Devil's Den". Walk up this woods road and come to a large clearing in less than 0.1 miles. Stay on the right side of the clearing and continue on the road on the other side. In another 0.1 miles, arrive at a T-junction and turn right. Over the next 0.15 miles, pass several overgrown paths leading to the right, then take the right at the next two clear junctions. The path now heads straight for the hill and climbs a steep slope near a rotting old wooden staircase. It then bears right to join a private property line, reaching the summit in 0.2 miles from the junction. A private residence occupies one side of the summit clearing, with not much separating its backyard from the tower site, but rest assured that this side of the summit is public property. On the highest point are the four cement fire tower footings, along with other miscelaneous pieces of the tower. Through the trees, especially when the leaves are down, you will see Lake Massabesic.

Printable directions page