Mud Pond (Ragged Mountain)

Length: 2.6 miles out-and-back

Difficulty (click for info): Easy

Elevation Gain: 450 feet

Rating (click for info): 3/10

Elevation: 1080'

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are on Rt. 4/11 in Andover, NH. Park at the "Field Lot" in Proctor Academy. This is located at the end of Field House Lane, which leaves the north side of the road, 1.1 miles west of the eastern junction of Rt 4 and Rt. 11, and 1.6 miles east of their western junction. Field House Lane leaves the road across from the western side of a large lawn, at the far end of which is a baseball diamond.

About the Hike:
The Mud Pond on the southern slopes of Ragged Mountain is a quiet, marshy pond. There is nothing exceptionally wonderful about the pond, but it is a good choice for a cloudy day walk in the area or a side trip when hiking Ragged Mountain. The hike begins at the same trailhead used for Ragged Mountain, the Proctor Academy's "Field Lot". Look for a wide gravel path at the far left corner of the parking area leading up to a tennis court. Walk a short distance up this, then bear right onto a ski trail. Look for Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway blazes. Follow this for 0.3 miles into the forest, then as the SRKG bears left, continue on the ski trail toward a wooden bridge. Follow this ski trail, the "Wilson's Wonder Trail" for 0.3 miles over a few more bridges until the ski trail intersects an old road. Turn left and continue climbing gently. After 0.3 miles more, bear right to stay on the route to the pond as another old road goes to the right. This old road can be used to connect to the SRKG to Ragged Mountain if you want to hike both. In another 0.3 miles, the road flattens out; bear left on the path down to the pond as an unofficial trail bears right into the woods. The path descends slightly, passes a shelter, and ends at the shore of the pond. Here you can observe the whole pond and watch for wildlife.

Printable directions page