Mud Pond Bog

Length: 2.3 miles out-and-back

Difficulty (click for info): Beginner

Elevation Gain: 100 feet (-200 feet)

Rating (click for info): 6/10

Type: Kettle-Hole Bog

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are on Center Road in Hillsborough, NH. From the junction of Rt. 149 and Henniker Street in Hillsboro, take School Street north. In 0.4 miles, School Street becomes Center Road. Continue 1.5 miles to the parking area, which is on the right. Make sure to pick up a trail map at the parking area; the trail network is confusing!

About the Hike:
Although mostly a walk through the woods with a very short boardwalk, Fox Forest's Mud Pond Bog is a peaceful and worthwhile destination. It starts at the Fox Forest headquarters and follows the ridge trail, which goes on to encircle the entire property. From the parking area, take Ridge Trail to the east side trails (Don't cross the road). Follow it along the edge of a field and bear right where the trail splits into a loop. Continue past two intersections with Mushroom Trail, and after about 0.3 miles from the parking area, keep right where Valley Road leads off to the left, staying on Ridge Trail. The trail descends gradually through the forest, along a brook, and near a swamp for the next 0.4 miles before arriving at Virgin Forest, a stand of hemlock trees over 200 years old that have never been cut. Here, bear right and leave the Ridge Trail, following Mud Pond Trail past a Fox boundary corner and deeper into the forest. The trail climbs gently, reaching an old dirt road in another 0.3 miles. Cross the road and continue on Mud Pond Trail and you will soon arrive at the Mud Pond Bog boardwalk. Although the boardwalk extends only about 100 feet into the bog, it is enough to provide a quiet waterside viewpoint over the pond in the center. There is also a small wildlife blind for birdwatchers.

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