Prescott Farm

Length: 1.2 mile loop

Difficulty (click for info): Beginner

Elevation Gain: 180 feet

Rating (click for info): 5/10

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are located on White Oaks Road in Laconia, NH. This road leaves the south side of Route 11B, 0.1 miles east of the rotary at the junction with Rt. 3. Half a mile down White Oaks Road, turn right into the entrance, at the beginning of an open field. Click here for a Google map.

About the Hike:
Located on a hilltop on the peninsula between Paugus Bay and the rest of Lake Winnipesaukee is the Prescott Farm, known for its educational nature programs. It also happens to be located in a very scenic area and offers visitors a network of fine nature walking trails, well-maintained with excellent signage. We recommend the 1.2-mile long Pond Loop, exploring verdant forests and a reed-filled marsh. At the trailhead, you will find an excellent view of the Belknap Range over the open fields. To begin your hike, start down the wide path to the right of the kiosk. Not far down the trail, bear right onto to the narrower footway of the Pond Loop Trail. The trail descends gently through scenic open forest. After about 0.1 miles, pass a connecter trail on the right leading to a nearby road. The trail continues its gentle ramble through the woods, passing a junction with Orange Trail on the left after another 0.2 miles. The path skirts a wet area, then after another 0.2 miles, swings left and leads 0.1 miles out to "Alan's Overlook", a small ledge outcrop in the woods overlooking an interesting, snag-dotted marsh. The trail continues along the side of this marsh for 0.1 miles, then leads away. It crosses a sluggish brook, climbs past some more nice rocks, and arrives at a junction with Scat Ridge Trail in another 0.1 miles. This spur trail leads back out to the shore of the marsh for a slightly different view (not included in trip mileage). Continue on the Pond Loop Trail for another 0.1 miles uphill to a junction with Sugar Trail, which leaves on the right for the option to view the Prescott Farm's sugarhouse. Continuing on the Pond Loop Trail, you will soon come out to the edge of the field around the farmhouse. Turn left to stay on the trail as is stays just outside the field for a bit, then swings back in for the final walk back to the parking area.

Printable directions page