Stonehouse Pond

Length: 1.4 miles out-and-back

Difficulty (click for info): Beginner

Elevation Gain: 190 feet (+50 feet on return)

Rating (click for info): 6/10

Elevation: 381' (pond) and 533' (ledge)

Driving Directions:
Trailhead and parking area are on Stonehouse Pond Road in Barrington, NH. From Rt. 202/9, 3.0 miles east of the split with Rt. 4 in Northwood and 1.9 miles southwest of the split with Rt. 9, turn south on Stonehouse Pond Road at signs marking the pond. Go 0.2 miles down the road and look for parking on the left. Click here for a Google map.

About the Hike:
Some of the most interesting terrain in southeastern New Hampshire is found around Stonehouse Pond. In this typically level region lies a marvelous rock formation with a 150-foot high cliff rising straight up from the shore of this pond. A conservation area around the pond has a network of walking and multi-use trails that provide for access to the top of this ledge, which has a stunning view over the pond and nearby hills that's especially beautiful with fall foliage. The pond is popular for a number of recreational activities, including paddling; the trail here described starts near the boat ramp.

Head up the broad trail with a color-coded signpost on the right side of the parking area. Follow the Locke Trail as it winds through the woods for 0.2 miles beneath towering conifers. You'll then approach a marshy corner of the pond, where as the main trail swings right, a side path leads to the left down to the water, where you have a good view of the whole pond over the low-growing bushes along the shore. The trail then leads past the end of the pond, crosses a wooden bridge over a brook draining into the pond, and climbs uphill to a fork in another 0.2 miles. Bear left onto Ledges Loop. Just past this junction, bear right as the trail splits into a loop. The trail continues uphill for a bit, then dips slightly into a little hollow after 0.15 miles, where it crosses a blueberry-carpeted ledge. It then climbs 0.1 miles to the top of the domed ledge, where you reach a junction with the red trail on the right. Stay straight and continue out to the opening overlooking the pond. The spacious open rock offers a beautiful view of the pond, and it drops precipitously down to the water. Few ponds can boast such a picture-perfect birds-eye vista, so spend some time here and enjoy the scenery!

Printable directions page