Hiking or walking in New Hampshire is a great way to get a feel for the landscape while also finding peace and quiet on an otherwise busy day. We’re constantly finding new trails to try and, whenever possible, we love exploring them more than once to get a real feel for the area. We recently came across a trail that won’t be a hard one to return to again and again. It’s simple to follow, relatively short, and offers a refreshing surprise along the way.
Heads Pond Trail in Hooksett is a 2.9-mile out-and-back route that’s perfect any time of year.
Rose Gregory / alltrails.com
You’ll find it between Manchester and Concord, near Route 3. It’s not far from Bear Brook State Park, making it a great alternative if you find the park to be just a bit too busy during the spring or summer.
Google Maps
With an elevation gain of just 100 feet, the trail is relatively flat. This makes it a great option for those who are beginner hikers.
Pauline Fortin / alltrails.com
The route is also packed hard gravel, so you won’t need to worry much about uneven ground or roots.
Faye Wang / alltrails.com
The trailhead begins just off of Hookset Road and makes its way along towards Heads Pond. There are even some fun features to find, like this under-bridge tunnel.
George Griffin / alltrails.com
In the spring and summer, there are lots of green trees and even some wildflowers blooming.
George Griffin / alltrails.com
If you time your visit with the golden hour, the sunset will hit perfectly.
Stacy Parr / alltrails.com
The trail is fun year-round, and autumn will provide lots of foliage views.
Christine Rockwell / alltrails.com
But it’s the promise of summertime refreshment that we love best! You’ll find Heads Pond about halfway down the trail.
Pauline Fortin / alltrails.com
There are also a few educational placards indicating what you might find around you.
Nichole Silver / alltrails.com
When you arrive at the pond, consider a swim as long as there are no local advisories. Dogs love this body of water, and it’s not uncommon to see quite a few here. This is also a nice place to enjoy a paddle.
Alan Bershtein / alltrails.com You can stick around the water and then head back to the trailhead, or you can continue the route and head back once the trail comes to an end. Either way, you’ll have access to some of the best scenery in the state, and the added bonus of the cool-down is fantastic.
Heads Pond Trail can be accessed year-round, but it’s best between April and October. In addition to hiking, visitors enjoy biking, fishing and kayaking here as well. Feel free to bring the pups along; just be sure to keep them on a leash. You can learn more about the route by visiting alltrails.com. You can see a full map here.
Rose Gregory / alltrails.com
Google Maps
Pauline Fortin / alltrails.com
Faye Wang / alltrails.com
George Griffin / alltrails.com
Stacy Parr / alltrails.com
Christine Rockwell / alltrails.com
Nichole Silver / alltrails.com
Alan Bershtein / alltrails.com
You can stick around the water and then head back to the trailhead, or you can continue the route and head back once the trail comes to an end. Either way, you’ll have access to some of the best scenery in the state, and the added bonus of the cool-down is fantastic.
There’s nothing like spending time on the water. Luckily for us there are lots of unique ways to do it. One idea is to turn New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee into your own oasis by renting a motorized tiki bar.
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Address: Heads Pond Trail, Hooksett, NH 03106, USA
