This Easy Wildflower Hike In New Hampshire Will Transport You Into A Sea Of Color
It’s a sure sign that winter is over when the greenery and color return to New Hampshire’s forests. In early June and through July, wildflowers can be found springing back to life after a season of slumber. This is the perfect time to hit a hiking trail and a walk along Sawyer Pond Trail in the White Mountain National Forest puts on a dazzling display at your feet each year.
The hike along Sawyer Pond Trail begins with crossing Sawyer River on a footbridge. The scenery starts with the first steps.
While the flowers of the blue bead lily plant are yellow, the name is derived from the cobalt-blue berries of the plant, which are perhaps their most striking feature.
The pink lady's slipper, or moccasin flower, is a member of the orchid family. Its stalk bears a single pink flower. The petals are almost always a near-magenta color.
Red trillium are spring ephemeral plants, and their life cycles synchronizes with its local forest environment. These plants can also survive harsh cold temperatures down to -31 degrees.
Another variety of trillium found along with red trillium are their siblings the painted trillium. These can be distinguished by their white and reddish-purple petals.
Partridge berry is a low evergreen plant classified as a vine, although it does not climb as most vines do. Its trumpet-shaped flowers are produced in pairs and its berries are a favorite food of wild birds.
Wood sorrel is a low planats that sprouts flowers with five petals and range in color from white to pink, red, or yellow. The leaves of the plant are edible and safe for humans and have been used as a source of vitamin C and to treat nausea and fever.
After strolling along Sawyer Pond Trail to view the wildflowers, you'll arrive at Sawyer Pond, which will be the turnaround point. This beautiful backcountry pond provides a spectacular view of Mt. Tremont (left) and Owl's Cliff (right). It's a serene spot to take a break before returning to the trailhead.
This hike along Sawyer Pond Trail is 1.5 miles with 350 feet of elevation gain. While this is a short walk, hikers should be prepared with the proper gear and the Ten Essentials. The trailhead is at the end of gravel Sawyer River Road in the unincorporated township of Livermore. Follow the road for 3.7 miles to a parking area before a gate; the trail begins just beyond the gate.
