One of my favorite parts of being an editor for Appalachian Mountain Club’s Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide is that I get to seek out new hiking destinations for each edition of the book. I mean, it’s perfect for me and definitely hits my inner explorer gene. It’s also satisfying to not only visit these places for myself for the first time, but to also bring them to others. One of my favorite additions to the upcoming 6th edition of the book is the new trail system at Cogswell Mountain in Gilmanton. Let’s take a walk!

On a warm day in August 2023, I packed my stuff and headed over to Gilmanton to tour the property and check out the good work done by the Gilmanton Conservation Commission.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos
About a mile in is a scenic beaver swamp that I always stop at for a break. I keep hoping I'll see one of the local residents, but no luck yet. It's extra motivation to return to this trail!
Ken MacGray/Google Photos
Gilmanton Conservation Commission has done a good job keeping this cleared viewpoint on the "middle" summit of Cogswell Mountain open.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

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The east peak of Cogswell is my favorite spot on the mountain, as it features the widest view over Crystal Lake toward the Belknap Range.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos
As I've mentioned here plenty of times, I love hiking to and around water features, and a short loop trail by a beaver pond is a bonus to the other trails that reach the summits.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos
In January 2024, I returned to Cogswell to check it out in winter. The wide trails and easy grades are ideal for snowshoeing and I can see this being a regular destination.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos
Gilmanton Conservation Commission held a grand opening of the trails in October 2023, and it was the perfect time to catch the fall foliage in this area. Great job, folks!
Ken MacGray/Google Photos

If you are new to hiking and looking to get out with the kids, I can’t recommend Cogswell Mountain highly enough. Out of all the new hikes in New Hampshire that I’ll be writing about, this one is perfect for all abilities and my thanks go out to the Gilmanton Conservation Commission for conserving this special spot. To download a trail map and driving directions to the trailhead, visit the Commission’s website. Before you head out, make sure you have everything you need for a safe trip.

Now that winter (as much as we had one this year) is behind us, it’s time to look forward to spring hiking. Here are some great ideas to get you outside.

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Featured Addresses
Gilmanton Year Round Library, 1385 NH-140, Gilmanton Iron Works, NH 03837, USA