First Time on Mt Ceaser
| Date: | 5-8-2025 |
| Location: | Swanzey, NH |
| Distance: | 1.86 mi |
| Elevation Gain: | 422′ |
| Total Time: | 1 hr 21 min |
| Parking: | 6-7 cars |
I found myself with the afternoon off from work, so I decided to take a long drive for a short hike up Mt. Ceaser in Swanzy, NH.
When I arrived at the trial head there were already a few cars in the lot. The lot could hold about 6-8 cars if people parked well. It’s tucked away near an old cemetery.
Once I grabbed my stuff, I set out across the street to the trail head. There is a kiosk showing the many trails on this small mountain. It also mentioned a few things to try and find while hiking. Some of the things noted; An old quarry, Bear Rock, Norm the Gnome and a face carved in a boulder near the summit.
I started up the trail and noticed that the trail went right through the cemetery. That was kind of cool. It is an older cemetery with some stones dating back to the early 1800’s.
On the other end the trail splits up. I choose to go up the shorter, steeper “Elijah’s Epic Summit Trail” (yellow trail). The trail was moderate in some spots and a little steep in a few areas..
Overall the trail had pretty good footing and a number of small switchbacks made the climb much easier. I was able to spot Bear Rock without any trouble. Just need to look up. There was a fisherman’s hat on the bear held on by some wire. I took a few photos and moved on.
Near the summit there are some benches with views, but those views may be gone soon once the leaves all pop. The whole trail up was well maintained. When I reached the summit I was surprised to see there was antenna tower up there. The summit is a large granite slab. There is also another bench to sit on and some nice views to the south.
A few yards to the north, there is a very noticeable herd path that leads to a large boulder. On the boulder there is a face that was chiseled into it. The lighting was a little weird, but you can still make it out in the picture.
On the way down, I decided to make a loop on the Tower Trail. This was a bit longer but also not anywhere near as steep. There are a few areas that split off and meet up again. Next time I’ll follow the stone wall section down.
I came to junction of Theresa’s Trail and followed it in bit. About a 100 yards in at the junction of the Quarry trail, carved into a tree was Norm the Gnome. I have to say he is quite a site.
I then followed the Quarry trail back down. About have way in the trail there is an old filled in quarry. There are many drill marks from them splitting the granite. This trail ends back at the cemetery where I started.
This was a very interesting hike. Lots to see and look for and some great views too. This was my first hike up Mt. Ceaser but it sure won’t be my last. I really enjoyed this little mountain.
