Fox State Forest – Ridge Trail
| Date: | 12-1-2024 |
| Location: | Hillsborough, NH |
| Distance: | 6.19 mi |
| Elevation Gain: | 1006′ |
| Total Time: | 5 hr you 3 min |
| Parking: | 20+ cars |
Fox Forest in Hillsborough NH is a 1,445-acre forest managed by NH Forest and Lands. My buddy Jack went to check out some of the trails. There seems to be a lot of interesting things to see on several different trails. Today we set out to hike around the northern perimeter on the Ridge Trail.
It was chilly today. Temps were in the mid 20s. When we arrived at the parking lot, we were the only ones there. There is room for 20+ cars in the lot.
Hillsborough had quite a bit more snow than other places in the state. This was a great hike to break in my new winter boots. We started down the trial through the property until we got to the Ridge Trail.
The plan was to follow the Ridge Trail around the northern part of the forest. This trail weaves in and out in some areas. This first section is combined with the Valley Road. At the end of this road is an old Cemetery.
When we reached the Junction of Valley Road and Concord End Road there is the Gearry Cemetery. This looks like a small family plot from the 1840’s.
We followed Concord End Road to the Ridge Trail which started to climb a little to Spring Road until we got to the Ridge Trail again. We then started climbing until we came to the small fire tower. There is a small view of Crotched Mt. from the tower. We had some coffee while we were there.
From the tower we headed up the Monroe Hill Trail that reconnects with the Ridge Trail. From here the trail is kind of rolling hills with some ups and downs and ins and outs.
We walked past Spring Road, Concord End Road and Oak Lot Road. There were some exceptional views from the high point of land. We eventually made it to Gould Road parking.
At this spot there is a cellar hole from the old Baxter Davis Farm. The property was made up of five different farms. We continued down the Ridge trail toward Mud Pond and the Boardwalk.
When we reached the trail to Mud Pond we traveled down to the water. Once there, we saw a snowy boardwalk that led out to a well-built bird blind. This would most likely keep the swarms of bugs away during the summer.
We headed back up to the main junction on the Ridge Trail and started back the Fox Forest Head Quarters. On our trip back we passed the Virgin Forest. The trail takes a sharp left when it meets Valley Road.
From here the trail climbs up easily to the Mushroom Trail. We did not get a change to do this trail but I will be back another time when the forest is in full bloom.
I really liked this forest. It was beautiful even with the snow on the ground. There are a lot of different trails that are multi use. I’m looking forward to taking the xc skis out there this winter. Can’t wait to explore the southern section of trails.
