Thompson Hill, Hillsborough NH
• 3-star hike
• 2 mile loop
• Easy | Gain 745 feet
• Hillsborough, NH | Monadnock Region
.
This pleasant hike local to the town of Hillsborough will likely fill you with solitude on this two-mile loop through oak forest, past stone walls, wildflowers, and apple trees left from early farms.
We rate this trail as easy, but with the caveat that you'll be gradually hiking over seven hundred feet to the summit of Thompson Hill. At the summit we found some great peek-a-book views towards Mount Monadnock when we visited in late summer, though at other times of year the views can be even better.
Beginning in forest and after a couple of unexpected turns, the trail heads up the forgiving South-facing slope of Thompson hill, over a stream and past what appears to be the source of a spring - though I wouldn't recommend drinking from it. Patches of sky become more frequent as you ascend, and after small fields of fern and a couple of false summits, you'll arrive at the top - marked solely by your sense of achievement.
⬤ 3★ Thompson Hill Loop
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX? |
We prefer the clockwise route to tackle the hill, followed by a looping trail back downward, past a towering rock cairn and tracing a stone wall for a time. The descending trail is slightly longer but less steep.
You'll find the trailhead 2.5 miles along the unpaved Country Road, marked by a couple of signs. There is room for only a couple of vehicles here, but with this lightly used trail it shouldn't be a problem. Note that the trail is two miles, and not 1.5 miles as stated on the Forest Society's map.
Tangents:
• Official: Wenny Baker Forest
• Public Map at AllTrails: Thompson Hill Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us
New Hampshire Rail Trails
The state's first and only complete rail trail map. Photos, reviews and downloads.
The state's first and only complete rail trail map. Photos, reviews and downloads.
Latest New Hampshire Summits
Explore mountain-top hikes around New Hampshire and beyond.
Explore mountain-top hikes around New Hampshire and beyond.