When most other area trails are still muddy from the Spring thaw, Catamount is usually a little drier, therefore, offering earlier access.

When most other park trails are still muddy from the Spring thaw, Catamount Trail tends to dry out quicker offering an early year trek up Catamount Hill. To begin, look for the yellow blazes near the beach house. The path takes you over the road and past a baseball field where you will cross a large wooden bridge. Look for the Catamount Trail sign. This is a good trail for those with young children. Much of the path is easy to negotiate with a gradual grade to the summit. From the summit, you can enjoy views of Mount Kearsarge. From this point, you may turn around and retrace your steps or for lengthier hike, continue over the knoll and into a narrower forest path. It is obvious that this portion of the trail is less traveled. The trail ascends and descends several times and offers a small side trail, which is actually a shortcut back to the beach and picnic area. By continuing on, you will reach Catamount Brook. Cascade Trail is across the brook. This trail is part of your loop trail. In Spring, people find this portion of the loop most attractive because of the cascading waters. Take Cascade Trail left for a short distance to dead-end at Bear Brook Trail. Hike left onto Bear Brook Trail which will carry you to the large wooden bridge by the baseball field, over the park road, and back to the parking lot.

Directions: From Allenstown, NH, Travel SR 28 north and turn right onto Dodge Road. The park is about 1 mile east. After passing the contact station, there is a large beach parking lot on the left. The trail begins just right of the parking lot driveway.

Elevation: 725 feet

Elevation Gain: 400 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

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