Bog Mountain: A Hidden Gem in Southern New Hampshire

This quiet treasure in southern New Hampshire is a local favorite, combining a peaceful bog with gentle elevation and a rewarding summit view, all packed into a relatively short hike. As you wind your way through a charming forest trail, you may find yourself wondering how this one slipped under your radar for so long.

Trail Info

Trailhead Name	Bog Mountain Trail
Distance	4.4 miles / 7.1 km (out and back)
Estimated time	2-3 hours
Elevation gain	600 ft / 180 m
Highest point	1,736 ft / 529 m (Bog Mountain)
Permits / fees	No
Parking	Dirt lot
Toilets?	No
Dog friendly?	Yes

Know before you go

There are several approaches to this peak, and the distance varies depending on where you start. This guide covers the longer route starting from Highway 4A. You can shorten the hike by parking on Stearns Road or approaching the peak from the other side—but then you’d miss the bog!

Other trails nearby

Ragged Mountain

Distance: 4.7 miles (7.6 km)

Elevation gain: 1,250 ft (380 m)

Details: Provides a hike of similar distance and elevation gain to the top of a ski mountain (no bog though).

The Trail

For the longer route, park just off Highway 4A in a small dirt pull-off. The trailhead is across the road, and shortly after passing the sign, you’ll cross a small river to officially start the hike.

After crossing the highway and passing the trailhead sign, you will cross the river to start the hike.

The trail is well-marked with green blazes, guiding you through a winding, wooded path.

At the only junction, marked by a set of water pipes, stay left to remain on the main trail.

Before long, you'll reach the first major highlight: the bog. I usually associate bogs with bugs, but this spot was serene and still. If you hit it during peak foliage, the surrounding colors really make it shine.

Not long after the bog, you'll cross Stearns Road (where you could also park). From here, the ascent to the peak begins.

The trail steepens as you climb toward the summit, but it never becomes a full-on scramble. That said, it might get dicey if conditions are icy.

Summit time! While it’s not a full 360° view, the overlook still offers a beautiful vista, including Mount Kearsarge in the distance. Not a bad payoff for a couple hours on the trail.

SS Reflections

When I plan a New Hampshire hike, I usually set my sights on the Whites—not the quieter southern corners like Wilmot. But with limited time and a restless itch to get outside, I ended up doing some random Googling and landed on this gem. The fall colors, quiet bog, and peaceful summit surprised me in all the best ways. A good reminder to occasionally break the routine and look for something a little more off the beaten path.

Other helpful resources

Only in Your State's post about this underrated trail