Burnt Mt & Boston Lot Lake, Lebanon NH

• 4-star hikes
• 3 to 4 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 370 to 660 feet
• Lebanon, NH | Sunapee Region
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a serene outdoor scene with a person walking along a grassy path beside a calm body of water. Trees line the opposite shore, and the sun is visible in the clear sky.

Boston Lot Lake, with a Burnt Mountain backdrop.

Boston Lot Lake rests in a natural granite bowl just outside the western New Hampshire border town of Lebanon. The lake was once the town's principal water supply, but although the dam and spillway remains the waters are now used mainly for conservation and recreation. Popular during all four seasons, activities here include fishing, hunting camping and mountain biking in addition to hiking.

The large trailhead is located adjacent to the Wilder Dam on the Connecticut River and a gradually ascending trail to the lake is also a gated service road. The Lakeside trail is a single-track path suitable only for pedestrians. Trails east of the Lakeside loop are clearly popular with mountain bikers, but don't expect to be overrun by speedy cycles here - the hills are moderately sloped at best.
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4★ Boston Lot Lake Loop 2.5 mi loop, moderate, gain 370 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

4★ Burnt Mountain Loop 4.1 mi loop, moderate, gain 660 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

Boston Lot Lake Loop
The Lakeside Trail that creates a loop around Boston Lot Lake mostly leads hikers through woodland, and except for a 600 foot length of grassy levee at the south end of the lake, don't expect frequent lake views. Thankfully there are at least a couple of lake vantage points along the lake's north shores. Though most of this trail is easy, there's a slightly elevated section on the backside of the loop.

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Burnt Mountain Loop
Beyond the lake there's a small network of trails, some of which lead to the top of Burnt Mountain. If you're approaching on a counter-clockwise loop, find Southside Trail to Burnt Mountain Trail, then follow the signs to the summit. Be sure to check out the viewpoint on the eastern flanks of the mountain that is easy to miss. Continuing on the loop, Burnt Mountain trail leads to Northside and there's a link trail that takes you back to Lakeside.

an individual standing on the edge of a rocky overlook, gazing out at a vast landscape. They are surrounded by lush greenery, with trees framing the view. In the distance, rolling hills and a clear sky with few clouds can be seen. This scene captures a moment of solitude and reflection in nature.

Don't miss Burnt Mountain's spectacular viewpoint.

Trail conditions are mostly flat and only gradual gradients. Since you're in woodland most of the time, hikers are well shaded from the sun. Rocks are occasional, but since this granite basin doesn't drain all that well you can expect to have to tackle some muddy areas. The worst have been bridged by wooden boardwalks, though there are other sections that might benefit from similar infrastructure. Mosquitos are reported to be an issue, but no more than you'd expect along a lake, and as long as you keep moving they're unlikely to pester you much.

an individual standing on a rocky forest path, wearing a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy of green leaves above, casting dappled light on the scene. The forest floor is covered with rocks and ferns.

Mostly easy going trail, occasional rocks, more mud.

Tangents:
• Official: Boston Lot Conservation Area
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Boston Lot Lake, Burnt Mountain
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article

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