Burnt Mt & Boston Lot Lake, Lebanon NH
• 4-star hikes
• 2.5 to 4.1 mile options
• Medium difficulty | Gain 370 to 660 feet
• Lebanon, NH | Sunapee Region
• Driving Directions: Trailhead
Boston Lot Lake, with a modest 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.
Lake Loop,
Burnt Mt Boston Lot Lake Loop 4★2.5 mi loop, Medium, Gain 370 feet | 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.
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
Burnt Mountain Loop 4★4.1 mi loop, Medium, Gain 660 feet | 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.
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
Don't miss Burnt Mountain's spectacular viewpoint.
Mostly easy going trail, occasional rocks, more mud.
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.
Tangents:
• Trail Links: Official,
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Boston Lot Lake, Burnt Mountain
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