Fourth Connecticut Lake, Pittsburg NH


• 4-star hike
• 2 mile part-loop
• Moderate | Gain 450 feet
• Pittsburg, NH | Great North Woods
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A tranquil forested wetland scene featuring tall, slender coniferous trees spaced evenly across the foreground and background. Through the trees, a calm body of water—likely a pond or marsh—reflects the surrounding greenery and a clear blue sky. The water’s surface is smooth, mirroring the vertical lines of the trees and the soft hues of the foliage. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled light on the lush undergrowth and enhancing the vibrant greens of the vegetation.
First views of the Connecticut's source through the trees.

New Hampshire's northernmost trail leads hikers on a remarkable route along the US-Canada border, frequently hopping across the international boundary without a passport, on the way to visit a remote and tranquil lake that marks the headwaters of the 410-mile Connecticut River.

The hike begins on the US side of the border at a designated trailhead adjacent to the Customs and Border Protection building. Signposts lead hikers past the checkpoint, across the road and onto a trail that follows a wide, linear tree-clearing that marks the border. Occasional markers, embedded into rock and identified by placards posted to nearby trees, indicate the exact position of the international boundary.
⬤ 4★ 4th Connecticut Lake Trail   1.9 mi part-loop, moderate, gain 450 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?
 P  Free parking

The terrain along this no-man's-land may not be ideal for a trail, but the route constructed and maintained by the Nature Conservancy requires only brief rocky climbs, and is supported with occasional boardwalks.

After half a mile of walking the US-Canada border, take a turn to the south, through shaded pine forest towards the lake. Early morning visits offer the best opportunity to approach the lake quietly and potentially spot wildlife in this undisturbed habitat. The loop trail around the lake runs mostly within the woods, providing only occasional glimpses of the water through the trees.

We encountered no other people on our hike - not even from the border patrol, who we assume are very familiar with hikers frequenting this route. We recommend strictly adhering to the posted hiking signs by the Route 3 border crossing to avoid any potential problems. There are five parking spots designated specifically for this hiking trail.

A narrow forest trail winds through a dense stand of coniferous trees, flanked by vibrant green undergrowth including ferns and low shrubs. The path is a mix of compacted dirt and intermittent wooden planks, likely placed to aid footing over marshy or uneven terrain. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled shadows across the trail and vegetation. The clear blue sky peeks through gaps in the treetops, suggesting a bright, sunny day.
Hiking the border clearing towards the lake.

Split image showing two components of a land survey marker. On the left, a circular metal disk is embedded flush with the ground, surrounded by moss, soil, and small forest plants. The disk is inscribed with bilingual text: “CANADA,” “SURVEY MARKER,” and “MINISTÈRE DES RESSOURCES NATURELLES / NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA,” indicating its role in geodetic or legal boundary mapping. On the right, a red rectangular sign is affixed to a tree trunk in a forested area. The sign reads “ATTENTION” in bold white letters and includes bilingual warnings not to disturb the marker, noting its legal significance. It lists coordinates and identification codes such as “BM 94-1” and “BM 94-2,” and is issued by the “SURVEYS AND MAPPING BRANCH” of Natural Resources Canada.
An occasional boundary marker, with posted notice nearby.

A person in a red shirt and dark pants walks away from the camera along a narrow wooden boardwalk that winds through a dense forest of tall, slender trees. The boardwalk is slightly elevated above the mossy forest floor, which is scattered with fallen branches and lush undergrowth. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled patches of light and shadow across the path and surrounding vegetation.
Heading deep into the woods on a helpful boardwalk.

A serene forested wetland landscape featuring a calm, reflective body of water surrounded by tall coniferous trees. The water’s surface mirrors the trees and the clear blue sky above, creating a symmetrical, mirror-like effect. The shoreline is fringed with grassy and marshy terrain, with subtle variations in vegetation density. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting soft shadows and illuminating patches of foliage, suggesting early morning or late afternoon light.
Morning view of 4th Connecticut Lake from the south.

Scenic landscape view of a forested mountain region under a clear sky. The foreground features densely packed evergreen trees, likely conifers, rising from gently elevated terrain. In the distance, a range of forested mountains with soft, sloping contours stretches across the horizon. The sky above is bright blue with a few scattered white clouds, suggesting fair weather. Trees on both sides of the image frame the scene, creating a natural vignette that draws the eye toward the central mountain range.
Easterly views of Mont St-Joseph (3,524') on the return journey.

A small parking area adjacent to a grassy hillside and dense coniferous forest marks the entrance to the Fourth Connecticut Lake Reserve. A prominent wooden sign in the foreground reads “FOURTH CONNECTICUT LAKE RESERVE” and features the logo and name of The Nature Conservancy. Nearby, yellow-painted barriers and structures suggest border crossing infrastructure. A smaller informational sign is visible in the background, likely detailing regulations or trail guidance. The surrounding landscape is lush and green, with tall evergreen trees rising behind the signage.
Park here and follow the signs to the trail.

Tangents:
• Official: The Nature Conservancy
• AllTrails Public: Connecticut Lake Preserve Trail 4
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us


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