North Sawmill Swamp Loop

This route begins at the end of Knightland Avenue in Atkinson, New Hampshire, entering the northern portion of the Sawmill Swamp Conservation Area. The trail follows a series of well-marked red and blue blazed paths through mixed hardwood forest, open wetland edges, and segments of old field roads. At early junctions, stay left to follow the red-blazed ACL Loop in a clockwise direction, passing beneath mature trees and alongside moss-covered stone walls dating back to the 18th century. The terrain is wide, mostly flat, and easy to navigate, with several optional spur trails offering short detours. About halfway through the loop, a scenic overlook provides an open view of Sawmill Swamp. A nearby marker also denotes the historic 1940 boundary between Atkinson and Hampstead. From here, the route continues through forest and lowland areas before returning to the red trail and retracing briefly to the trailhead. This is a quiet, low-elevation hike ideal for winter walking, snowshoeing, or birding year-round, with standout views of the swamp and peaceful forest surroundings.