Boulder Loop Trail

The Boulder Loop Trail is a great quick hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It offers views of the Sandwich Range, a covered bridge, and large boulders throughout the trail. The hike begins from Dugway Road in Albany, New Hampshire. The Albany Covered Bridge, which was built in 1858, welcomes you to the trail. After crossing the bridge, the trail ascends slightly and soon becomes rocky. Along the way you'll see numbered wooded signs. The White Mountain National Forest once provided an interpretive guide, but it is no longer available. The trail becomes a little steeper as you approach the largest boulders and ascends to the summit. The summit is a great spot for a snack or lunch, and it has lots of open space and flat rock to relax on. Mount Chocorua and Mount Passaconaway are visible on a clear day. Retrace your steps back to the trail, where you have the option to head back the way you came or to continue clockwise to compete the loop. Either way, you will notice a lot of burned trees along the way and vegetation starting to grow back. In 2016, a 325-acre forest fire occurred, burning dry leaf litter and hardwoods. Remains of charred trees still remain. In winter, microspikes are highly recommended because of the icy terrain and few steep areas. This is a great snowshoe adventure after a snowfall!