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United States
New Hampshire
Belknap County

Paugus Bay State Forest

Easy hikes and walks in Paugus Bay State Forest

4.7

(6)

47

hikers

13

hikes

Easy hiking trails in Paugus Bay State Forest traverse a diverse 255-acre landscape. The forest features extensive woodlands, numerous wetlands, and a network of streams and rivers. It also includes areas of prime farmland and stretches along the western shores of Paugus Bay, offering varied scenery for hikers.

Best easy hiking trails in Paugus Bay State Forest

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Fire road – Ahern State Park loop from Ahern State Park, a 1.3 miles (2.0…

Last updated: May 2, 2026

2

hikers

#1.

Fire road – Ahern State Park loop from Ahern State Park

2.03km

00:34

40m

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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5

hikers

2.90km

00:51

80m

80m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

2

hikers

4.73km

01:20

100m

100m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

9

hikers

6.99km

01:56

130m

130m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Tips from the Community

Zachary
January 24, 2025, South beach

At the southern tip of the island y will find a small beach protected by jetties on both sides. There is a picnic area and spots to dock kayaks. From here you get views across the water to Weir Beach and Governor's Island, and if you are lucky you will see the Mount Washington cruise ship making its tour of Winnipesaukee.

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Zachary
January 24, 2025, Stonedam Island

Stonedam Island is host to a historic cabin and four little trails that take you to picnic spots and beaches around the island. It you make it here, you have found the summit! There is no access to the island by car, but you can boat or kayak over to the dock on the northeast side and begin your adventure from there.

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This highlight is a general informative comment about the area. The Ramblin Vewe Farm is a conservation trust created by Dick and Betty Persons. In addition to conservation and good forest practices, they turned the farm into a recreational area with a variety of well maintained trails. Despite the tour difficulty indicated by Komoot, be aware that the MTB trails vary between green and black diamond levels.

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mtm05005
October 10, 2023, Ahern State Park

Ahern State park is 28 acres on the shore of Lake Winnisquam. There is a crushed limestone fire road that runs the outer rim of the park. It is a mostly flat and easy ride that gives some great views of the lake.

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mtm05005
October 4, 2023, Lake Wicwas

Lake Wicwas is 328 acres and surrounded by forest and marshes. It is a popular bird watching area as the lake is home to many birds, including loons, herons and ducks.

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Zachary
September 7, 2023, Farm Vewe Hilltop

From the hilltop you can see out across Lake Winnipesaukee to the Ossipee Mountains in the distance.

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If you follow Boyd Hill Road straight at the fork you will come to the parking lot. The trails from here are usually well maintained and network heavily with each other. This makes it easy to customize your hike but note that the trails may not match exactly with digital maps.

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Zachary
September 6, 2023, Lake Wicwas

Lake Wicwas is a scenic marsh-adjacent residential lake with fishing populations. The name was long disputed between Wickwas and Wicwas, with the latter being officially adopted in 2019.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available in Paugus Bay State Forest?

Paugus Bay State Forest features 11 easy hiking trails, offering a range of options for exploring its diverse landscapes.

Are the easy trails in Paugus Bay State Forest suitable for families?

Yes, the easy trails are generally suitable for families. Routes like the Fire road – Ahern State Park loop offer straightforward paths through woodlands and along the bay, making them enjoyable for all ages.

Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails in Paugus Bay State Forest?

While specific dog regulations are not detailed in the provided information, it's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them to preserve the natural environment and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Always check local signage for any specific rules.

What kind of terrain can I expect on the easy hikes in Paugus Bay State Forest?

The easy hikes traverse varied terrain, including extensive woodlands, wetlands, and areas along streams and rivers. You'll also find stretches near the western shores of Paugus Bay, offering diverse scenery. Routes like the Rusty Bedspring, Upper Jakes, and Yo Benson Loop navigate through these varied landscapes.

Are there any loop trails among the easy hiking options?

Yes, several easy loop trails are available. For instance, the Long Loop Trail provides a circular route through the forest, allowing you to experience different sections without retracing your steps.

What is the typical duration for an easy hike in Paugus Bay State Forest?

The duration for easy hikes varies. Shorter routes, like the Fire road – Ahern State Park loop, can be completed in about 35 minutes, while longer easy trails, such as the Farm Vewe Hilltop Trail, might take around 1 hour 20 minutes.

Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots on the easy trails?

Yes, some trails offer scenic views. The Farm Vewe Hilltop Trail, for example, leads through woodlands and provides views from a hilltop. The proximity to Paugus Bay also means many routes offer glimpses of the water.

What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Paugus Bay State Forest?

The routes in Paugus Bay State Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the diverse scenery, well-maintained paths, and the peaceful atmosphere of the woodlands and wetlands.

Is there parking available near the trailheads for easy hikes?

While specific parking details for every trailhead are not provided, Ahern State Park, which hosts several easy trails like the Fire road – Ahern State Park loop, typically offers designated parking areas for visitors.

What is the best time of year to visit Paugus Bay State Forest for easy hiking?

The diverse landscapes of Paugus Bay State Forest, with its woodlands and wetlands, make it enjoyable across seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, while summer provides lush greenery. Winter hiking is also possible, though conditions may vary.

Are there any longer easy trails for a more extended outing?

Yes, for a longer easy outing, consider the Hamlin Trail loop, which covers nearly 7 kilometers and typically takes around 1 hour 55 minutes to complete, offering an extended experience through the forest.

Most popular routes in Paugus Bay State Forest

Hiking in Paugus Bay State Forest

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