Newbury Trail

The Newbury Trail begins in Newbury, New Hampshire, and serves as the initial section of Trail Number 1 of the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway. While specific parking details are not provided, it's generally accessed via Mount Sunapee State Park, where parking facilities are typically available.

As the Newbury Trail is located within Mount Sunapee State Park, there may be entrance fees or specific regulations depending on the season or amenities used. It's always best to check the official Mount Sunapee State Park website for the most current information on fees and permits before your visit.

While the trail itself may be dog-friendly, it's important to note that dogs are not permitted in Lake Solitude, a picturesque destination along the route. Always keep your dog on a leash and follow Leave No Trace principles.

The Newbury Trail offers year-round appeal. Summer and fall are ideal for picnics on White Ledges and enjoying the vibrant foliage. In winter, the trail can be enjoyed with snowshoes, offering a different kind of beauty. Be prepared for potentially wet and mucky conditions, especially after rain, regardless of the season.

The trail offers mixed terrain. It starts with a potentially challenging stream crossing and a steep initial climb. The lower portion is relatively flat, but as you ascend, it becomes steeper with rocky sections and switchbacks, requiring hikers to clamber over rocks. Higher up, it transitions to hard-packed dirt. Proper hiking shoes are essential due to these varied conditions.

The trail is rich with scenic spots. You'll find excellent views of Lake Sunapee, Mount Kearsarge, and even Mount Washington on clear days. Don't miss the "Eagle's Nest," a short detour offering a vista of Newbury Harbor. Further along, a stone staircase leads to a significant overlook of Lake Sunapee. The trail also features a beautiful brook with occasional waterfalls and the unique highland tarn, Lake Solitude.

Yes, the Newbury Trail is a significant part of the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway (SRKG), a 75-mile network of trails. This route also passes through sections of the Newbury Trail and the Eagles Nest Trail.

The Newbury Trail, when hiked to Mount Sunapee, is typically an out-and-back route, covering approximately 6.6 miles round trip with around 2,000 feet of elevation gain.

The trail is known for its diverse wildlife. Nature enthusiasts may have opportunities to spot deer, chipmunks, and various bird species throughout the different forest types it traverses.

Given the trail's strenuous sections, rocky terrain, and potential for wet conditions, it's highly recommended to bring proper hiking shoes or boots, ample water, and appropriate layers. Trekking poles can also be helpful for stability on steep or uneven sections.

Yes, a small cairn marks the detour to the Eagle's Nest viewpoint. A unique geographical aspect is crossing a major watershed divide: the brook at the start flows into Lake Sunapee and the Connecticut River Watershed, while Lake Solitude drains into the Merrimack Watershed.