Winslow and Barlow Trail Loop

The trailheads for the Winslow and Barlow Trail Loop are located within Winslow State Park. You can drive more than halfway up Mount Kearsarge to reach the parking area, making the trail quite accessible.

This loop is considered a moderate hike. While it's often described as family-friendly, especially for those accustomed to hiking, it does present a good challenge with significant elevation gain and varied terrain. It will test the endurance of younger hikers.

The terrain varies significantly between the two trails. The Winslow Trail is steeper and rockier, featuring dirt paths, roots, and rock slabs, with some sections becoming quite steep. The Barlow Trail, while longer and generally gentler, has uneven footing with many awkwardly placed roots, and sections of flat rock in its upper parts, transitioning to dirt paths through the forest lower down.

Yes, it's generally recommended to ascend via the Winslow Trail due to its steeper and rockier nature, and then descend using the Barlow Trail. This approach provides a more balanced and often more enjoyable experience, as the Barlow Trail is longer and more gradual for the descent.

The trail offers fantastic scenery. You'll pass through mixed pine and hardwood forests, encounter occasional granite slabs with views of the New London area and Pleasant Lake, and experience extended segments above the treeline on the Barlow Trail. The summit of Mount Kearsarge provides spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the New Hampshire countryside, stretching into Vermont on clear days. A fire tower at the summit, sometimes open in summer, enhances these vistas.

Yes, the route is part of the larger 75-mile Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway. The loop itself combines the Winslow Trail and the Barlow Trail.

The trail is located within Winslow State Park. While dogs are generally allowed in New Hampshire State Parks, it's always best to check the specific regulations for Winslow State Park regarding leashes and any restricted areas before you go.

The Winslow and Barlow Trail Loop is located within Winslow State Park. There is typically an entrance fee required to access the park, which covers parking and trail use. You do not need a separate hiking permit beyond the park entrance fee. It's advisable to check the official New Hampshire State Parks website for current fee schedules and operating hours.

The trail offers rewarding experiences across multiple seasons. Spring brings lush greenery, while summer provides warm weather for hiking. Fall is particularly popular for its stunning foliage. Always check weather conditions before heading out, as the summit can be exposed.

Hikers generally complete the 2.8 to 2.9-mile loop in approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on their pace and how much time they spend enjoying the views at the summit. The total duration for this route is estimated at around 1 hour and 58 minutes of moving time.

Yes, Winslow State Park offers a picnic area with views of the White Mountains, which can be a great spot to relax before or after your hike. Restroom facilities are also typically available within the park during operating hours.