Thompson Hill (Hillsborough): 6/3/2015

Mileage: 2.3

Elevation gain: 805 feet

Trails used: Thompson Hill Trail.
Highlight(s): 

I managed to get off of work early on Wednesday and headed home. Desi took the day off to go to Boston but she arrived home early as well. I thought we shouldn't waste such a nice day (after the three straight days of almost constant rain) and looked for a hike that was somewhat nearby, and not on the long side..  

Thompson Hill is located in Hillsborough, New Hampshire and is the highest point in Hillsborough.  It is also located in the Wenny-Baker Forest, though there is not much known about this area except this brief page on the background of the area.  There is a trail that goes all the way to the ledges below the summit area, and a herd path/flagged route that goes to the high point (look around, there is a geocache here).

The Thompson Hill Trail and Wenny-Baker Forest parking area off of County Road in Hillsborough.  There is room for a few cars near the trailhead.

The Thompson Hill Trail starts off lightly and even runs through an old woods road (and possible snowmobile trail) before you pass through this rock wall and things start getting interesting (i.e steep!).

Some interesting pots and a copper cup right around one of the few water crossings along the Thompson Hill Trail.  Not sure why they are here.

Like I said, the Thompson Hill Trail does stay pretty steady until it reaches the summit area for Thompson Hill.

The woods up here were nice, and we managed to scare a wild turkey while we were heading up to the summit of Thompson Hill.

Mount Monadnock from the vista just below the summit of Thompson Hill.

Views through the trees from the vista just below the summit of Thompson Hill of nearby Craney Hill and the Pats Peak Ski Area.

Desi on the vista looking at Mount Monadnock.  This cairn does not mark the highest point.

This cairn does mark the highest point of Thompson Hill (elevation 1768'). A short herd path will take you to this spot.  There is even a geocache around here, too.

We noticed a trail coming down off the summit area of Thompson Hill so we decided to take it.  It takes you back to the regular trail and makes it a short loop hike.  I think this is a less steep but slightly longer route.

A nice little birthday hike for me on a nice day.  The bugs were out but not really a bother which was about the only plus for this hike.  Very limited views from below the summit was not a game changer for me.  I would say that the Thompson Hill Trail is nicely blazed and with lots of cairns so it is pretty easy to follow.  Other than that, unless you just like nice walks in the woods, this hike would be for you.