Thompson Hill (NH) 6/3/2015

Thompson Hill

Location: Hillsborough, New Hampshire
Mileage: 2.3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 805 Feet
Trails Used: Wenny Baker Trail, Bushwhack
Views: Views from a ledge below the summit of Thompson Hill
Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking Lists: None

I managed to get off of work early on Wednesday, as it was my birthday 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.  Having never done this one, and it was close to wear we lived, we headed out and headed out after we parked

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 easy and even runs through an old wood's road/possible snowmobile trail before you pass through a rock wall and things start getting interesting steep.

Some interesting pots and a copper cup right around one of the few water crossings along the Thompson Hill Trail.  

The Thompson Hill Trail does stay pretty steady and steep 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 wooded summit of Thompson Hill, elevation 1780 feet. 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 back to the car.

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 were 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.

Thompson Hill is the highest point in the town of Hillsborough, New Hampshire and is located in the Wenny-Baker Forest.