Ammonoosuc Inn & Restaurant

Kancamagus Highway Hikes - Boulder Loop Hike

This Hike is accessible via our  Kancamagus Scenic Drive Post

Easy / Moderate. 2.8 miles (2-4 hours round trip)

Location : 27 miles east of Lincoln. Turn left off the Kancamagus Highway through the Covered Bridge. The trail is opposite the parking lot for the Albany Bridge. The Boulder Loop Trail is marked by yellow blazes. The loop begins 0.2 mile (5 minutes) from the parking area. Turn left to follow the sequence with the numbers of the nature trail. Right away you pass a huge boulder where the trail bends to the right and then a few more impressive boulders. The trail ascends and after about forty minutes enters a clearing (around station 5 of the nature trail) that provides the first vista out over the valley and across to the ledges. Soon you reach the sign saying “to the view, 0.2 mile” (station 11). Follow the short side trail up the stone steps that takes you to the ledges. The side trail extends onward in the open for another 0.3 mile beyond the first view. The views are all great, these ledges, at 1,965 feet, are the highest elevation on the trail. A large yellow X marks the spot where you turn around. When you return to the main trail, turn right for the descent. Just below the ledges, you pass a huge rock that is at least as large as ten blue whales. The trail continues downhill, crosses a stream (station 16), and enters another area of huge boulders strewn by a landslide 2.3 miles from the trailhead (station 17). Beyond this, the trail flattens out and traverses a few small streams. At the loop junction, go straight to return to the parking area.