Mount Magalloway

Trail: Coot Trail, Bobcat Trail, View Spur

Conditions: Dry Trail

“One of the John Deere dealerships in NH has an empty showroom , because all of their sparkling new equipment is on Tower Road. They appear to be actively regrading it over the first 2-ish miles. After that it’s bumpy but there are no washouts or problems. So the whole thing is pretty smooth going. As reported in June by others, there is no sign for Tower Road. Magalloway Road is in great shape and because it’s so dry, it’s all very dusty. There is a tiny water crossing on Falls on the River Trail near the Moose Alley Trail, and the little half boards placed to facilitate the crossing are strewn about. Water levels are so low that they are not needed but note that some of the protruding rocks are unstable. Coot Trail has no issues. There are no widowmakers currently on this route. The view spur just has a large stepover but based on the trail reports, and the way it looked, that’s pretty ancient. Bobcat has multiple stepovers, two duck unders that were recently delimbed, and then a monster that fell into the trail just above the bog boards. There are work arounds for the big things. The overgrowth on Bobcat is a smidgen out of hand. Falls on the River Trail is in great shape! We camped at Deer Mountain Campground, after some hiking shenanigans, and if you are looking for an inexpensive place to stay whilst you explore these far northern NH trails, this is the place to be. I have never seen such a clean campsite, campground or privy. Seriously amazing. The place was super quiet despite the fact that it is right on route 3. There is a spring at the entrance. I really like the Falls on the River Trail so we hiked that first, after a beautiful sunrise from the dam at Second Connecticut Lake. Then out to Magalloway, which we had all to ourselves. On the way back we stopped to take a splash at the Mini Flume in Dixville Notch, which we also had to ourselves.”

Trail: Coot Trail, Bobcat Trail, View Spur

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock

“Terrific morning - stunning views in all directions, enjoyed views of the scree field from the view spur NOTE: We didn't see any sign marking the final turn off Magalloway Road onto Tower Road and overshot it, then turned back”

Trail: Bobcat Trail, Coot Trail, View Spur

Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Mud - Minor/Avoidable

“My first hike on Magalloway, one of the 52 With a View. And what a view! There is an old tower on top, built in 1935, with amazing views in all directions. The usual route for most would be to take Rt 3 to Magalloway Rd., a gravel logging road, then going ~5 miles to the Tower Road. Instead, I took Rt 16 north from Gorham to Parmachenee Rd in Wilsons Mills ME, for a 17 mile ride on gravel logging roads to the trailhead. If you go this way, Garfield Falls is not far off of the route. Satellite communicator is mandatory as cell service died the second I drove off of the pavement. No problems with these roads, all in good shape, with many excellent views of the cliff side of the summit as you get closer. The logging roads are private roads open to travel at your own risk; take care if logging trucks approach as they have the right of way. About the Tower Road, ~2 miles spur off of Magalloway Rd., this too was in good condition. Definitely had a few spots where you'd want to go very slow due to potholes, ruts or eroded sections. At this time, should be passable to any car. There were a few blow downs of smaller trees, trimmed back enough to pass easily. Hot and humid today, but views were really good from the tower. Washington not visible but I read elsewhere that it was in a cloud. Saw no other hikers.”