The Ferrin Pond Trail at the Ferrin Pond Conservation Area in Weare, New Hampshire is an easy 3-mile loop hike that features scenic views along Ferrin Pond.
Trail name: Ferrin Pond Trail
Location: Bartlett/Ferrin Pond Town Forest, Mountain Road, Weare NH.
Parking: There is limited parking near the Mountain Road Parking area. Further down the trail there is a gate near the trailhead with more parking available although it is not marked on the town map that parking is available. The parking area will be on your right where the power line crosses the road. The trail walk begins there; while walking, keep the transmission lines to your left. A word of caution: the road to this additional parking area is dirt. Winter parking cannot be guaranteed if the parking area is not plowed out.
Allowed activities: swimming, fishing, hiking, geocaching, picnicking, nature study
Forbidden activities: no open fires, no motorized vehicles, no littering
Hours: There are no times for opening or closing posted.
Pets: Dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they are leashed in accordance with Weare NH town ordinance which states: “An owner or keeper shall keep a dog on a leash at all times when within any park, public recreation or swimming area or at any public event in the Town of Weare. (RSA 31:39 I (b)).” All waste must be carried out with the owner/keeper.
Accessibility: The trail is not wheelchair accessible.
Sanitation: There are no restrooms or trash bins. Please carry out any trash including animal waste.
Trail information: The trail is marked predominately by Yellow blaze markers. There is a section of the trail where blue markers will also be seen. This easy to moderate 3 mile long trail, was done as a loop. It will take you through the forest and along a ridge and around Ferrin Pond. The trail loops around the pond through the Bartlett/Ferrin Pond Forest which is roughly 278 acres in size. The trail on the west side of the pond is a little bit confusing to follow. The trail takes hikers near the pond and then back into the forest. The yellow markers lead hikers to what appears to be a logging road used for timber removal. The trail markers are still there, but there are a lot of downed trees and tree debris to bushwhack through. Hikers need to keep an eye out for the markers. Another option to completing this trail would be to close the loop at the pond and backtrack to the exit. If using the trail guide below, hikers would need to walk from #14 marker to #5 marker.
Highlights: In addition to the yellow trail blaze markers, visitors will notice posted numbered markers along the trail. At one time each marker had an educational posting about what could be found at that marker. Over time the elements have destroyed these postings. However, visitors can follow the link below and print out a trail guide to take along with them on their hike. They can learn more about the forest features as well as have a trail map to follow:
https://www.weare.nh.gov/sites/wearenh/files/file/file/ferrin_pond_trail_guide_as_flyer.pdf
