Hiking Bear Brook

Bear Brook State Park has more than 40 miles of trails through thick forest to marshes, bogs, small summits and ponds, and every trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders unless a sign says otherwise. The easiest start is the One Mile Trail, a former fire road. The Bear Brook Trail follows the brook in deep shade, and the Catamount Trail climbs to one of the best open lookouts in the park. Trail use requires the day-use fee, $4 for adults.

Three Trails NH State Parks Recommends

One Mile Trail (Relatively Easy)

The One Mile Trail is the backbone of the system. It was a fire road, so it is wide and even, and it leads to the Bear Brook and Catamount trails. It starts beside Catamount Pond on the official map. Expect bikes and horses as well as walkers, and a mix of tree species along the way.

Bear Brook Trail (Moderate)

This trail follows Bear Brook, the stream the park is named for. It stays shaded and fairly cool even in midsummer, with the sound of running water most of the way, and NH State Parks mentions the odd brook trout in the stream. On the map, Bear Brook and Lower Bear Brook run east from the One Mile Trail toward Podunk Road.

Catamount Trail (Difficult)

The Catamount Trail climbs Catamount Hill, west of the One Mile Trail, to an open granite outcrop. The best view comes just before the actual top. The hill is not above tree line, but the trail is fairly steep and rocky in places. Wear real shoes.

Ponds, Marshes and Hills

The rest of the network links quiet places that few visitors reach. Hayes Marsh lies in the middle of the park, reached by the Hayes Farm, Carr Ridge and Lane trails from Hayes Field. Smith Pond, with its old CCC lean-to, is east of Podunk Road; see cabins and shelter. Bear Hill rises above Bear Hill Pond, ringed by the Bear Hill, Chipmunk and Ledge trails. In the south, the Hall Mountain and Hall Mountain Marsh trails lead to a view point on Hall Mountain, close to the Bear Hill cabins. The trail map page explains how to read the official map.

Where to Start

• Catamount Pond, on Deerfield Road: for the One Mile and Catamount trails, with restrooms and a swim after.
• Podunk Road: the second tollbooth and a lot near the Bear Brook trails. In 2026 the Podunk Road trails opened March 30.
• Archery field on Lower Road and Hayes Field farther down Podunk Road: lots with pit toilets for the middle of the park.
• Bear Hill Camp and the south lot off Podunk Road: for Bear Hill and Hall Mountain.

On busy weekends parking fills, and NH State Parks sells a hiking pass up to 30 days ahead. See reservations and parking and directions.

Sharing the Trails

Every trail is multi-use unless posted. Bikes are common on the singletrack (see mountain biking), and horses are allowed on suitable trails. NH State Parks' equestrian page lists Bear Brook but warns that not every trail suits horses and not every lot fits a large trailer. Keep right, listen for riders behind you, and step aside for horses.

Closed Trails and Forest Work

In fall 2025 the state harvested a declining white pine stand in the park. The old pines had become a safety risk and the trails through them were closed. NH State Parks says future plans for that area include a trail system built to ADA accessibility guidelines. Obey closure signs; they may not match older maps.

Before You Go

• Allow about an hour per trail mile, and remember that not every trail loops back to your car.
• Carry water, a light, a first aid kit, a rain layer and some food, even in summer.
• If you get lost: stop, think, observe and plan. Stay put if you can't find the trail, and call 911.
• Carry out all trash. Fires are allowed only in the campground.
• Dogs must be leashed and attended on every trail.

Good For

• Long, quiet forest walks on wide old roads.
• Families: the One Mile Trail is easy and starts at the beach.
• Dog walkers, on a leash.

Maybe Skip If

• You want big mountain views. Bear Brook's hills stay below tree line; the Catamount lookout is one of the best open views in the park.
• You dislike sharing trails with bikes. Go early on a weekday.