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| Stonehouse Pond and 150 foot cliff face. |
My parents were in town visiting last weekend from Oregon. When I asked my mom what she wanted to do for the day, she replied, "I don't know. Walk around a pond or something?" Matt new the perfect place to go on a summer day - Stonehouse Pond in Barrington, New Hampshire.
Matt is very familiar with this piece of NH Fish and Game property because he has frequently climbed and ice-climbed the 150 foot granite cliff on the far shore. It's also a well known spot for anglers as it is stocked with brook trout. The hike around the pond is a short one (my guess is about a mile) and provides views of the pond and surrounding area from the top of the cliff. It was just what my mom was looking for and we all enjoyed this local little hike.
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| View from top of Stonehouse Pond Cliff |
Here's how to recreate this adventure...
Adventure: Stonehouse Pond Loop Hike in Barrington, New Hampshire
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| Sign from Route 9/202 |
Getting there: The Pond is located on Route 9/Route 202. From the Lee Traffic Circle, take Route 4- East for seven miles. Take a right onto Cooper Hill Road. After about a mile it will connect to 202 East. Turn right onto 202 East. After a mile, turn right onto the dirt road. There is a large wooden sign marking STONEHOUSE POND. Drive to the end of the dirt road where there is a parking area. There is no cost to park and no bathroom facilities available at the trailhead. Stonehouse Pond can be found using an iPhone or Google Maps as well.
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| Matt checks out the view on our hike. |
Trail: Unfortuantely, the trail is not well signed or marked. There are many footpaths, offshoots,
and choices when going around the pond. It's sort of a choose-your-own-adventure. We stuck to the most well worn trails, keeping the pond always at our right. The trail is fairly easy until you start "climbing" to the cliff. Here, the trail got steep and uneven. After about a half mile, we emerged at the top of the cliff. **Be careful not to throw rocks or objects off since it is both a popular climbing and swimming area below!
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| Trail |
After enjoying the view, we again had to choose a trail to decend. Our first choice turned out to be quite steep so we returned to the top and then hiked down another one. I could see it being easy to get a little lost since non of the trails are signed or blazed. Take are to look for landmarks and give yourself plenty of time and provisions to return.
Difficulty: Moderate. There are some steep areas when climbing up and down the cliff. Because of the numerous trails, it's possible to take a steeper or more challenging trail.
Distance: About 1 mile loop.
Distance: About 1 mile loop.
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| Enjoying the view from the summit of the cliff. |
Recommendations:
- Even though this is a short hike, bring proper hiking footwear and provisions (water, snack, and rain gear).
- Take care around the cliff. Do not through objects from the top. The cliff face is a popular climbing spot and there could also be swimmers or boats below.
- There are no bathrooms or water at the trail. Plan accordingly.
- The dirt road to the parking lot is covered in deep pot holes and can be difficult terrain. Take care!
"Walking around a pond" was the perfect family weekend activity and Stonehouse Pond was the perfect place to do it. On the way home, we stopped at Calef's Country Store on Rt 9/125 intersection for a giant pickle and Moxie. What is more New England than that?
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| Three Generation Selfie at Stonehouse Pond |
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