Hiking Project Logo

This trail follows the Swift River with a few little ups and downs.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

7.7

Miles

12.4

KM

Point to Point

1,410' 430 m

High

896' 273 m

Low

507' 154 m

Up

982' 299 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Some bridges are still washed out from the 2017 Halloween Storm.

Need to Know

There is a day use fee for parking at the Albany Covered Bridge parking. Fees can be deposited at the iron ranger or annual passes can be purchased at the Saco Ranger District. Please use caution on the covered bridge, as it is also used by vehicles.

Description

Trailhead parking is at the gate to Rob Brook Road; please don't park in front of the Forest Service gate. This trail is typically used by bicyclists and skiers. Follow the blue plastic diamonds.

The trail starts off the opposite side of Bear Notch Road and enters the woods. It runs for about 0.7 miles until it reaches Paugus Link (on the left). At 1.5 miles, Paugus Ski Trail will be on the left. The trail continues following the river, closely, crossing over two bridges* (*these bridges were washed out during the 2017 Halloween Storm. The Forest Service spent some time in September 2018 to get these bridges pulled back into their proper place; they were reset with a griphoist pulling them along log stringers).

The trail follows the river, closely, to mile 3.2. Here, it turns left and climbs away from the river. In 0.4 miles, the trail reaches the junction with Wenonah Ski Trail and turns right, running through a muddy stretch. It reaches Lovequist Loop and follows it straight for a short distance. Here, you can catch an awesome view of Falls Pond via a small spur trail. The trail continues past the other part of Lovequist Loop (on the left) and continues straight. The trail passes Wenonah Ski Trail (on the left).

In another 0.2 miles, Wenunchis Ski Trail will be on the left. At 5.3 miles, you'll reach the other junction of the Wenunchis Ski Trail. The trail descends moderately along the river. As you near Lower Falls, the trail begins to weave in and out of the gravel logging road. The trail comes out to the gravel road and turns right a few times, before crossing over a structured bridge, then turns right into the woods. It follows just below Lower Falls, then crosses the gravel road. The final stretch through the woods, climbs a small hill. The trail descends to the road, then follows it to the Forest Service Gate ending just before the Albany Covered Bridge.

Flora & Fauna

Flora: Beech, Birch, Hobblebush, Blackberries, Creeping Snowberry, Wintergreen, Eastern Hemlock
Fauna: Chipmunks, Red Squirrels, Grouse

Contacts

Shared By:

David Smith

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#13594

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
100%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#304

in New Hampshire

#13,594

Overall
2 Views Last Month
373 Since Sep 22, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.