Home › New Hampshire › Bedford › Pulpit Rock Conservation Area
Pulpit Rock Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 288 Google reviews · Running trail in Bedford, New Hampshire · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Pulpit Rock Conservation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Nature preserve offering multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty over varied terrain.
What runners say about Pulpit Rock Conservation Area
“Instead, I visited a ravine, remnants of a mill and dam, a huge beaver 🦫 dam, a small waterfall, well maintained and marked trails and Indian Rock 🪨.”
“So beautiful with the waterfall and seeing the huge ice formation that was created by it.”
“On the way back I let my 8 year old daughter lead the way by following the trail markers and she lead us back without a hitch, so I'd say the trails are very well marked.”
I discovered more than I expected when I visited. I thought 🤔 I would just see 🙈 a huge rock 🪨 and a trail. Instead, I visited a ravine, remnants of a mill and dam, a huge beaver 🦫 dam, a small waterfall, well maintained and marked trails and Indian Rock 🪨.
Great area with a few different trails! Great for snowshoeing in the winter or if you have a pair of microspikes as the area can get icy with the snow. Beautiful views throughout the entire area.
03/10/25. Spent several hours hiking the white trail and exploring a few of the others. Was able to walk the center of the basin below the Pulpit rock. So beautiful with the waterfall and seeing the huge ice formation that was created by it. The brook was flowing fully and saw a few other waterfalls.
Great hike with the family amazing view different difficulty so everyone can try even if they don’t hike often ! Can’t wait to go back again
Trail conditions & character
“Instead, I visited a ravine, remnants of a mill and dam, a huge beaver 🦫 dam, a small waterfall, well maintained and marked trails and Indian Rock 🪨.”
“Dogs are able to explore the trails as well, but on a leash.”
“On the way back I let my 8 year old daughter lead the way by following the trail markers and she lead us back without a hitch, so I'd say the trails are very well marked.”
“Parking is very limited on both sides, but I was able to get a spot during winter around 2 so just try to time it right based on weather.”
“Not wheelchair ♿ or stroller accessable.”
Plan your run at Pulpit Rock Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteplcnh.org
- Phone+1 603-792-1320
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Bedford
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Pulpit Rock
4.7 ★★★★★ 196 reviews
Popular destination featuring a range of trails that are mostly easy to moderate, plus waterfalls and a picturesque rocky area.
South Uncanoonuc
4.6 ★★★★★ 233 reviews
Mountain featuring an Incline Trail and a Summit Trail for hikers plus views.
Joe English Reservation
4.3 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews