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South Mountain Summit, Pawtuckaway State Park.
4.8 ★★★★★ 42 Google reviews · Running trail in Nottingham, New Hampshire · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from South Mountain Summit, Pawtuckaway State Park.'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.
What runners say about South Mountain Summit, Pawtuckaway State Park.
“The trails are well-maintained and easy to follow, with blazers scattered frequently enough to stay on course.”
“Beautiful day, great hike!”
***ATTENTION DOG HIKERS***** the camp area is NOT animal friendly. If you are looking for some hiking with the family, including your dog. The area you want to go to is Reservation Road. It's on the opposite side of the state park. There's tons of parking on the side of the road.
Great hike from the park's north entrance (Round Pond Road). The hike varies between logging roads and actual hiking trails. The total loop hike distance is about 5 miles, vertical elevation gains is ~700 feet and the summit is just under 1,000 feet in elevation.
Needed spikes for sure. warm weather melted the snow and it froze up. This is a short hike but you still need to be careful
Great hike for a beginner or casual hiker. Amazing hike, the trail was well maintained. Harder hike in the winter cause of ice slides on the trail but there were always side paths or if you brought crampons you would be fine. Well worth the hike and amazing view up top from the fire tower.
Trail conditions & character
“The fire tower provides nice views above the treeline; otherwise, the summit doesn’t have much of a view.”
“There is a good sized parking lot near ‘North Mountain trail parking’ but, I found many people park at ‘Mountain trail parking’ where Tower Rd and Reservation Rd meet.”
“The total loop hike distance is about 5 miles, vertical elevation gains is ~700 feet and the summit is just under 1,000 feet in elevation.”
“Went for a hike with my dog and my 6 year old daughter for the first time.”
“The total loop hike distance is about 5 miles, vertical elevation gains is ~700 feet and the summit is just under 1,000 feet in elevation.”
Plan your run at South Mountain Summit, Pawtuckaway State Park.
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Nottingham
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Pawtuckaway State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,275 reviews
Large park featuring lake swimming, scenic boulders, climbing, diverse wildlife & winter sports.
Flint Hill Town Conservation Area
4.2 ★★★★☆ 10 reviews
Lyman Memorial Park (Raymond Town Common)
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Dearborn Forest
4.2 ★★★★☆ 25 reviews