There are two trails up Magalloway Mountain that meet up with each other 0.2 miles before the summit.
The Coot Trail, 0.8 miles in length, follows an old fire warden’s Jeep road to the summit. The trail begins ascending at a moderate grade, soon passing a cabin. It then becomes steep and rocky, with some rough, eroded sections, and climbs quickly for the next 0.5 miles. From the junction with the Bobcat Trail, the Coot Trail flattens out and gradually climbs for 0.2 miles on a grassy path to a clearing with a cabin and fire tower.
Climbing the tower provides far ranging views of the Great North Woods, from the First and Second Connecticut Lakes below, to distant peaks into Canada to the north, and the White Mountains in the distance to the south. Hikers are permitted to climb the fire tower, but there is not access to go inside the tower's cabin at the top.
The Lookout Trail leads 0.2 miles from the fire tower to an overlook of an avalanche slide that scars the north face of the mountain.
The Bobcat Trail provides the opportunity to hike in a loop. It generally has better footing than the Coot Trail, and at 0.6 miles from the trailhead features a good view of nearby lakes.
For more information, visit the Connecticut Lakes Working Forest website or contact:
New Hampshire Division of Forests & LandsFrom the intersection of US-3 and NH-145 in Pittsburg, head north on US-3. Drive 11.6 miles and turn right onto Magalloway Road. There is no road sign, but there is a sign for the fire tower. Drive 5.3 miles and take a right onto Tower Road. Go 3.0 miles to the end of this road, where there is a small parking area at the trailhead. These are very rough and rutted roads, proceed cautiously if driving a vehicle with low clearance.
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