After an enjoyable hike from Park Headquarters I was surprised at the steep rough ascent on Pawtuckaway State Park's North Mountain. As the trail began to level out I came to a large grassy area spotted with small tree's and several interesting cairns built on a ledge. The park below can be seen from this spot when the leaves fall later in autumn, today though a thick wall of green dominated the landscape. From here the trail would rise and fall through hardwood and softwood stands and offer only occasional views.
I kept expecting to see the large reflector shield that I knew stood somewhere on this hill but the trail kept winding on. I began to wonder if I had wandered off the trail but soon came to a large cairn on an exposed ledge and then the rocky area that bares the USGS medallion and I knew I was on the right track.
The trail then crosses several moss covered ledges where cairns mark the way before beginning a gradual descent that leads to the green reflector shield where unobstructed views of the surrounding area can be had. On a clear day you can see all the way to Hampton Beach from this point. This is a great place to have lunch and take in some sun. A short side trail leads to an interesting rock formation that hangs overhead.
When leaving this area the forest immediately turns dark and cool as the you enter a stand of mature hemlocks that grow from the ledges. Pay attention for a double white blaze here that marks a sharp turn. I didnt see this and wandered down the backside of the mountain to a dirt road that eventually lead me back to the power lines that border the park. I made my way back to the foot of the mountain where I had begun my ascent earlier. From there I hiked back to Headquarters and headed home.