"Nice cool bug free hike this morning. The trail was very wet, muddy and slippery. No view at the summit. Two scenic vistas on the way to the top offered nice views. Highest point in Stafford!" — GreggC • May 31, 2026

"Great hike today, despite less than ideal weather. Even met a Good Dog who knows he's a Good Dog. 10/10 would have played with had time allowed. It's been over 10 years since I've visited this site and am pleased to see such fine trail maintenance. The Sawyer Smith trail is excellent for breaking into a Spring thru Fall hiking season and stretching your legs without going too far." — heathercastle • May 3, 2026

"My final NH County Prominence peak, since Croydon hasn't been open to the public for over 10 years now, and it doesn't look to be ever again. Steep ascent for about 1/2 mile then pretty flat the rest of the way. I made an attempt to find the 1946 plane crash remains without success. Also dropped down past the summit for a great ledge view of the Bow Lake area of Strafford. " — SteveM_StickMan • Apr 24, 2025

"Hiked Sanders Ledge via the trail off of Barn Door Gap Rd. The trailhead is directly across from a pond near the end of Barn Door Gap Rd. The land appears to be held in public conservation owned by the Blue Hills Foundation Lands. There were no "no trespassing" signs at the entrance for on the trail. The hike up to the ledge is quite short. There and back from the ledge is about a quarter-mile. The view from the ledge is fantastic with views of Parker Mountain, Portsmouth, and Blue Job Mountain. Near the end of the ledge is a great bouldering spot with plenty of holds and a level, flat, and clear ground to drop on or put mats. The path to Sanders Peak is not clear and must be bushwacked in places. To get there, follow the ledge to the end and turn left to head down the ledge toward the peak. You will pass a small pond/puddle then go up and over two rocky knolls that look like it may be the peak then up the last incline to the peak. There will be a large boulder that I think is the highest point. " — FL2NH • Jun 7, 2020

"Sunny and 60. Ran up Parker Mountain via Spencer trial and took the link loop on the way down. Parked at the trailhead on Parker Mountain Road. Follow the red markers up for Spencer and blue markers for the link loop. Good view about .15 miles from the summit. Summit does not have as good as a view. There is a nice sized Cairn at the top. Completed the 2.6 mile loop in 39 minutes. " — FL2NH • May 19, 2020

"My first summit. Starts off moderately steep, then ridge hiking the rest of the way. A couple nice lookouts to the south where you can pick out the Portsmouth skyline. Continued past the true summit (tree covered) to a rocky overlook with a great view of Bow Lake. Many other hikers out with their four-legged companions!" — gullyhiker • Sep 2, 2017

"Traversed the Spencer Smith Trail from Route 126 to the top and then down to the out-cropping with great views of Bow Lake. First time hiking this mountain and I was surprised by how steep the first 1/3 mile began since the elevation is only around 1400 ft. There are many side paths along the way offering nice views to the east and south. Bright blue skies with no clouds nice breeze and around 70 degrees... perfect! Also, no biting insects today but that's probably due to the abundance of dragonflies." — DPGobleJR • Jun 15, 2013

"Nice winter hike even though the snow was pretty slushy in spots and it was so foggy there were no real views. Maybe next time. But we had a nice day in spite of less than perfect conditions. One odd happening...on the way up Jenn saw a skull of a moose that had been placed on a branch beside the trail. It was interesting to check it out. It was a complete skull with teeth intact. Very unusual. When we got back to the car at the trailhead we saw a sign for a missing dog. This had us worried, but within just a few minutes a woman showed up and took the sign down. The dog was found and all was well. It was a great day and good exercise. " — earth2marty • Jan 13, 2013

"Took my Dad to see the Ledges overlooking Bow Lake. It was an unusually beautiful 55F day for Jan. 1st in NH. Met a local woman who showed us a new (to me) trail down. It took us to the Willey Ponds and thru the Beam Camp (formerly Parker Mtn Boy Scout Camp). Saw some interesting inventions/contraptions that the campers made..." — CiccheMariti • Jan 1, 2012

"Hiked this one on my rainy day off. There's no bad weather, just bad gear, right? If you only do the hike listed in the S. NH Trail Guide then this is a VERY SIMPLE family-friendly hike. Takes ~40min to reach the summit, and that includes stopping and enjoying two vistas. I hiked to the summit and then continued along what I assume is the Spencer-Smith Trail. I'd like to learn a little more about the Spencer-Smith Trail. I walked it for 2 hours. It was well marked with red blazes. I found a gorgeous view to Bow Lake over a ledge, and numerous fire pits. I never did see a sign as to where it ends??? Evans Mountain perhaps? I was out of time at my 2 hour mark, so I just turned around and walked back to Route 126. " — CiccheMariti • Dec 15, 2011