Marjory Swope Park and Carter Hill Loop

Parking is available at the main entrance to Marjory Swope Park. You can find more detailed information regarding parking facilities on the City of Concord's website.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access Marjory Swope Park or the connected trails to Carter Hill. It is open to the public year-round.

Yes, the trails are generally dog-friendly. However, please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the natural beauty of the park for everyone.

The loop can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, while summer provides lush greenery. Winter is also popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. For the best views, consider visiting during clear weather.

The terrain is varied and considered moderately difficult. Within Marjory Swope Park, you'll encounter moderately hilly sections with steady inclines and declines. The blue loop is less strenuous, while the yellow and orange trails to the summit can be quite steep. The Carter Hill connector and orchard trails are generally easier, offering a more gentle experience. Expect a mix of forests, fields, and brush, with visible geological features like layered metamorphic sedimentary rock and Concord granite.

The full loop, combining trails in both Marjory Swope Park and towards Carter Hill, typically takes around 2.5 hours to complete, covering a distance of approximately 8.85 kilometers (5.5 miles).

You'll find stunning views over Penacook Lake from the blue loop trail in Marjory Swope Park. From the summit of Jerry Hill (accessible via the yellow and orange trails), there are panoramic views of southwestern New Hampshire, including Pats Peak, Mount Monadnock, and Crotched Mountain. The route also features Gilfillan Rock, a large granite outcropping, and the pastoral scenery of the Carter Hill orchard, with potential views of the White Mountains.

Yes, this loop is part of a larger interconnected network of conserved lands. It utilizes the Swope Carter Connector Trail and the Carter Hill Connector to link Marjory Swope Park with the Carter Hill area. The system also connects to Winant Park, allowing for extended hiking opportunities.

While the overall loop is moderate, families can enjoy sections of it. The blue loop trail in Marjory Swope Park offers a less strenuous option, and the Carter Hill Orchard trails are generally easier. For younger children or less experienced hikers, consider sticking to these flatter, less challenging paths.

Absolutely! The park and its connected trails are open year-round for various non-motorized recreation. This includes mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, making it a versatile outdoor destination.

For a less strenuous experience with great lake views, focus on the blue loop trail within Marjory Swope Park and the easier trails around Carter Hill Orchard. If you're looking for a more challenging workout and panoramic vistas, be sure to take the steeper yellow or orange trails up to the summit of Jerry Hill.