East Pond and Little East Pond Trail Loop is a 4.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Thornton, New Hampshire that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure. For more information, please visit https://trailsnh.com/reports/Forest-Roads-Gates.php?road=zealand-road
January 1, 2021we tried to walk this trail but seemed like the road to it was closed.
December 3, 2020muddy and wet with a few slippery/icy rocks on stream crossings but doable and a lovely loop this time of year
November 10, 2020November 10, 2020November 10, 2020November 8, 2020Mostly a walk in the woods. A little mud. Ponds are a nice treat to view
November 1, 2020Great early winter hike location. Well marked trail.
October 25, 2020Great trail, do the loop!
October 21, 2020This hike was just what I needed for the afternoon. The trail was easy to follow. There was one section heading up to little east pond that was slightly confusing because of a downed tree. There were many fallen trees on this hike which is fine by me. I saw about 6 other hikers today which I think is a lot but it’s probably not.... great hike. Very whimsical trail and the ponds were beautiful
October 18, 2020Loved trail running this loop. We ran clockwise and stopped at each pond, which offered nice views on a clear day. All that was missing was a moose sighting, as there were fresh tracks on the trail. I would definitely and happily do this trail again.
October 15, 2020Did this trail with my wife and 25lb dog with no issues. We took the loop clockwise, heading to little east pond first, then heading to east pond, and back down to the trailhead. Heading up wasn’t bad, with a few crossings over water and a little bit of mud, and it gets gradually steeper once you start getting closer. Little east pond was nice, but the scenery at east pond blows it away. The section of trail between the two is deeply forested. We were a little anxious about seeing a bear, and did see a nice pile of moose poop. Overall this trail was beautiful with a lot of different scenery.
October 9, 2020October 4, 2020September 19, 2020Nicely maintained. Most creeks were dry, but saw a couple good ones. Water at the big pond was super clear but we did see a leech even in the fall - would not advise swimming.
September 19, 2020September 13, 2020hiked this trail for an overnight with our 7mos old puppy. The trail is really easy with a gentle incline. Gladly no mud or bugs. The East Pond is pristine and picture perfect and we were pretty much the only ones there. At night I could here the cooing cries of bear cubs. I pitched the tent to the opposite side of the trail in a perfect spot. Overall a nice hike, especially for a young pup or young kids. Tripoli road where the trail starts ( there is a dedicated parkink lot) is a mess of tents, messy campers, and scavanging black bears...the rangers were very nice. the overnight parkibg pass is 25 dollars.
September 10, 2020September 9th, 2020. Despite crowded holiday weekend we went off the beaten path on Tuesday and we're rewarded. Had both ponds to ourselves...such solitude is rare. Big East Pond was beautiful, could have stayed all day. (Leaches at little East Pond). We waded in two feet deep but could have swam too. Beauty and solitude of a less traveled trail. The reward was fantastic! Did the clockwise route, moose scat between the ponds three places but no sightings...someone will get lucky I'm sure. Awesome time!
September 9, 2020We took the trail in a clockwise fashion hitting little East Pond first, then over to East Pond. This trail is well marked and would be a great hike for kids. I would rate this at the upper end of easy.
September 7, 2020September 6, 2020September 6, 2020September 6, 2020September 3, 2020Moderately difficult if you go counterclockwise. Many little streams to cross. Ponds beautiful!
August 15, 2020East pond was beautiful clear water, great for dogs to cool off, smaller one was more swampy muddy water. overall great hike very few people on trail
August 10, 2020Great hike. Short, but Not many people. Pond is gorgeous. We were planning on swimming in it but thankfully other people there warned us it’s filled with leeches. So we passed on the swim. Still a great trail with an incline the whole way to the pond.
August 5, 2020Great trail East pond is beautiful and the trail between the two ponds is deep and green. Saw moose scat ever 10 yards.
