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
muddy and wet with a few slippery/icy rocks on stream crossings but doable and a lovely loop this time of year
Mostly a walk in the woods. A little mud. Ponds are a nice treat to view
This 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
Did 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.
hiked 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 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!
Moderately difficult if you go counterclockwise. Many little streams to cross. Ponds beautiful!
East 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