Pasture Trail is a 1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Center Sandwich, New Hampshire that features a great forest setting and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
We hiked Pasture Trail > Ridge Trail > East Rattlesnake Trail. Short hike, steep up and down but manageable. Beautiful view of Squam Lake at the top. West Rattlesnake had a more expansive summit but both mountains had great views. Pretty busy but enough space for everyone to keep their distance. Beautiful warm fall day!
Slick with leaves, but worth the struggle :) Slow and steady wins the race
I would give the trail itself maybe 2 or 3 stars, but the top is beautiful so I compromised. This is a super quick hike with a beautiful view at the top. I would not recommend bringing young children. The hike down is pretty steep and with all the dry sand/pine needles and leaves on the trail, it makes for a slide down in some spots of you're not careful (my son and friend slipped many times on the way down) Will definitely be going again, but will take a different trail to the top next time. We also got there early (7am) and it was pretty buggy. Other trails I have done that early recently weren't as bad.
The name of this trail is quite the misnomer. You may have started out in a pasture, but the trail is largely an uphill climb through the woods. Granted, the view at the end is unparalleled in the area. However, I would not recommend this trail with small children in tow, as I experienced firsthand (Old Bridle would be the safer bet to avoid a rebellion). For adult hikers, it's a fairly short jog of the mountain.
Some of the most rewarding summit views you could ever hope to see for a shorter hike like this one. Definitely bring bug spray!