The best walks and hikes in Swain State Forest

Yes, dogs are generally welcome in Swain State Forest and the surrounding parks, but they should be kept on a leash and under your control. Always be sure to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

Absolutely. The area is well-suited for families as most trails are rated easy. A great option is the This Is My Song Trail loop — Sanbornton Town Forest, which is a short walk of just over 2 km through the woods. Another excellent choice is the Rusty Bedspring, Upper Jakes, and Yo Benson loop — Ahern State Park, offering a gentle path near the lake.

Yes, many of the trails in and around Swain State Forest are loops. For a pleasant woodland walk, consider the Beaver Pond Trailhead loop from New Hampton. It's a 5.3-km circuit that takes about an hour and a half to complete.

The trails vary in length to suit different preferences. You can find short, easy walks like the 2.2-km This Is My Song Trail loop, or longer excursions such as the WOW and Winni Trail — Laconia, which is nearly 14 km. Most routes are between 3 and 7 km and take one to two hours to complete.

The vast majority of hikes in this area are rated as easy. The terrain is primarily gentle, rolling woodland paths with minimal elevation gain. There is one moderate route, the WOW and Winni Trail, but there are no technically difficult or strenuous mountain climbs, making it an accessible destination for most hikers.

The trails within Swain State Forest and the immediate vicinity are not known for waterfalls. The landscape is characterized by quiet woodlands, gentle hills, and lakeside scenery near Lake Winnisquam rather than dramatic water features.

Parking is available at the trailheads for the various parks and recreation areas. For example, Ahern State Park and the Hamlin Recreation Area have designated parking areas. It's best to check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot to navigate directly to the correct parking spot.

No, camping and overnight backpacking are not permitted within Swain State Forest. The trails are intended for day-use activities like hiking and walking. Similarly, campfires are also prohibited to protect the natural environment.

Using a GPS-enabled app like komoot is the best way to navigate. You can download your chosen route for offline use, which is helpful as cell service can be unreliable in some parts of the forest. This ensures you can follow the trail and track your progress without getting lost.

It's important not to confuse the two. This guide focuses on Swain State Forest in Laconia, which offers gentle woodland trails near Lake Winnisquam. Howard Swain Memorial Forest, located in Nottingham, is a separate area known for more rugged, challenging terrain with unique geological features like a ring dike and a large bog.

Swain State Forest itself does not have an entry fee. However, some of the nearby connected areas, like Ahern State Park, may have day-use fees, particularly during the peak season. It's always a good idea to bring a small amount of cash just in case.

Accessing the trailheads directly via public transportation is very difficult. The area is best reached by car. We recommend driving to the designated parking area for the trail you plan to hike.